A group of academics from Central Asian republics is currently visiting Israel to study Jewish communities in the region. The delegation, organized by the Ben-Zvi Institute and supported by the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, aims to explore the history of Jewish communities in Central Asia and their connections to Israel.
The delegation, consisting of nine scholars from Muslim-majority countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is learning about Jewish and Israeli history, as well as the ongoing conflict in the region. The group has met with local council members in Ramla, toured the Old City in Jerusalem, and visited important religious sites.
Dr. Vladimir Paramonov from Uzbekistan and Dr. Mukhitdin Sabirov from Tajikistan shared their experiences of visiting Israel for the first time. They expressed their excitement about exploring Israeli culture and history, breaking stereotypes, and fostering academic and cultural exchanges between their countries and Israel.
The delegation’s visit highlights the importance of academic cooperation and mutual understanding between diverse societies, despite geopolitical tensions.