In the aftermath of the war crimes committed by Hamas on the Gaza border, Kibbutz Maagan Michael (1,000 members) hosted some 300 Israelis from the south who lost their homes for ten months. The Kibbutz, one of the most successful in Israel and one of the few that have not been privatized, did not receive any external funding for the initiative.

On Sunday, August 18, the Irwin Cotler Fellows 2023-2024 concluded a year full of lectures, workshops, and field trips with an exciting tour of Maagan Michael, where they learned about the history of the Kibbutz movement and the challenges it has faced, and explored some beautiful sceneries.

Earlier on the same day, the fellows visited the Nili Museum in Zichron Yaacov, had a good time at the Dor beach, considered one of the most beautiful seashores on the Mediterranean, and participated in a walking tour of former prime ministers’ homes in Ramat Aviv, which served as a platform for a discussion about gender and politics in Israel.

At the end of the tour in Maagan Michael, the host, Mrs. Niva Shefer-Ashkenazi, and Dr. Carl Yonker, Academic Director of the Institute, awarded the Fellows their graduation certificates.

With one week left to apply for the 2024-2025 cohort, the number of applicants already exceeds that of previous years, suggesting the acceptance rate will be around 25%.

We thank our 2024 Fellows for their great efforts and achievements during this challenging year, and look forward to embracing the 2024-2025 cohort!