The University of Wisconsin is well known across the United States for its exceptional study abroad programs, allowing students to spend a semester or two in another country. When students decide where to spend their semester abroad, safety must always be a primary concern beyond one's personal interest in the nation itself. Due to violence in the region, UW had previously suspended its program with the Hebrew University in Israel.

Thankfully, this has now changed.

Due to both the dramatic developments toward peace in the region and the decreasing violence between Israelis and Palestinians, the school has decided to reinstate the Israel program — a move we applaud heartily.

Three of the major religions of the world claim either Jerusalem or locations within Israel to be holy sites – great cultural centers whose very names invoke the long history across which they have endured. Indeed, it can be argued that much of the foundation upon which civilization, both western and otherwise, was built trace connections to this geographic area back from time immemorial. People from around the world and throughout the past thousands of years have flocked to this area of the world to better understand its past, as well as their own. There is no doubt the learning experience such a trip could provide students is invaluable.

Therefore, it is truly a positive development that UW found the security threat to students in Israel to be sufficiently mitigated to allow for the program to be re-opened. A testament to the improving situation in Israel, this program will provide students with an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the rich culture and history of its people.

Provided the security situation does not worsen, Israel would be a fine choice for anyone seeking to understand the heritage of all its people and the ideas they inspired, and we are proud UW students will once again have the option to study in this historic land.