On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Gordon Academic College of Education in Haifa had the honor of hosting Mr. Gilad Shadmon, Director General of the Israeli Ministry for Regional Cooperation, along with his team and three diplomatic delegations from Greece, Bulgaria, and Azerbaijan.
The festive event took place as part of a unique academic and cultural program that brings together international students from various countries to experience Israeli society and higher education firsthand.
Currently, Gordon College is hosting a delegation of students from Azerbaijan, Greece, and Bulgaria participating in a two-month program combining Hebrew language studies, exposure to Israel’s multicultural reality, and a variety of educational enrichment activities, including field trips, social encounters, and cultural workshops. The program is fully supported by the Ministry for Regional Cooperation and operated by the International Center at Gordon College in collaboration with the Continuing Education Unit. This initiative has also been made possible through the support of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Embassy in Bulgaria, led by Ambassador Yossi Levy Safri.
The event was attended by the Consul and Ambassador of Azerbaijan, the Ambassador of Bulgaria, and the Acting Ambassador of Greece, together with members of their diplomatic teams. The diplomats met with the students from their respective countries, listened to their reflections on the program, and discussed the broader significance of such intercultural and educational cooperation.
Ms. Shadia Sbait, Project Manager at Gordon’s International Center, welcomed the guests and emphasized the crucial role of academic collaboration in strengthening intercultural understanding and regional partnerships. A particularly moving moment occurred when three students delivered short greetings in Hebrew, sharing their appreciation for the opportunity to study and connect in Israel.
In his address, Mr. Shadmon highlighted that personal connections between people serve as the foundation for strong and lasting regional relations. The meeting concluded with words of appreciation from the ambassadors, who thanked Gordon College and the Ministry for Regional Cooperation for their leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting similar initiatives in the future.
