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Ambassador Richard H. Jones Remarks for Fulbright Dinner

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 7:00 PM

I’m very happy to host our Fulbright Fellows and all those who have gathered here at this event to honor them.  As I’m sure you’re all aware, Fulbright-Israel’s alumni comprise a long and illustrious list of leaders in such diverse areas as law, government, science, literature, engineering, and academia.

This time last year, the United States-Israel Educational Foundation marked the conclusion of its year-long 50th anniversary celebrations.  While the anniversary celebrations have ended, the Fulbright-Israel program and its alumni have continued to be in the headlines. 

Here are just a few examples:

Professor Yuli Tamir continues to serve as the Minister of Education and Professor Daniel Friedman is the new Minister of Justice.

Professor Aharon Barak reached the conclusion of his term as President of the Supreme Court.

Recently returned Fellow, Dr. Hossam Haick of the Technion, received the largest research grant ever awarded to an Israeli by a European Union program.

Professor Ilan Het of the Weizmann Institute and Professor Itamar Rabinovitch of Tel Aviv University completed their terms of service as Presidents of their respective institutions.

For many prominent Israelis, their time in the U.S. as Fulbright Fellows has been a key factor in their intellectual and professional development.  These leaders bring to their work a deep understanding of the United States and its people – their culture, values and institutions.  By enriching the lives of its fellows and through their contributions to our countries, the Fulbright-Israel program also continuously realizes its ultimate purpose of increasing mutual understating between the peoples of the United States and Israel by means of educational and cultural exchange. 

I’m sure that this year’s U.S. Fulbright Fellows, and the newly selected Israeli Fellows who will soon be departing for the United States, will make their own unique contributions to strengthening mutual understanding between America and Israel.

Congratulations again to all of the Fellows.  I wish you both a pleasant evening and continued success in your chosen fields.