Givat Haviva Institute

International Department

Founded in the mid 1980s under the name MAKOR, the International Department initially focuses the subject of the kibbutz movement -its birth, development and the changes it was experiencing. The winds of political change in the 1990s brought about a demand for new programming related to the Middle East conflict and the different components of Israeli society, for in-depth study tours of the country and for one-on-one encounters between the State's Arab and Jewish citizens.

Every year, thousands of youth and adults from across the world and with diverse backgrounds and interests participate in a Givat Haviva program or study tour. Among the participants: high school youth, university students, journalists, politicians, academics, social workers and other professionals, members of youth movements, Jewish community centers, federations and synagogues.

Lectures, workshops and guided tours are conducted in English, German and Spanish and are customized to suit need and interest. Some of the topics:

• Givat Haviva's educational projects and programs that foster Jewish-Arab coexistence
• Relationships between Jewish and Arab citizens of the State of Israel
• Who are the Arab citizens of Israel; How are they the same as or different from the Palestinians?
• Roots of the Jewish-Arab conflict and the present situation
• The peace process
• Tours of the Green Line (pre-l967 border with Jordan) and security fence in the Wadi Ara region
• Encounters with Arab citizens of the State of Israel

The Kibbutz: concept and practice, successes and failures. Includes a visit to a successful kibbutz still adhering to the 'old' ideals.