Jordan Falkenstein

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere

I guess you can say my decision to participate in the MA in Security and Diplomacy program at Tel Aviv University was rather an easy one.  As far as I can remember, I had always been in love with Israel, its people, culture, history and landscape.

It was a dream come true to spend a year in one of the most talked about regions of the world and gain a real appreciation of the Holy Land.  I had previously completed my BA (Hons) at York University in History and Political Science and already had a strong political background in Canadian Federal Politics, having been involved with local political associations from a very young age.  During my final semester as an undergraduate, I began searching for a Post Graduate degree where I would gain exposure to Israel and the political mindsets of the Middle East. Then on one typically freezing February morning on campus in Toronto, I discovered this program when I was approached by an Israeli in sandals and a T-shirt with a brochure regarding M.A. programs in Israel.

 It was definitely the greatest decision I have ever made. Major Gen. (Ret.) Prof. Itzik Ben-Israel exposed us to Israel’s ever evolving strategic doctrine and gave us an appreciation for the genius behind Israel’s successful breakaway from isolation. He focused on Israel’s strengths and handling of the growing threats from her hostile neighbors. At the same time, he shared how Israel became a visible success on the global stage.  On the other hand, world renowned Professors Martin Van Creveld, Robbie Sabel and  Dr. Tamar Meisels consistently forced me to challenge myself and my understanding of international law, morality and the direction in which our world is shifting in terms of conflict and international relations.