Ambassador Shapiro visited Achva Academic College, in the Be’er Tuvia Region in southern Israel. Hosted by Prof. Alean Al-Krenawi, Ambassador Shapiro met college leadership, and discussed US-Israel relations with 150 students and faculty (in Hebrew). He praised the resiliency of residents of southern Israel, and cited the US-funded Iron Dome defense system as “perhaps the most visible and tangible evidence of the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security.” President Alean Al-Krenawi gave a tour of the campus, demonstrating how Achva is finding ways to create special study programs to empower underserved populations such as Bedouins, Ethiopians, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, and those with disabilities. Achva students get credits for community service. This college makes diversity and multiculturalism the catch phrases of Achva. The visit coincided with an activities day including live music and a crafts bazaar.

Photo Credit: David Azagury/U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv