This course provides unique insight into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by exploring a range of narratives and perspectives through both academic and personal lenses. By visiting key sites and undertaking dialogues with regional leaders and experts, you will acquire a broader understanding of the conflict’s complexity – and possible solutions. This course is offered as part of the nine-credit Coexistence in the Middle East Program.

Your understanding of the conflict will move beyond theoretical knowledge as we meet and interact with a diverse selection of speakers who represent a range of perspectives and disciplines. We’ll also visit significant places to further understand the reality of the topics we are studying. Among the topics we will explore are the deviating Israeli and Palestinian narratives; borders and settlements, Jerusalem, refugees, and security; realities from the West Bank between settlers and Palestinians; diversity, democracy, and politics; peace processes and conflict resolution; and Hamas and Gaza’s disengagement.

Course Components 

• Site visits and field trips
• Meetings and conversations with key regional actors, including diplomats, government officials, religious leaders, NGO activists, and academic experts
• Class readings and discussions
• Final term paper

Professionals who are not interested in the academic credit may opt out of submitting the final paper and receive an audit grade (Active Participation grade) but must still attend all classes and field trips, and complete any assignment throughout the course. This option is also possible for students who are not interested in academic credit.

View the syllabus

For more information, see the brochure or sign up for updates with the Coexistence program.

Please note that academic field trips vary in length as well as levels of accessibility. For field trip-related questions and more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips, tours, and activities offered by the Office of Student Life. From a tour of the Old City to a trip to the Dead Sea to checking out the local festivals, you’ll build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. While residing in HebrewU dormitories with other international and Israeli students, you’ll have a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, is also there to help you adjust to your new surroundings and give you tips on things to do. Learn more about student life at HebrewU.

“I never thought a simple university course abroad could have such a powerful emotional, educational, and spiritual impact on a person. The diverse insights and knowledge brought to the table by our wonderful professors and now friends, as well as the many field trips taken and impressive selection of guests, presenters, and officials, were simultaneously captivating, surprising, intimidating, and touching.”
Hana Kokanovic
M.A., Public & International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Canada

“It [the program] offers an invaluable opportunity to travel all over the country guided by academic staff and professional tour guides. Our visits to the Golan Heights, the border with Lebanon, and an Israeli military base near Gaza all stand out. Furthermore, the program had access to a huge range of interesting people – Israelis, Palestinians, people from peace initiatives, etc., but also an Egyptian diplomat, a spokesman at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rabbi of the Western Wall, and the Islamic cleric of Jerusalem.”
Dougal Robinson
B.A., Government, University of Sydney, Australia

• Watch alumni talk about this program.
• Check out our photo gallery on Facebook.
• Watch a short video about the program.
• Find out more about international student life at HebrewU.

Apply by: 

For Summer 2023

Apply by: May 1, 2023

Arrive on campus: Date TBA

Checkout Date: Date TBA

Course length: Four weeks

Arrive on campus: Canceled for Summer 2022.
Program length: Four weeks

Application fee: TBA
Course (in-person):TBA
Course (online): TBA
Housing: TBA

* Depending on availability.

The Coexistence program is offered in collaboration with Israel Beyond the Headlines (IBH).

Tuition, for both Summer and Winter sessions, is to be paid in two separate payments to Rothberg International School and IBH.

Learn more about fees, cost of living, and paying for the program.

For more information on Israel Beyond the Headlines’ method and terms of payment, please see here. For Rothberg International School financial information, see here.

A 30% discount is offered to participants in the online version of the course.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships based on demonstrated need or merit are available.

This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to mature learners with an academic background. You must be currently registered at or have been accepted to a recognized college or university or have successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited institution of higher education. English-language fluency is also required.