/// THE ARGOV FELLOWS PROGRAM IN LEADERSHIP AND DIPLOMACY

The Argov Fellows Program strives to cultivate a core group of highly qualified and skilled individuals with a strong passion to lead change on issues crucial to Israeli society and the Jewish people. For the past 17 years, the more than 350 program alumni (50% women) have attained leading roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors in Israel and around the world.

According to the founding academic director, Dr. Alisa Rubin, the program has taken an interdisciplinary approach to give the students the skills to deal with an uncertain and rapidly changing world: the ability to think creatively, critically and flexibly; to communicate effectively; and to work well with others. The curriculum now emphasizes the acquisition of skills rather than knowledge since the information revolution has flooded the world with data and highlighted the acute need to be able to make sense of it.

The fundamental purpose of the program is to invest in Israel’s human capital by educating for leadership, and invest in the fellows as individuals who want to affect change in our society. Throughout the Argov year, the program focuses on helping each fellow identify their guiding values and fulfill their goals through a highly individualized approach, with a significant devotion to mentoring and personal development.

The Argov Program has an increasing emphasis on group dynamics to combat trends of polarization around the world. It sets the goal of working together harmoniously while respecting difference as a model for our society. The group experience is a major part of the fellowship, and a new class on “Psychological Aspects of Leaders and Groups” is dedicated to identifying personal strengths and engaging in extensive group work as preparation for the real world.

The program is now open to students from all of Reichman University’s schools, and each class includes students from a wide range of backgrounds. The Class of 2023 includes: our first Bedouin student who is eager to promote Israel’s image in the world; the CEO of the IDF Paratroopers 890 NGO who is passionate about improving the state of mental health in our society; and an entrepreneur working on a high-tech venture to improve the vision of children suffering from “lazy eye” in a fun and effective way.

Earlier this year, the program hosted the Bavarian Elite Academy delegation and exchanged thoughts and ideas about the ties of our countries and the challenges facing democracies. The University will continue to partner with them in its visit to the EU during the annual winter study tour to the United States and Europe.