Witnesses to anti-Israel chaos on campuses observe the successes of the Abraham Accords.

During the winter break, numerous American college students traveled to Israel and the United Arab Emirates, observing the achievements of the Abraham Accords while facing ongoing campus conflicts at home due to the ongoing conflict in Israel.

Over the winter semester break, 43 undergraduate students from various universities in the US took part in a 10-day trip to Israel and the UAE through the Israel on Campus Coalition's Geller International Fellowship. During their journey, they interacted with business leaders, academics, and political leaders to gain insights into Middle Eastern culture and understand the significance of the Abraham Accords, which were facilitated under President-elect Donald Trump's first administration in 2020.

Eden Yadegar, a Columbia University senior studying the Middle East, shared her experience of witnessing the successes of the Abraham Accords with a group of college students who are passionate about peace and coexistence. She said that this experience was a poignant and critical reminder of what the future of the Middle East can hold, especially in an era where dialogue on American college campuses is sparse.

"The United States, Israel, and the UAE have made peace, security, and coexistence a reality on the ground in the Middle East. The future of the region is bright, and I am grateful to the Israel on Campus Coalition for allowing me to participate in essential discussions and experiences."

In 2020, the Abraham Accords were signed, a historic peace agreement brokered by the U.S. between Israel and the UAE. The UAE and Bahrain recognized Israel's sovereignty and established full diplomatic relations. This marked the first time Israel had established peace with an Arab country since 1994 with the Israel-Jordan peace treaty.

"The historic diplomatic breakthrough between the United States, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates will promote peace in the Middle East and demonstrate the leaders' courage to forge a new path that will unlock the region's potential."

The fellowship participants met with Israeli politician and diplomat Ruth Wasserman Lande, Middle East expert and lecturer Dan Feferman, Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ senior fellow Jonathan Conricus, and Saudi YouTuber Loay Alsharef to discuss entrepreneurship, coexistence, diplomacy, and peacebuilding in the Middle East following the peace deal.

"The Geller International Fellowship showcases the potential of the next generation of pro-Israel leaders to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and advance the principles of the Abraham Accords, according to Israel on Campus Coalition CEO Jacob Baime. The program, funded by Martin and Lauren Geller, provides students with a deeper understanding of Israel's complexities and a foundation for informed advocacy. The fellows return to campus with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to sharing their experiences. This fellowship reflects ICC's ongoing work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship and develop new leaders."

The Israel on Campus Coalition is a U.S.-based organization that motivates American college students and pro-Israel college groups to view Israel as a source of pride and encourages them to advocate for Israel on campus.

Aidan Bloomstine, a senior at the University of Southern California studying public policy, stated in a comment to Fox Digital that the trip was "an unparalleled opportunity" that rekindled his hope "that one day this region will experience harmony and prosperity."

The ICC fellow stated that the foundational principles were demonstrated flawlessly during the trip. The diplomatic and economic cooperation successes shared by Emiratis and Israelis show us a smooth path to peace in other regions of the area.

Sam Heller, a senior at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, agreed with Bloomstine that the fellowship and trip abroad was a "transformative experience," particularly after the outbreak of war in Israel in 2023, which resulted in increased anti-Semitism on U.S. college campuses and frequent anti-Israel protests.

Surrounded by like-minded campus leaders who are deeply committed to ensuring truth prevails, Heller has been inspired and reassured. He believes that the next generation of leaders in his country will continue to champion Western values and support Israel. Heller is grateful to ICC for the opportunity to engage with experts on the Israel-Palestine conflict and professionals dedicated to advancing peace in the Middle East. He eagerly anticipates watching the remarkable cohort of young leaders evolve into policy makers.

Last school year, college campuses across the country were inundated with agitators and student protesters who demonstrated against the war in Israel. This movement also led to a rise in instances of antisemitism and Jewish students publicly expressing their concerns about feeling unsafe on certain campuses.

In New York City, protesters at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall building took control, while schools such as UCLA, Harvard, and Yale worked to clear encampments where protesters demanded their elite schools completely divest from Israel.

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched a war in Israel, resulting in an increase of antisemitism on campuses through protests, graffiti, and students feeling unsafe. Jewish students at some schools, including Columbia, were advised to leave campus for their own safety.

In May, Planet Chronicle Digital exclusively reported that anti-Israel radicals were circulating guides on Penn's campus that instructed agitators on how to break into buildings, escalate protests, create weapons, and administer first aid.

The Abraham Accords principles are being reinforced by the next generation, as highlighted by Martin and Lauren Geller, the sponsors of the program, in comments to Fox Digital.

The Geller International Fellowship is more than just a program; it is an investment in the future of leaders who are dedicated to strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel and upholding the principles of the Abraham Accords. We are proud to partner with Israel on Campus Coalition, whose exceptional leadership ensures that students gain a transformative understanding of Israel's heritage, innovation, and resilience, and prepares them to be leaders in the pro-Israel movement on campus and in their communities. Supporting this fellowship is an honor, and we are inspired by the impact these students will have as advocates for Israel on campuses and beyond. Martin Geller is the founder and chairman of wealth management firm Geller & Company.

Prior to his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2020 presidential election, Trump pledged on the campaign trail to expand the Abraham Accords if he were re-elected. Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.

Trump stated during an interview with Al Arabiya in October that if he won, his top priority would be to bring everyone in and achieve peace in the Middle East. This is crucial and highly important, he emphasized, and it will definitely happen.