January 24, 2026
San Diego State University Students Return to Israel
MGSDII is excited that our academic trips to Israel have resumed!
These journeys are more important than ever for bringing balanced discourse about Israel into our students’ classes – and lives.
Over winter break, MGSDII Visiting Professor Erez Ben-Yosef’s Fall 2025 San Diego Student State University (SDSU) Biblical Archaeology students helped researchers glean insights into Bronze and Iron Age metalworkers through a first-time participation at Tel Aviv University’s multidisciplinary Central Timna Valley Project. Students finished the experience with a deep dive into Jerusalem’s ancient and complex history.
“The most important things I’ve learned are about myself. This trip has changed my perception of the world and especially of American-Israeli interaction.”
“I was surprised how Israel is on the ground compared to what you see on the news. It was impactful to be where my religion comes from and to hear Hebrew.”
“More than seeing the holy sites and learning more about history, I loved growing relationships with the Timna Valley Project Team.”
“I learned that you must keep an open mind to the past and the future. I realized that there are many paths forward. One word… unforgettable.”
In May, SDSU and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology Aerospace students will meet once again in Israel to conclude a ninth year of collaborating, to visit rocket-design labs, and to explore Israel’s cutting-edge drone innovations.
In early June, our newest collaboration for SDSU and Tel Aviv University Modern History students will give them a deep dive into the country’s rich cultural diversity, from North to South.
All MGSDII trips to Israel include educational excursions to Jerusalem’s Old City and Yad Vashem.
Click here to see all of our Classroom Collaborations—and save the date of April 16 for a Salon Member Dinner at Leichtag Commons with our SDSU and Technion Aerospace students and the USD and Azrieli Water Engineering group!
Not yet a Salon Member? Click here to learn more and join.
Special Event: Register Now!
Keeping Israeli Arts and Culture Alive Since October 7
Thursday, March 5, 2026
6:30 PM
Leichtag Commons
441 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA 92024
Suggested Donation $18 per person
Seats are limited! Get your tickets early.
How do we talk about – and create – literature, music, and visual art in a world turned upside down?
And what new opportunities are emerging for Israel’s creative growth?
Join Visiting Israeli Professors and guests for a conversation about the unique role artists, writers, musicians, and sports figures are playing in the lives of soldiers, returning hostages, and a country in mourning – and how they are rebuilding Israel’s cultural life.
The conversation will be led by Israel’s Kan radio host and literary expert Yuval Avivi, who will be joined by artist Dana Yoeli and musician Iris London-Zolty. From Tel Aviv University, frequent commentator on CNN and Israeli media Udi Sommer will round out the group.
And, as a special treat, London-Zolty will perform favorite Israeli classics.
Salon Members will also enjoy a pre-event VIP Meet & Greet.
Not yet a Salon member? Learn how to join here.
Salon Dinner with Israeli and SDSU Students: Save the Date
April 16 @ 5pm
Salon members, save the date for an intimate and relaxed evening at beautiful Leichtag Commons to connect with students from SDSU, Technion, and Azrieli College who have been working together on Classroom Collaboration projects in Aerospace and Water Engineering. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear firsthand about their cross-border collaborations and to meet our future thought leaders!
Thank You for Your Support!
Thank you for being part of the MGSDII community. We hope you have enjoyed our past events, and we warmly invite you to join our exciting programs featured above.
MGSDII is only able to host such incredible experts due to donations from supporters like you. Your generous gift of any amount will help us continue our work educating our university communities about Israel in all of its complexity.
