Fulbright-Albright Anniversary Event
Fulbright Israel was delighted to co-host a special anniversary event with the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in early February. The event celebrated 70 years of Fulbright Israel, 125 years of the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, and 250 years of the United States of America.
The full-day event was held at the Albright Institute in Jerusalem and was attended by scholars from diverse institutions, research focuses and generations, seeing a 50-year span of Fulbright Israel alumni, including those from 1976 to the current fellows in 2026! The event displayed an exciting variety of conversations, research presentations and addresses, highlighting the significant contributions of American and Israeli scholars to archaeology and the premodern world. It was an honor for the attendees to be joined by the Honorable Mike Huckabee, United States Ambassador to Israel, who opened the reception, speaking warmly of the Fulbright program and his deep admiration of the field.
Israeli Fellows attend workshop in Washington
For the third consecutive year, Fulbright Israel participated in the National Geographic Storytellers Collective Workshop in Washington, D.C., bringing together the 2025–2026 Fulbright Israel fellows who are teaching, studying, and conducting research across the United States. Over the course of the two-day workshop, led by National Geographic explorers, fellows developed impactful storytelling skills by crafting and presenting narratives designed to resonate with a wide range of audiences.
The program culminated in each fellow delivering a two-minute presentation, paired with compelling visuals, to showcase their research and personal stories. These skills will strengthen their ability to communicate scientific and academic work to a wide range of audiences throughout their grants and future careers.
Each presentation was supported by personalized feedback, and dynamic peer interaction fostered a collaborative learning environment, leaving participants confident in their ability to use storytelling to make a lasting impact.
Photos by Rolf Sjogren
U.S. Fulbright fellows in Israel the Tel Aviv Museum of Art
U.S. Fulbright fellows in Israel recently explored the vibrant world of Israeli art during a guided visit to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Through the exhibitions Year Zero and the museum’s permanent Israeli art collection, fellows engaged with a wide range of themes, artistic mediums, and decades of Israeli creativity. The tour highlighted how Israeli art has evolved over time, drawing connections between historical and contemporary works while offering new perspectives on identity, culture, memory, and society in Israel.
U.S. Fulbright fellows BEEautiful outing
From cultural to agricultural, another event of the U.S. Fulbright fellows in May included the opportunity to learn about biodynamic beekeeping from Yossi Aud at his home just outside Jerusalem, where he has more than 30 beehives. During the visit, fellows explored the vital role bees play in sustaining ecosystems and supporting life on our planet. Yossi also shared insights into his inspiring initiatives, including Bees for Peace, highlighting how beekeeping can foster connection and cooperation across communities.
Photo credit: Fulbright Israel Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Rafael Deliz-Aguirre
Pre-Departure Orientation for Israeli fellows
Fulbright Israel held its 2026 Pre-Departure Orientation in June, for outgoing Israeli fellows at ANU Museum of the Jewish People. The program brought together the fellows for a full day of preparation ahead of their academic, research, and professional experiences in the United States. The day opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Anat Lapidot-Firilla, who introduced the goals of the orientation and emphasized the fellows’ role as academic and cultural ambassadors, and Ms. Joelle Uzarski, Senior Public Engagement Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
The morning focused on academic and cultural adjustment, with an alumni panel sharing practical guidance and personal insights on adapting to academic life, campus culture, and daily life in the United States. A parallel research-focused panel for postdoctoral fellows, addressed specific opportunities and challenges facing researchers in U.S. academic environments.
Participants also took part in an activity designed to get to know one another, strengthen the cohort and foster cross-disciplinary and fellowship category relationships.
The afternoon presentation by Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili focused on navigating perceptions of Israel on U.S. campuses, followed by welcome remarks from Ms. Kaui Wilson of the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It concluded with parallel workshops. Eyal Marcus, an artificial intelligence expert, led a session on AI in academia. Simultaneously, a spouses and family adjustment workshop, moderated by Ms. Noa Turgeman, offered guidance for accompanying family members as they prepare for relocation to the United States.
Fulbright Israel's Annual Dinner showcases 70th Anniversary exhibition
This year's Fulbright Israel Annual Dinner, in June, also marked the Commission's 70-year anniversary and the 250-year anniversary of the U.S. The event was held on the rooftop of the ANU Museum in Tel Aviv with about 100 guests attending. Among them were Acting Ambassador, David Brownstein, Professor Ehud Gazit, the acting chairman of the Fulbright Israel board, Professor Milette Shamir, Vice President of Tel Aviv University, representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the Embassy of the United States in Israel and Fulbright Israel Alum, Professor Brian Rosen, who serves as Chief Scientist at the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Due to his memorable experience as a fellow, Prof. Rosen told the fellows of the impact that his Fulbright experience had had on his life.
In his address to the guests, Acting Ambassador, David Brownstein, remarked on the innovation and success of the Commission, of the enormous importance of the Fulbright program and the perseverance of the American fellows during the challenging months of the war, who, chose to return. The Acting Ambassador then presented the graduating American fellows with certificates.
To highlight the 70-year celebration, Executive Director, Dr. Anat Lapidot-Firilla introduced the new immersive exhibition of Fulbright Israel's alumni and fellows, displayed on a touch screen. To mark the 250 anniversary, American jazz music accompanied the evening event.
