Dozens of American university students They visited Israel and the United Arab Emirates over winter break, where they witnessed firsthand the successes of the historic Abraham Accords amid ongoing campus tensions at home as the war in Israel continues.
Forty-three college students from across the country participated in a 10-day trip to Israel and the United Arab Emirates during the winter semester break in Israel as part of the Campus Coalition's Geller International Fellowship, Fox News Digital has learned. Students met with business, academic, and political leaders to discuss and experience Middle Eastern culture, as well as learn first-hand about the importance of the Abraham Accords, which were reached under the first administration of President-elect Donald Trump in 2020.
“Watching the successes of the Abraham Accords firsthand with a group of college students passionate about peace and coexistence, in an era when dialogue on American universities like mine is sparse, was a poignant and critical reminder of what the future will look like.” “The Middle East can survive,” Eden Yadegar, an undergraduate who studies the Middle East at Columbia University, said in commentary on Fox News Digital.
He added: “Peace, security and coexistence are not unattainable ideals, but they are a reality on the ground thanks to the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The future of the Middle East is here and it is bright, and I am very grateful to Israel.” Thank you to the Campus Coalition for giving me the opportunity to participate in these important conversations and experiences.”
Fellows who visited the United Arab Emirates and Israel as part of the Geller International Fellowship. (International Criminal Court)
The Abraham Accords are a landmark peace agreement brokered by the United States in 2020 between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. As part of the agreements, the UAE and Bahrain recognized Israel's sovereignty and established full diplomatic relations. This was the first time that Israel made peace with an Arab country since 1994 with the Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty.
“This historic diplomatic breakthrough will advance peace in the Middle East and is a testament to the bold diplomacy and vision of the three leaders and the courage of the UAE and Israel to chart a new course that will unlock the region’s great potential.” Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, said in a joint statement at the time. “The three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from today’s historic achievement.”
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Abraham Accords signing ceremony at the White House on September 13, 2020. (Getty)
Students who participated in the fellowship met with experts such as Israeli politician and diplomat Ruth Wasserman Lande and Middle East expert and lecturer Dan Fefferman to discuss entrepreneurship and coexistence in the Middle East after the peace agreement, in addition to experts such as the Defense Foundation. Senior Democracies Fellows Jonathan Conricus and Saudi YouTuber Louay Al-Sharif to discuss diplomacy and peacebuilding under the Accords.
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American college students who participated in the Geller International Fellowship met with experts in both Israel and the United Arab Emirates to witness first-hand the successes of the Abraham Accords. (International Criminal Court)
“The Geller International Fellowship highlights the promise of the next generation of pro-Israel leaders and their ability to strengthen the US-Israel relationship and advance the principles of the Abraham Accords,” Jacob Baim, CEO of the Israel Coalition on Campus, told Fox News Digital. “Thanks to the generosity of Martin and Lauren Geller, this program provides students with a deeper understanding of Israel’s complexities and a foundation for informed advocacy. These fellows return to campus with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to sharing their experiences. This fellowship reflects the ICC’s ongoing work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and develop new leaders.”
The Israel on Campus Alliance is a US-based organization working on Inspiring American college students and pro-Israel university groups “to see Israel as a source of pride and to be empowered to advocate for Israel on campus.”
American college students who participated in the Geller International Fellowship met with experts in both Israel and the United Arab Emirates to witness first-hand the successes of the Abraham Accords. (International Criminal Court)
Aidan Blumstein, a public policy student at the University of Southern California, said in a commentary for Fox Digital that the trip was “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” that reignited his optimism “that this region will one day live in peace and prosperity.”
The ICC Fellow continued: “These basic principles have been perfectly demonstrated on this trip. Hearing about the successes of diplomatic and economic cooperation first-hand from the Emiratis and Israelis shows us a well-paved path to peace in other areas of the region.”
More than 40 American students traveled to Israel and the United Arab Emirates as part of the Geller International Fellowship. (International Criminal Court)
Sam Heller, a senior at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, emphasized that the fellowship and trip abroad was “one of the most transformative experiences.” Especially after the outbreak of war in Israel in 2023Which quickly led to anti-Semitism on American college campuses and frequent anti-Israel protests.
“Being surrounded by like-minded campus leaders, all deeply committed to ensuring that truth prevails in these difficult times since the Hamas massacre on 7/10, has been both inspiring and reassuring. It has given me confidence that the next generation of leaders at our university will continue to The country stands in defense of Western values and unwavering support for Israel, America's closest ally, and I am deeply grateful to the ICC for the opportunity to engage experts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and professionals dedicated to it. Promoting peace in the Middle East. “I eagerly anticipate watching this amazing group of young leaders grow into this policy,” Heller said.
Agitators and student protesters invaded college campuses across the country last academic year to protest the war in Israel, which also included a sharp rise in interest rates. Cases of anti-Semitism Jewish students speak out about not feeling safe on some campuses.
American students visited the United Arab Emirates and Israel over the winter break as part of the Geller International Fellowship. (International Criminal Court)
For example, protesters at Columbia University's New York City campus took over the school's Hamilton Hall building, while schools like UCLA, Harvard, and Yale worked to evacuate spiraling student encampments as protesters demanded their elite schools completely abandon Israel.
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The terrorist organization Hamas launched war on Israel on October 7, 2023, initially fanning the flames of anti-Semitism on campuses in the form of protests, threatening graffiti, and students stating that they felt as if it was “open season on Jews on our campuses.” The protests escalated to the point that Jewish students at some schools, including Columbia University, were warned to leave campus for their safety.
On the University of Pennsylvania campus, Fox News Digital exclusively reported in May that anti-Israel extremists were passing out several mentors instructing agitators on how to storm buildings, “escalate” protests, make weapons, and even administer first aid.
The program's sponsors, Martin and Lauren Geller, highlighted in their comments to Fox Digital that the Fellowship supports the next generation to advance the principles set forth in the Abraham Accords.
Martin and Lauren Geller sponsored American students for the Geller International Fellowship. (International Criminal Court)
“The Geller International Fellowship is more than just a program – it is an educational investment in the next generation of leaders committed to strengthening the US-Israel relationship and the principles of the Abraham Accords. We are honored to partner with the Israel Campus Alliance, whose exceptional leadership ensures students gain a transformative understanding of the legacy of Israel, its innovation and resilience, and preparing these talented individuals to be leaders in the pro-Israel movement on campus as well as in their communities. Supporting this fellowship is a privilege, and we are inspired by the impact these students will have,” the couple said As advocates for Israel on campus and beyond, Martin Geller is the founder and president of the wealth management firm Geller & Company.
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Before Trump won the election Vice President Kamala Harris said last year during her campaign that she would expand the Abraham Accords if re-elected. Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated as the country's 47th president on January 20.
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Trump said of the Abraham Accords during an interview with a Saudi media outlet: “If I win, that will be an absolute priority: just getting everyone involved. It's peace in the Middle East. We need it, and it's very important. It's going to happen.” Arabic in October.
