First-ever Emirati student arrives to study at Israeli university

• Published date: 15 June 2021
• Date: 15 June 2021
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The student, Mansoor bin Shamekh al-Marzooqi, has enrolled at IDC Herzliya and will study for a bachelor's degree in government while living at the student dormitories.

The 19-year-old student's arrival was heralded by a festive celebration in his honor.

IDC Herzliya's Raphael Recanati International School had students from 90 countries, with the UAE now being the 91st country, marked by the raising of the UAE flag on the campus's Avenue of Flags.

Marzooqi had decided to attend the university after his family forged a close friendship with Israeli businessman Patrick Assuline, who they had watched over in the UAE after he became deathly ill with COVID-19. It was at the advice of "Uncle Patrick" that Marzooqi transfer out of the University of North Texas in the US after finishing the first semester online, according to the Emirati daily The National.

"I chose to come to study in Israel out of a strong desire to contribute to the advancement of peace," Marzooqi said in a statement.

"The steps taken by the leaders of our two countries have given me the opportunity to come here and show our value, that of young people, in promoting cooperation for peace and prosperity," he said. "I heard from an Israeli friend of mine who attended the international school about IDC and the atmosphere here, and I feel very safe studying here. I am currently focusing on pursuing my bachelor's degree, and hope that in the future I can continue to my master's degree."

"Today marks yet another important milestone in our quest towards achieving our shared vision of engagement," said UAE...