On one hand, the U.S. denies Palestinian Fulbright scholars visas to study in the United States. And on the other hand, they allow Arab students already studying in the U.S. entry to the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC.
Dozens of students from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, The United Arab Emirates and Qatar visited the Israeli embassy in Washington this week.
“It was a unique opportunity to explain Israel’s position first hand,” said Rafi Harpaz, director of Public Affairs at the embassy, in a report sent to the Foreign Ministry.
When the briefing was over, the Arab students, all from affluent homes, shook Harpaz’ hand and asked to take photos with him, telling the director it was their first time meeting an Israeli.
Each student received a PR kit that included brochures about Israel, photos and CDs.
Perhaps the most important phrase here is that they’re “all from affluent homes”.
On the other side of the globe, Arabs are in a tiff:
Bahraini activists are upset with the United States after what they call unfair promoting of foreign interests as part of an international scholarship program for Arab students.
[Ibrahim Sharif, Secretary General of the National Democratic Action Society (NDAS)] said, “We have good relations with U.S. and several students go to pursue higher studies. It is normal for them to learn and understand American culture, but taking them to the Israeli embassy is bad taste.“
Bad taste? Welcome to free thinking, Mr. Sharif.
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Ya, they can party all they want. Have girlfriends, drink, smoke and enjoy "Western" culture and education. Let them meet a few nice Israelis? that's ludicrous!
*sigh* Why can't people just meet as people and not as over complicated backgrounds and cultures? That goes for Jews who pre-dislike Arabs and Muslims too. In fact, that's just my blanket statement about discrimination.
Peace,
aisha
PS- I have now found your blog and am addicted. I'm totally adding you to my blog roll. However, please no messing in the pool. haha. (get it the Iran Olympic post…)
@ Aisha
Thanks for checking out the site! I dig your blog too. I'd love to "link swap" with ya! In fact, it's inspired me to start a new link category. Hope to see you again soon.
Ya, they can party all they want. Have girlfriends, drink, smoke and enjoy “Western” culture and education. Let them meet a few nice Israelis? that’s ludicrous!
*sigh* Why can’t people just meet as people and not as over complicated backgrounds and cultures? That goes for Jews who pre-dislike Arabs and Muslims too. In fact, that’s just my blanket statement about discrimination.
Peace,
aisha
PS- I have now found your blog and am addicted. I’m totally adding you to my blog roll. However, please no messing in the pool. haha. (get it the Iran Olympic post…)
@ Aisha
Thanks for checking out the site! I dig your blog too. I’d love to “link swap” with ya! In fact, it’s inspired me to start a new link category. Hope to see you again soon.