PEACE with Penny: Penny S. Tee Interviews Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, New Director of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies. He is the first appointment of a Palestinian to head an Academic Institute in Israel.

Dr. Abu Hamed has an impressive resume. He served at the Arava Institute previously as the Academic Director and the Director of the Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation since 2016. Dr. Abu Hamed also served in the Israeli Ministry of Science, Technology and Space, first as the Director of Engineering and Applied Research and then as Deputy Chief Scientist, including three months as Acting Chief Scientist of the State of Israel.

The Arava Institute also has a unique resume. It offers students an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in a cross-cultural environment with others who are equally passionate about building a more sustainable future. Their students and interns are comprised of approximately one third Jewish Israeli; one third Arab, including Palestinians from the West Bank, Jordanians, and Arab citizens of Israel; and one third international students, primarily from North America.

This work helps save our planet and it’s people by simultaneously working on Peace and conserving natural resources. What better way to finally get the job done?

May You Live in Peace, שלום and سلام.