An inquisitive group of graduate students of International Relations and Government at Johns Hopkins University took their studies out into the field with a geopolitical tour of Ariel that started with an overview at the Ariel Regional Center for Performing Arts with Avi Zimmerman and culminated in a meeting with three Ariel University students, two Muslim Arab Israelis and one American immigrant to Israel.
“It’s my country,” said Muhammad Amara, a 3rd year student in civic engineering, whose main concern is not politics but living a life with a meaningful career and family.
When asked if he felt uncomfortable having to study required courses in Jewish heritage, Muhammad Ghanaiym replied that at first he thought it would be chore, but he eventually enjoyed his classes, believing it’s important to understand the culture of which he is a part. “I realized that there are many similarities between Judaism and Islam,” he said.
Shmuel Dovrat, University spokesperson, provided background on Israel’s 8th university. With Ariel University often making headlines for its location, Dovrat emphasized that Ariel University is not a political institution. Its concern is first and foremost excellence in academia.
Prior to this visit, the students had the opportunity to meet with a Palestinian employee at the Lipsky Factory at the Barkan Industrial Park. A resident of a Palestinian Authority controlled community, Ahbed spoke of his dedication to a company where he has worked for decades as warehouse manager. When asked how he feels working for a company located in what much of the group consider “Occupied Territories,” he replied that politics don’t play a role in his decision to work at the company.
The dedication is mutual, as its Mr. Cohen’s loyalty to his employees that motivate his desire to always remain where he is no matter what. “An industrial zone is a place of hope and shouldn’t be factored in any political negotiation.”
We wish the students luck in their studies and trust they have emerged with a more well-rounded picture of life in Samaria.