Guest Column | In support of study abroad in Israel

Much conversation and debate has surrounded Penn's cancellation of its study abroad program in Israel. ("Gaza conflict puts Israel study abroad on hold," 1/14/2009). The Daily Pennsylvanian took a stand on the issue in the editorial, "Keeping a Tight Leash" (1/15/2009) supporting this decision. Canceling study abroad to Israel is a deeply divisive decision. This issue has been dealt with inappropriately by the University and misrepresented by The Daily Pennsylvanian.

Despite the recent hostilities, the State Department has in fact not issued a new warning regarding travel to Israel since Sept. 26, 2008. Yet Penn only now canceled the program, while the warning was issued months ago. Even the travel alert issued on Jan. 6, while urging U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and security measures in Israel and the West Bank, only prohibits travel to the Gaza strip, not the State of Israel.

It is crucial to recognize that Penn stands alone in this decision. Penn is the only Ivy League university to cancel its program and one of a mere four universities nationwide to take such drastic measures. Other universities are clearly addressing this issue differently, and Penn should as well. Both Cornell and Yale do not warrant the security warning significant enough to suspend programs. Cornell requires that students sign a waiver after they review the State Department's warning, a measure that Penn employed prior to its decision to cancel its programs in Israel.

As stated in Cornell's study-abroad policy, "life in Israel is remarkably 'normal' in spite of the media reports; the chances of becoming a victim of terrorism are relatively low and can be lowered further by taking certain precautions." This is something the University and this paper have failed to notice.

Although there is certainly a higher level of sensitivity due to the situation, in areas outside of the southern region - including Hebrew University and Tel-Aviv University - life and education continue uninterrupted. Classrooms are still full and bars are still packed in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv and other major cities in Israel. Beneath the headlines, there is still a vibrant, calm culture, including theater, arts and museums that remain intact and available for students to experience.

In fact, study abroad in Israel is at its highest enrollment since the second intifada began in 2000. For the current spring term, only 20 students from all study abroad programs to Israel nationwide withdrew from the program. This is yet another indication that Israel not only remains a place where people feel safe studying abroad, but is viewed as an opportunity for educational enrichment as well.

Rather than force students to withdraw from the University in order to study in Israel, a safety waiver would demonstrate the University's concern with the situation but still treat its students as mature enough to make their own decisions. This is a solution that all but four universities nationwide have deemed legally and financially acceptable.

As students, we can vote, fight in the army and decide where we want to live in West Philadelphia. Give us the opportunity to decide, after a review of the State Department's personal assessment of the situation, if we would like to study in Israel.

The Jan. 15 editorial argues that "while the fighting seems far removed from Jerusalem, it's impossible to know that it will stay that way." In this day and age it is impossible to predict the safety of any country, and in the event that the situation worsens, actions should certainly be taken accordingly. But for those students affected this term and in the future, this is an action the University should seriously reconsider.

Deena Greenberg is the president of Penn Hillel and a former DP reporter. Rebecca Bootin is the Israel Sector chairwoman of Penn Hillel. Brandon Paroly is the president of the Penn Israel Coalition

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