Matanel Crossroad Seminar 

The Matanel Crossroad Seminar is a collaboration between Reichman University’s Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy and the Dean of Student Affairs, with the support of the Matanel Foundation. The seminar invites outstanding graduate students and exceptional undergraduates in their final year to take part in a process of reflection and writing about the future of Israeli society and the State of Israel as the country approaches its centennial in 2048.

Each year, 15 students from across all of Reichman University’s schools participate in the seminar. Over the course of 10 sessions, they explore core issues expected to shape Israel’s future, including education, health, welfare, culture, Judaism, the economy, media, the legal system, foreign relations, governance, and more.

Each session lasts approximately three hours, beginning with a guest lecture by a renowned expert and continuing with a peer discussion on the subject. At the end of the year, students are required to submit a forward-looking essay on a topic of their choice, outlining a vision for the State of Israel in the area they choose to focus on. The essays, each about ten pages in length, will be compiled into a book to be published by the Matanel Foundation.

Students who attend all sessions and complete the required assignments will be awarded a 10,000 NIS scholarship.

Who is the seminar for? 

• Individuals who care deeply about the future of the State of Israel
• Those with the ability to look ahead and articulate a clear, achievable vision
• Students with strong writing skills and the ability to express ideas at a high level
• Applicants must meet a minimum academic requirement: an average grade above 88 in their graduate studies (or in their undergraduate degree for those who have not yet begun graduate studies).