International Symposium at the Institute for Global Leadership at Tufts University in Boston, USA
At the beginning of 2010, exceptional students from the Friends of Raveh-Ravid Fund were invited to attend the annual International Symposium of the Institute for Global Leadership (IGL) at TUFTS University in Boston.
The symposium dealt with issues concerning global leadership and problem solving of global issues. The symposium was an exceptional opportunity for students to learn and exchange ideas and opinions with university students from all over the world.
The conference was held with the participation of delegations from around the world, including - Iraq, China, Korea, Japan, Singapore and delegations of the U.S. Army's mission. This year, the conference's theme focused on South Asian countries, and the conflicts and challenges in the area. Discussions were held in the form of a panel of experts who tackled different issue, covering education, water situation, the conflicts between the different countries, etc.
The students participating in the Global Leadership program moderated and participated in the different discussions. The extent of professionalism and social responsibility demonstrated by the participants has left an immense impression on the audience. The scholars from the Friends of Raveh-Ravid Fund said that, owing to the exchange of ideas and discussion, they had realized a deeper, more significant understanding of the "Leadership" term.
In addition to participating in the discussions, the hosting students arranged variety of social and team building activities for the participants from the other delegations. The encounter between the students from different countries was fascinating and they shortly forged a team spirit. A special bond developed between the Israeli students and the students from the Iraqi delegation. The two groups shared first-hand stories about the war, in Iraq and in Israel, explained the complexities of the situations in each country and shared experiences living in Israel and Iraq. The students of the Friends of the Raveh-Ravid Fund revealed that the students from other delegations expressed much curiosity about them as for many of them this was their first encounter with people from Israel, and they showed a strong interest in the current situation in Israel.
The Israeli students also received a special invitation from Mr. & Ms. Bendson, who made the trip to Boston and participation in the Symposium possible thanks to their generous donation, to a dinner party at a restaurant in Boston. The pleasant company and nice atmosphere opened the hearts and the students introduced themselves, shared their experiences, and talked about the situation in Israel and the issues in which they think they can be of influence in the future.
The Raveh-Ravid student spent a week and a half in Boston, participating in panel discussions, networking and connecting with students from around the world, and collecting memorable experiences. The visit was concluded with a farewell party, after which the students had returned back to Israel, and back to school. Yet, the students still keep close contact with their peers from the conference, and had the pleasure to host and entertain a couple of TUFTS University students who visited in Israel, following the symposium.
The unique experience of participating in the symposium proved very significant for Raveh-Ravid student. The encounter and networking with other overseas students was fascinating, and the discussions developed between them challenged the student and helped them gain a broader perspective on leadership issues.
Above all, the opportunity to participate in the symposium has allowed many students to learn from the other participants on social responsibility issues, and realize their part, as students participating in a leadership program and as future leaders, in shaping and influencing the life in Israel in the future.
The Friends of Raveh-Ravid Fund and the scholars appreciate the unique opportunity given to them to take part in a symposium of the Institute for Global Leadership, to become acquainted with the activities of students from around the world, make contacts and expand their knowledge about leadership - all this was made possible thanks to the generous donation of the Friends of the Foundation.
