Israel Experiences and Learning Opportunities at the University of Cincinnati
CINCINNATI – Amidst the study sessions, last-minute cramming, and stress the end of semester may to students who face exams, the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Israel Initiative Committee (IIC) opened a space for two hours, offering students a break, dinner, and an opportunity to hear about what UC can offer in the upcoming semester.
The IIC is a faculty-driven coordinating platform, designed to connect Israel-related scholarships, teachings, and engagement across campus. Chaired by Professor Mark Raider of the History Department, he shares new projects and courses students at UC can access. Including the ability to have a grant-funded research project, trips to Israel, and credit hours.
The academic opportunity soon to be available is giving students micro-grants ranging from $3,500 – $5,000, as a team of students launch their own research about Israel-American culture, ranging from focus-points such as fashion to politics.
“I’m especially excited to see students getting involved in different areas of Israel Studies and Israel-related activity—just now, there’s a lot going on in humanities, education, engineering, medicine, nursing, business, and law.” Raider said in an email to the American Israelite.
Within the series of academic opportunities, Raider also opened the discussion to lectures that are coming to UC. Including, from April 19 to April 21, 2026 a conference with policy-makers, academics, and students about Israeli relations, medicine, engineering, culture and arts, with speakers such as a former US ambassador based in Israel and former Deputy Prime Minister. Raider has declined to name them until a formal announcement is made.
“This conference is not really about being political, although politics will certainly be part of the context of what’s going on.” Raider said, “We want to do is bring together academics and students, and policymakers, and thought-leaders…”
The opportunities accessible to UC students can include a study abroad trip in June 2026, with the UC-Oranim summer program. Oranim is a college in northern Israel and partners with UC in an undergraduate program. The courses will focus on equality, inclusion and democracy with classes such as “Contemporary Israel”, “Communities in the Galilee” and “Leadership for Social Change and Shared Society”
In total eight students arrived to the meeting all of various backgrounds, educational levels, and majors. Many were bustling to ask Raider questions, and details about student opportunities. Including second-year student, Samantha Abdoo, an international affairs major and president of the UC club, Bearcats for Israel.
Abdoo has traveled to Israel before, however, due to the war her trip was cut short. But she continues to advocate for Israel through her club and Stand With Us. Prior to the meeting, Raider had reached out to Abdoo about the meeting happening, so she volunteered to create flyers and spread the word about the meeting.
“I figured this meeting was… beneficial for students, and I really want to get involved with the UC aspect of Israel advocacy.” Abdoo said.
