Study Abroad in Israel Approved!

The following email was sent out by HFI President, Keenan Davis, on February 18, 2010:

As many of you already know, over the last few years, our organization has been striving persistently and unyieldingly to change UVa's policy preventing study abroad in Israel. Our leadership has held meetings with University administrators, conducted international conference calls, submitted "official inquiries," and suffered harsh reprimand. Some of us ignored UVa policy and studied in Israel anyway. We have all wanted to see this policy changed both to reflect the will of the student body and to promote the University of Virginia's standing as a globally-minded institution committed to academic freedom. At this time, I am inexpressibly pleased to announce that our efforts have not been in vain. UVa's International Studies Office and the Director of Special Academic Programs today emailed me that our university has officially recognized and sanctioned study abroad to Israel. There is indeed still progress to be made. Currently, we are only permitted to travel through non-UVa programs. Yet, I am hopeful that in the future it will be possible to establish a direct program between our university and an Israeli institution such as Hebrew University of Jerusalem. However, presently, I am more than pleased with the steps that our own fine institution has taken.

I would like to thank the University of Virginia for seriously considering our appeals and for conceding to our requests. Furthermore, Alon Confino, Asher Biemann and the Jewish Studies Program at UVa deserve hearty and genuine appreciation. Without their sincere efforts, this would have been absolutely impossible. Thanks also to the Hoos for Israel board members of the past few semesters for assuming the roles necessary to effect change properly. Finally, thanks to all who signed petitions, voiced approval or supported our efforts in any way. You all served as the true motivating factors and it was your voice that was heard.