Navigating Change: Israeli Journalist to Teach at Columbia Amidst Rising Tensions

Journalist Nadav Eyal and his wife, former presenter Tamar Ish Shalom, have announced they will be leaving Israel for a year. Eyal informed his followers that the decision is based on a job offer he received to teach at Columbia University. The announcement came as a surprise, especially considering the wave of antisemitism at the university since the conflicts.

"This coming summer, Tamar, the kids, and I will head to the U.S. for a year. During this time, I will serve as a research fellow and lecturer at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University. This is one of the world's leading schools for training leaders in the international arena. Simultaneously, I will continue writing a column for Yediot Aharonot and Ynet. My writing will also focus on what appears to be one of this century's most significant events – the U.S. presidential elections of 2024," Eyal wrote to his followers.

"The dean of SIPA, Prof. Keren Yarhi Milo, invited me, supported by faculty members of the school. Prof. Yarhi Milo – originally from Israel, grew up in Holon, and has had a meteoric academic career in the U.S. – recently recruited Hillary Clinton to the school. Next year, she will be bringing in Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland. She is creating a very positive and broad process at the school, in my opinion. The initial offer came long before the difficult events at Columbia and various campuses across the U.S. Recently, we decided as a family to go for it."

Eyal also addressed the issue of working at an institution considered antisemitic: "Let's talk openly about this decision. It was painful and difficult to see some of the scenes and voices in the protests at Columbia and many universities across the U.S., which included blatant antisemitism and/or shameful support for violence. Nonetheless, my belief in the power of learning and conversation is stronger than ever. Precisely when times are tough, it's important for me to be present, to face challenges rather than retreat. This is exactly the time for rigorous, fact-based, rich-in-complexity academic learning and discussion, devoid of hatred and stereotypes, free from any racism – and ignorance."

"It's an important year to be in the U.S. during a dramatic election season," Eyal concluded. "The School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia is the place to be. I am thrilled at the opportunity to engage with students and explore research areas related to the regional realities of the Middle East, globalization, and the world order, areas I've addressed in my journalistic writings and in my two books."