Press Section
U.S. Embassy, Tel Aviv
July 27, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Embassy Welcomes U.S.-Israel Educational Foundation Law
The U.S. Embassy and Ambassador David Friedman welcome the passing of the “United States – Israel Educational Foundation Law, 5776-2016” in its second and third readings in the Knesset on Monday. The law codifies the official status of the U.S.-Israel Educational Foundation (USIEF) in Israel and the Fulbright Program’s flagship educational exchange program supported by the Governments of the United States and Israel.
Since 1956, more than 3,000 Americans and Israelis have participated in prestigious Fulbright exchanges between our two countries, including leaders in academia, government and business, and distinguished Israel Prize and Nobel Prize laureates. The “United States – Israel Educational Foundation Law, 5776-2016,” will better enable the USIEF, the binational commission that administers the Fulbright Program, to promote mutual understanding between the people of Israel and the United States through academic exchange programs. The United States supports robust cultural and educational exchange with Israel and the people of both countries benefit immeasurably from American and Israeli students and scholars teaching, researching, studying and connecting with each other.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said: “This law is yet another testament to the strength and depth of the relationship between the U.S. and Israel, which runs deep in every imaginable field, including academia and cultural exchange. I would like to thank the Knesset for passing the law and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its support. This is a good day for both our countries.”
About the Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946 under legislation introduced by then-Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas to strengthen the basis for peace by promoting mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the peoples of partner countries around the world, is the US Government’s flagship academic exchange program. Since its inception, more than 370,000 Fulbrighters have participated from over 160 countries worldwide. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
For more information, contact the U.S. Embassy Press office: 03-6982582
