About Us
Faculy-led campus Jewish communities
Many US universities have seen an increase in hostility aimed at anyone with ties to Israel. Kalaniyot is a faculty-driven effort to reverse these trends and return universities to their core purpose of being a welcoming place for students and scholars of all backgrounds.
Our Mission
To strengthen local university Jewish community, deepen local university ties with Israeli researchers and work with university administration to ensure an inclusive campus.
Our Vision
University researchers cooperate to advance knowledge without regard to their national, ethnic or religious background.
Leadership
Ernest Fraenkel, PhD
Grover M. Hermann Professor in Health Sciences and Technology, MIT
Or Hen, PhD
Class of 1956 CD Associate Professor of Physics and associate director of the Laboratory for Nuclear Science, MIT
Campus Chapters
Universities across the United States can become a Kalaniyot site. Learn more about our individual chapters, including their individual programming, leadership, and activities.
A Virtuous Cycle
In keeping with Kalaniyot’s dual mission, Israeli scholars supported by Kalaniyot are selected for two qualities: academic excellence and community spirit. While in the US, Kalaniyot scholars strengthen campus Jewish communities. They also develop research and social ties to individuals on campus without any prior exposure to Israel, amplifying the scholars’ local and global impact and strengthening the university’s mission of research, education, and entrepreneurship. Kalaniyot will also provide generous incentives to encourage participants to return to Israel and continue contributing to the nation’s scientific community.
What makes Kalaniyot unique?
Kalaniyot works from within the universities to address the challenges faced by Jewish and Israeli academics. Because it is faculty-led and aligned with core academic values, Kalaniyot has been endorsed by MIT and will be welcomed by universities that may be reluctant to partner with outside advocacy groups.