Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies - UMD

08/27/2026

📰 GIIS in the News

Dr. Ilai Saltzman, Director of the Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies, was recently featured in Washington Jewish Week discussing Israel’s upcoming elections and the issues shaping the country’s political landscape.

In the article, Dr. Saltzman shares his perspective on the complexities surrounding Israeli elections and the importance of bringing greater knowledge and nuance to conversations about Israeli politics.

🔗 Read the full article https://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/local-israelis-explain-israeli-elections/

As Israelis prepare to head to the polls for the first time since Oct. 7, 2023, the D.C. area’s Jewish community is tuned in through educational programming.

08/21/2026

🎉 Welcome back, Terps! 🐢

Kick off the new semester at the Maryland Hillel Welcome Back BBQ on Monday, August 31 from 5–7 PM!

Stop by the GIIS and Jewish Studies table to say hello, meet our community, and learn more about our programs, courses, and upcoming opportunities.

🌟 Meet 30+ student & community groups
🍦 Enjoy FREE Rita’s
🍴 Grab some BBQ
🤝 Connect with fellow Terps
📍 New Hillel Building

We’d love to see you there and welcome you back to campus!

🔗 Learn more: https://marylandhillel.org/event/maryland-hillel-welcome-back-bbq/

08/17/2026

Join Dr. Ilai Saltzman, Director of the Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies at UMD on Sept. 9, 2026 for a virtual conversation on The 2026 Israeli Elections: What's at Stake for Israel and the Jewish World?

Our next Scholars Circle features Dr. Ilai Saltzman on The 2026 Israeli Elections: What's at Stake for Israel and the Jewish World.Our next Scholars Circle features Dr. Ilai Saltzman on The 2026 Israeli Elections: What's at Stake for Israel and the Jewish World.

06/12/2026

Ilai Saltzman, Director of Gildenhorn Institute commented on the US-Israel relations in light of recent development in Iran, The US-Israel relationship lies bent but unbroken, MED This Week.

Leggi l'articolo One Hundred Days On, the Iran War Flares Up sul sito dell'ISPI.

06/04/2026

Recording of Democracy, Dissent, and Pluralism in Israel Today with Dr. Thair Abu Ras, Dr. Liron Lavi, and Dr. Gayil Talshir.

This talk examines Israel's ongoing political crisis following the 2023 judicial overhaul, highlighting renewed polarization ahead of the 2026 elections and ...

05/15/2026

Dr. Ilai Saltzman, Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies Director was interviewed on May 11, 2026 on RTVI US to comment on Benjamin Netanyahu's interview on 60 Minutes where Netanyahu indicated he would like Israel to wane down U.S. aid to Israel currently amounting to $3.8 Billion per year as well as a makeshift Israeli military that was created in Iraq prior to the war against Iran.

Пассажиров круизного лайнера MV Hondius, на котором произошла вспышка хантавируса, эвакуируют более чем в 20 стран. В США спецрейсом доставили 18 американцев...

05/05/2026

Join us for our last event of the academic year.

04/01/2026

What happens when a revolutionary idea meets reality?

Join us for a thought-provoking book talk on the evolution of the kibbutz — from avant-garde vision to cultural symbol in early Israel.

📚 State of Shock
✨ Insightful conversation
🧠 New perspectives

Tuesday, April 14 | 6:00 PM (ET) | Zoom

We look forward seeing you there!

04/01/2026

Happy Passover!

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Passover. May this season bring peace, renewal, and reflection.

✨ Join us in celebrating tradition and community. Follow along for upcoming events and conversations.

04/01/2026

Join us for an evening of insight and global perspective 🌍

The Gildenhorn Family Lecture Series presents a timely conversation on U.S.–Israel relations in a changing Middle East with Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro.

📅 March 24 | 7:00–8:30 PM
📍 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center | Gildenhorn Recital Hall

Gain deeper understanding of the evolving geopolitical landscape and what it means for the future.

🔗 Register via QR code or link in bio