project interchange an institute of the american jewish...

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2008/05/hizb_uttahrirs_double_level.php

In September 2007, Project Interchange sponsored a seminar for European counterterrorism experts from Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain and Turkey.

Through this program, noted European experts and policy makers were able to share their knowledge and exchange ideas with interna tional policy makers gathered for an annual con ference sponsored by Israel’s Institute for CounterTerrorism (ICT). Participants Dr. Peter Neumann, Albert Jongman and Javier Jordan each presented papers at the conference. Mr. Jordan focused on the influence of Jihadist net works in Spain. Participant Lorenzo Vidino gave a presentation on homegrown terrorism in the U.S. and Europe. Other highlights included a

visit to MABAT 2000, the Israel Police Force’s monitoring center in Jerusalem’s Old City, and travel to an IDF base designed to provide the military with a test ing ground for the latest in counterterrorism theory and practices.

Articles by Alumni/ Recommended Reading:

“Hizb utTahrir’s “Doublelevel” by Lorenzo Vidino

Inside this issue:

European CT Experts 1

Philippine Leaders 1

Indonesian Journalists 2

Thai Journalists 3

Scandinavian Leaders 4

Pac. Islands‐UN Amb. 3

Argentinean Leaders 4

Vietnamese Leaders 5

Euro. Immigration 5

Euro. Foreign Policy 6

Alumni Events 7

Recommended Reading 7

June 2008 Volume 2, Issue 1 Project Interchange

An Institute of the American

Jewish Committee

Project Interchange is a non‐profit educational

institute which sponsors intensive semi‐

nars in Israel for American and international policy

makers and opinion leaders.

To learn more about us, please visit our website at

www.projectinterchange.org

Philippine Leaders Project Interchange and the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) sponsored a joint seminar for a number of outstanding Filipino jour nalists, academics and NGO representatives in October 2007.

In Israel, participants were hosted by the Philippine Charge for a dip lomatic reception, viewed Israel from a helicopter, and traveled to the northern border to gain a sense of Israel's predicament. The landing of Qassam rockets in the

area brought a hasty end to the group's visit to Sderot, but also highlighted the constant threat under which civilians operate. Ms. Rina JimenezDavid, an award winning journalist and well known political figure, several leading television producers, and (Continued on next page)

European CounterTerrorism Experts

Visiting the trauma unit at Hadassah Hospital

The Western Wall

Ms. Rina JimenezDavid at Israel’s Independence Hall

http://www.commongroundnews.org/print_article.php?artId=22675&dir=left&lan=en

http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/gregsheridan/index.php/theaustralian/comments/jakarta_merits_mid_east_role/

http://aijacorgau.ascetinteractive.biz/index.php?id=newsandarticles&_action=showArticleDetails&categoryID=236&articleID=2887

In October 2007, Project Interchange and Australia Israel Jewish Affairs Coun cil (AIJAC) were fortunate enough to as semble a group of exceptionally influen tial journalists from Indonesia for partici pation in a seminar in Israel. AIJAC Ex ecutive Director, Dr. Colin Rubenstein accompanied the group to Israel. Direc tor of AJC’s AsiaPacific Institute, Jim Busis also participated in several sessions with the group.

Following their return to Jakarta, the participants briefed senior representatives of the Indonesian For

eign Ministry on their meetings with Israeli officials and Pales tinian leaders alike—contributing to Indonesia’s historic deci sion, along with many other Muslim nations, to attend the An napolis Peace Conference convened by US President George W. Bush.

Following the seminar, Dr. Rubenstein was invited to repre sent Israeli concerns at a high level conference attended by Indonesian President Yudhoyono and many other Indone sian political elites.


"Peres Sees Peace in Mideast Within Five Years" By Endy Bayuni

"Jakarta Merits MidEast Role" by Greg Sheridan

“’Unknown, therefore Unloved’: An interview with Meutya Hafid” by Wahyuana

http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=97826

http://www.dfa.gov.ph/news/pr/pr2007/oct/photo/ph397.htm

Volume 2, Issue 1

Indonesian Journalists

Philippine Leaders (continued from page 1)

Dr. Colin Rubenstein meets Indonesian President Yudhoyono in Bali

Near the IsraelGaza border

Who’s Who at PI

Sam Witkin Executive Director

Nisha Shrier Director

International Programs

Ida Singelenberg Director

American Programs

Sarit Lisogorsky Assistant Director American Programs

Veronica Machtey Assistant Director

International Programs

Diana Schapiro Program Associate American Programs

Patrick Ryan Morris Program Assistant

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=97586

Eduardo Castro, a Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to former Philippine Speaker Jose de Venecia, began planning a trip to Israel for the Speaker upon his return home. The Philippine's journalist/academic/Presidential Advi sor extraordinaire, Alex Magno, as well as Ms. David and others, published sev eral articles about their travels to Israel.


"Religion and Relations" by Rina JimenezDavid

"Filipino Journalists, Policy Makers and Religious Leaders Attend Briefing on Israel and the Middle East Peace Efforts" Press Release by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines

“At Large: Two ‘Explosive’ Events” by Rina JimenezDavid

http: //

http://www.iomseasia.org/index.php?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=6&pid=495

http://projectinterchange.org/pdfs/Israel%20at%2060Thana%20Poopat.pdf

In November 2007, PI and AIJAC sponsored a group of eminent Thai journal ists and academics. Israel’s Ambassador to Thailand, Yael Rubenstein, gra ciously hosted a predeparture lunch for the participants.

Once in Israel, participants met with Itamar Marcus, the director of Palestin ian Media Watch, and Isreali and minority journalists to learn about contem porary global media portrayals of Israel and the Middle East. Participants also enjoyed a dinner and debriefing with Prof. Efraim Inbar, Director of the Be ginSadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA).

The group, which included noted journalists Thana Poopat and Achara Ashayagachat, took part in important discussions concerning the ways in which Israeli foreign policy and economics directly affect Southeast Asia and renewed means of enhancing ThaiIsraeli cooperation in many sectors. For mer Deputy Director of the Israel Export and International Cooperation Insti tute, Yair Ofek, briefed the participants on the Israeli economy.


“Israel at 60: A Time for Celebration and Introspection” by Thana Poopat

“IOM to Oversee Job Placements in Israel” by Achara Ashayagachat

Thai Journalists & Academics

Volume 2, Issue 1

Pacific Islands—UN Ambassadors In January 2008, Project Interchange sponsored a seminar for UN Am bassadors from the Pacific Islands. Participants toured the trauma wing of Hadassah Hospital and visited with Israeli and Palestinian doctors, reviewed diabetes prevention programs and solar research at the Weitzman Institute, and discussed envi ronmental management and irrigation techniques in the Negev. Israel’s Minis ter of Welfare chaired a panel discus sion of regional political developments with a panel of senior Israeli diplomats.

Ruth Kahanoff, the Deputy Director General of Asia and Pacific Affairs, Aharon LeshnoYaar, the Deputy Di rector General and Head of U.N De partment, as well as Ambassador Mi chael Ronen, Director of the Pacific De partment, hosted a luncheon during which Israel’s relations with Pacific Island nations were discussed. The seminar closed with a gala dinner hosted by Ran Rahav, the honorary consul of the Marshall Islands, attended by Israel’s Minister of De fense, Minister of Interior, members of Knesset and many distinguished diplomats.


"Israel and Pacific Islands Discuss Renewable Energy, Healthcare"

Participants with Ambassador Rubenstein (fourth from the right)

The IsraelGaza border

At the Mekorot Water Station

Animated conversation with Foreign Minister Livni

The farewell banquet

Volume 2, Issue 1

Scandinavian Leaders A delegation of Scandinavian Parliamentarians, journalists and political advisors traveled in February 2008 to Israel on a semi nar sponsored by Project Interchange and AJC’s Thanks to Scandinavia. The group reviewed IsraeliScandinavian eco nomic ties with Ministry of Trade officials, and met with leaders of Israel’s Union for Environmental Defense to learn about ur ban restoration projects in Tel Aviv.

The delegation visited the Ibim Youth Aliyah Village, home to young Russian and Ethiopian immigrants, and met residents and a representative from the Jewish Agency of Israel to dis cuss Israel’s approach towards immigration absorption. They also met with Shaul Goldstein, Head of the Gush Etzion Re gional Council to discuss the future of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and visited the "Bridge Over the Wadi" at Kfar Kara, a school for Jewish and Arab students. They discussed Israeli political and strategic issues with Member of Knesset Michael Melchior (former Chief Rabbi of Norway) and General Amos Gilad of the Ministry of Defense, while Ziad Abu Ziyyad

outlined Palestinian political developments. The emerging role of women in IsraeliArab society was the focal point of discus sions at the statesupported Al Qasemi Academic College. The group talked to students at the Golda Meir Mount Carmel Inter national Training Center and enjoyed a dinner with Scandinavian Diplomatic Representatives.


"The Divided Country" by Mats Skogkär*

“The Daily Rain,” by Jette Elbaek Maressa*

“Black Flag,” Interview with Pekka Haavisto in Yediot Aharonot*

*Available upon request

Argentinean Leaders In March 2008, a delegation of Argentinean leaders spent a week in Israel on a seminar sponsored by Project Interchange, AJC’s Latino and Latin American Institute and the Argentinean Jewish Community (AMIA). As home to a significant Argen tine population, Israel is richly interconnected with the history and development of Argentina. After a briefing with Atilio Nor berto Molteni, the Argentinean Ambassador to Israel, the group met for discussion with Dr. Ely Karmon of the Institute for CounterTerrorism and the Institute for Policy and Strategy on efforts of Al Qaeda and Hezbollah efforts in Latin America.

The delegation also attended a Gala with members of AJC’s Board Institute, and spent time with the Israeli Ambassador to Argentina, Daniel Gazit. The participants visited the Memorial Forest for "Jews Who Disappeared" in Beit Shemen, accompanied by (Continued on next page)

Speaking with students at Al Qasemi Academic College

The delegation visits “Bridge Over the Wadi” at Kfar Kara

AJC Gala Dinner—(from left to right) Dina Seigel Vann, Director AJC Latino and Latin American Affairs Institute, Jason Isaacson, Director AJC Office of Governmental Affairs, Richard Sideman, AJC President,

and AMIA Executive Director Daniel Pomerantz

http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/?catid=3&newsid=37332

http://www.parlamentario.com/noticia13718.html

Volume 2, Issue 1

Argentinean Leaders (cont’d) Gabriel Shtrugo, a representative of Keren Kayemet. The forest commemorates the more than 1,900 Jews who disappeared during the military junta of 1976 1983. The participants visited the Sea of Galilee, and spoke with clerics at the Church of the Nativity, where they discussed the status and concerns of the Christian Palestinian Community.


"Congresswoman Praises Israel’s 'Calling For Peace'"

Vietnamese Foreign Policy Specialists Project Interchange and AIJAC cosponsored a delegation for Viet namese foreign policy experts in March 2008. This seminar contrib uted to the development of bilateral relations, as evidenced by the de cision, taken some two days after the group’s departure, of the Viet namese government to open its first embassy in Israel.

The trip to the reinforced WIZO Centre for Children in Sderot, brought home tangible evidence of the impact of rocket bombardments upon Israeli civilians. The group also met with key members of the Knesset and the Ministry of Foreign Af

fairs, building a deeper understanding of Israel as a complex and dynamic society with far reaching ties to Asia.

Delegate Ngo Tien Long, the deputy editor of The World and Vietnam, the weekly paper of Vietnam’s foreign ministry, dis cussed methods of providing balanced portrayals in the media. The newspaper is sent to foreign ministry workers and other gov ernment officials. It covers international affairs, and how they re late to and/or impact on Vietnam.


"Vietnam, Israel Cooperate in Water Management" by Dinh Muoi

Participants with AMIA and AJC Leaders

In Tel Aviv

AIJAC Liaison Bren Carlill and Hoang Tuan Oanh with a fired Qassam Rocket

European Foreign Policy Advisors PI sponsored a May seminar for a group of European foreign policy advisors, including a deputy foreign minister, three am bassadors, two UN Security Council political coordinators, a journalist, and senior advisor to a deputy prime minister.

The seminar focused upon Israeli geostrategic challenges as well as Israel’s ongoing challenge to balance its Jewish and democratic character. The delegation met with Dan Catarivas of Israel’s Manufacturers Association, who discussed eco nomic issues, (Continued on next page)

Upcoming Seminars

Emerging European Leaders June 2008

Chilean Leadership Seminar July 2008

European Environmental Leaders September 2008

European Immigration & Integration Experts

Volume 2, Issue 1

In May 2008, PI provided policymak ers from Ministries of Education, Inte rior, Immigration and Social develop ment, as well as NGO representatives and civic leaders with the opportunity to learn about Israel's current and historic approach toward immigration and integration.

Participants from Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Great Britain of diverse personal and professional backgrounds, met with Israeli policy makers, educators, Jewish agency officials and recent immigrants in addition to sessions designed to introduce Israeli politics, soci ety, efforts towards peace and economic development. Participants took part in discussions on the role of democracy in Israel as well as European Israeli relations.

Israel's experience with contemporary security issues and a diverse immi grant population also provided a meaningful platform for high level dialogue on the complexities and sharing of best practices in the immigration and in tegration field.

and with doctors and surgeons from Save a Child’s Heart, an organization devoted to providing state oftheart medical assistance to children from developing countries.

The group stopped at the Israeliarab vil lage of Iksal where they met with Mohammad Darawshe, the Director of External Relations at the Abraham Fund, who hosted the group for dinner at his home. They then traveled to Jerusalem for a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Arye Mekel, the Ministry’s spokesper son, who briefed the group on Israel’s for eign policy visàvis Europe, the Middle East, as well as on Israel’s relationship with the United States.

Following a tour of the Old City, the dele gation gathered for a Shabbat dinner hosted by Rabbi Nava Hefetz, who invited several guests who contributed to discus sions on Jewish traditions and customs.

Yemin Orde Youth Village

Overlooking Gaza

European Foreign Policy Advisors (cont’d from page 5)

Luis Padilla, Jaroslav Neverovic and Dr. Iulian Fota reviewing Israeli economic data

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/RS22876.pdf

Email:[email protected] Email:[email protected]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/technology/29compute.html?ex=1212724800&en=c7f8a5fa7a9d1dbd&ei=5070

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/may2008/gb20080513_652625.htm

http://www2.najah.edu/nnu_portal/index.php?news_id=1163

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200805/israel

http://www.cfr.org/publication/16250

http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2008/04_israel_byman.aspx

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC04.php?CID=288

NEW ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Project Inter change is proud to wel come Ms. Veronica Machtey. Veron ica serves as Assistant Di rector of Inter

national Programs. She holds a JD from the University of Cordoba; and Masters Degrees in Corporate Law and NonProfit Management.

Vero served as a consultant for the Ar gentinean government and advisor to several nonprofit organizations, and was a member of the Young Diplomatic Corps of the World Jewish Congress.

In 2007 Vero moved to the US where she worked for the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. She is fluent in English, French and Spanish.

Volume 2, Issue 1

Alumni Events Spain On April 3rd, 2008, Project Interchange organized a luncheon and speaker program for PI alumni from Spain. This event, which took place at the Centro Riojano de Madrid, featured a presenta tion by Professor Florentino Portero as well as remarks from Israeli Embassy officials. Following his formal briefing, Dr. Portero led a lengthy discussion with more than twenty alumni on the threat posed by radical Islam to the West, citing specific cases in Spain and Israel.

India In cooperation with APRI Director Jim Busis and AJC India Rep resentative Priya Tandon, Project Interchange developed three spring alumni events in India. On April 1 st , prominent alumni from Hindu and Muslim delegations enjoyed dinner with representatives from the AJC and the Israeli embassy at the India International Center in Delhi. In Delhi, speakers included Israel’s Ambassador to India Mark Sofer, President of the All India Imam Organization Hazrat Jameel Ilyasi and Swami Avide shanandgiriji. In Mumbai, a number of PI alumni and Indian journalists enjoyed remarks from Israeli Consul General Danny Zonshine. PI’s Cochin alumni dinner was hosted by Mr. P.P. Matthew (Indian Leadership Seminar, 2006).

Alumni Luncheon in Madrid

Recommended Reading U.S. Foreign Policy and Israel's Qualitative Military Edge: The Need for a Common Vision William Wunderle and Andre Briere The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, January 2008

Counterterrorism Trip Report: Israel & Jordan Dr. Daniel Byman The Brookings Institution, April 2008

Israel’s 60th Anniversary Issue Guide Eben Kaplan Council on Foreign Relations, May 2008

Unforgiven Jeffrey Goldberg Atlantic Monthly, May 2008

The “RedDead” Canal: Israeli Arab Efforts to Restore the Dead Sea Jeremy M. Sharp CSR Report for Congress, May 2008

Results of Palestinian Public Opinion Poll AnNajah National University, May 2008

High Tech Puts Israel in the Black Neal Sandler Business Week, May 2008

Israelis and Palestinians Launch Web StartUp Dina Kraft New York Times, May 2008

PI Alumni Please share your latest achievements, travel stories or news clips with us!

Project Interchange 1156 15h Street, NW Suite 1201

Washington, DC 20009 Tel: (202) 8330025 Fax: (202) 3317702

[email protected] [email protected]

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