Project Interchange (PI) is an American program that arranges education visits and seminars to Israel for American and international leaders in different fields. Established in 1982, PI is run by the American Jewish Committee.
Each year, PI invites 300 professionals from journalism, religion, government, health care, security, and academia to participate. Since 1982, over 6,000 participants from over 115 countries have attended PI programs.[1]
Each PI delegation's week-long visit is customized to emphasize their specific interests. Activities include site visits and meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian professionals, policy-makers, civil society leaders, and government officials.[2]
Impact
In 2008, PI offered 25 seminars for more than 300 participants, including university presidents, clergy, journalists, public health leaders, state officials, Rhodes Scholars, UN ambassadors, immigration and integration experts, and environmental experts.
On their return to their home countries, PI encourages participants to write articles, give interviews, begin collaborations with partner organizations in Israel, and get involved with local issues of common concern with the Jewish community.[3]
Notable Alumni
Gillian Bird, Former Australian Ambassador to the United Nations[4]
Lonnie Bunch III, Founding Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture