Arava Institute Combats Antisemitism and Islamophobia through Environmental Studies

By Nomi Harosh ‘25
In an effort to bring peace to the Middle East and curb the rise in antisemitism and islamophobia globally, one small but renowned organization in Israel is banking on sustainable agriculture as a solution. 

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The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is an academic institute with big ambitions: to help end the conflict between Israelis and Arabs by training a new generation of engineers, farmers and community activists who will find solutions for problems like water scarcity, energy shortages and the climate crisis– issues that transcend political boundaries in the Middle East. According to the Arava Institute’s vision, bringing together Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians and foreigners to solve critical environmental issues allows open dialogue on mutually beneficial economic empowerment that transcends politics and helps all inhabitants of the Arava region.
The Arava Institute is headquartered in Kibbutz Ketura, one of the few kibbutzim that still work, eat, relax and learn communally, and which is also considered a paradigm of sustainable and equitable development. Ketura owns a solar energy farm, several regenerative farming plots, an algae farm for antioxidant production and energy experiments and an argan tree grove for sustainable argan oil. On the Na’ale trip last year, the current sophomore and junior classes were able to visit Ketura and learn about the sustainability initiatives there.
“I really enjoyed our time at Kibbutz Ketura when we were on Na’ale,” said sophomore Noa Abergel. “I truly felt that our grade got to bond when we stayed at this Kibbutz as we were each introduced to this vastly different lifestyle of the desert. It was a really amazing and touching experience.”
Sophomore Maya Levine said, “During our stay at Kibbutz Ketura in Israel, I learned how the community works together to provide for each other in a Kibbutz.” 
Founded in 1996, the Arava Institute’s mission is to “advance cross-border environmental cooperation in the face of political conflict.” Students research and create new models of drought mitigation, regenerative agriculture, permaculture and crop resilience, which, the Institute argues, will break down the barriers of islamophobia and antisemitism, as members of different communities are forced to work together in close contact to solve universal issues. Teachers and students alike from various backgrounds come together to ensure their common region can sustain its agricultural practices and thereby sustain the culture and nations that populate it. 
“The Kibbutzniks and students at Ketura welcomed us and taught us about Kibbutz life,” said sophomore Brandon Sternthal. “It was amazing to learn about the education and social culture that exists.”  
The Arava Institute has an impressive roster of courses with accredited academic programs, research centers and international cooperation initiatives focused on a range of issues, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, transboundary water management and long-term socio-ecological research. In partnership with Ben-Gurion University, students can earn a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies. In addition, the Institute offers ongoing short-term seminars and internships in environmental and peace-building leadership.
“I know the Arava Institute is only available for college students and older, but I found it so intriguing that if I were able to I definitely would want to go and study there for a few weeks over the summer,” said sophomore Shayne Cytrynbaum. “I had such an amazing time at Kibbutz Ketura while on Na’ale, and I find the Institute’s approach to climate science, community resilience, and peace-building just so fascinating and creative.”
With a student body composed of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis and participants from around the world, the Arava Institute offers students an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading professionals while forming friendships that dispel prejudice and misunderstanding. Indeed, the Arava Institute may just have found the secret sauce to Middle East peace – an alliance between members of the region against the common threat of the climate crisis.