Fulbright Israel-National Geographic storytelling workshop in Washington D.C.
In April, we held a workshop in Washington for our Israeli fellows. This was part of our fellows’ “Fulbright journey”, where, alongside their academic work and achievements, we offer them enrichment workshops to equip them with necessary professional and personal skills. Furthermore, in taking part as a diverse group we aimed to strengthen the connection between our fellows, by building rapport, trust and empathy toward one another.
The two-day “Art of Storytelling” workshop was run by National Geographic (NG) in Washington D.C. The fellows refined their skills and crafted personal and professional stories. At the end of the workshop they took delivered their stories, showcasing their professional and academic journeys.
The MA public humanities fellows also visited the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, where they witnessed the partnership between academia - George Washington University's Museum Education Program, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. This collaboration showcases the transformative potential of academic immersion in museum environments and is embodied in Fulbright Israel's public humanities fellow, Dana Golan Miller's internship at the Hirshhorn Museum.
American Fulbright fellows visit to the Steinhardt Museum Of Natural History
The group also met with Museum Chair, Professor Tamar Dayan, a Fulbright fellow herself (1989 postdoctoral fellow), who shared her experience as a Fulbighter, the stages she took when establishing the museum, and the importance of the museum in helping to preserve the biodiversity and nature of Israel.
U.S. fellows graffiti tour
During the insightful tour Gellis pointed out distinguishing factors, showing those that portray hope, others that are political in nature, while some that express current events.
American fellows tour of Carmel region
We visited the Muharka monastery that sits at the top of Mount Carmel and learned about the history of the monastery and of the area itself, while viewing this part of the country from above. The highlight of the tour was the warm Druze hospitality we received from a local family living in Isafia. It was an opportunity to learn about the Druze culture and their special food.
Pre-Departure Orientation for Israeli Fellows
In May, we held the 2024 Pre-Departure Orientation for all Fulbright Israeli fellows who traveled to the U.S. in summer to start their study and research programs.
The orientation covered essential topics to ensure a smooth transition and successful immersion, including academic and professional adjustment discussions with experienced Fulbright alumni and insights on healthcare and visa acquisition in the U.S.
Professor Gad Yair, Fulbright alumnus, provided an overview of U.S. academia and on fundamental differences between Israeli and U.S. academia, and Dr. Nana Ariel, Fulbright alumna, also conducted an engaging rhetoric workshop.
Fulbright Israel Annual Dinner
In June, we held our Annual Dinner Reception for Israeli fellows about to depart for the U.S. and for our U.S. fellows, some of whom are returning to the States. American fellows, who are completing their fellowship, received certificates from the U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew, who hosted the event at the residence of the DCM, Stephanie Hallett.
The event, including a jazz ensemble, was attended by board members and committee members as well.
Adaptive Leadership Seminar for Israeli Fellows
The Fulbright Israel 2024-25 cohort convened at the Science Museum in Boston for a seminar on adaptive leadership. The day was filled with engaging events, including an "Adaptive Leadership" workshop led by Yana Shechterman as well as an inspiring talk by Rabbi Steve Goodman. The fellows also presented their journeys toward becoming leaders in their respective fields, discussing their challenges and potential solutions.
The day culminated in a reception hosted by board member Dr. Jessica Liebowitz and president emeritus of Brandeis University, Professor Ron Liebowitz, attended by distinguished guests including Israel’s consul-general to New England, Benny (Benjamin) Sharoni and board member Pamela Reeves.
Fulbright Thanksgiving Dinner for American fellows
In November 2024 we held our traditional Thanksgiving dinner event for U.S. grantees and their partners. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to share experiences and connect as a community, with U.S. Embassy officials Jeff Daigle, who also addressed the guests, Joëlle Uzarski, and Eitan Schiffman attending.
