UW-Madison to suspend Jerusalem program

In response to Tuesday’s U.S. State Department travel warning to Americans in Israel, the UW–Madison will suspend its Jerusalem study-abroad program, effective Thursday, April 11.

Four undergraduate UW–Madison students are enrolled at the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University of through UW–Madison’s International Academic Programs.

The university is working with the students and their families to arrange for the students’ return to the United States.

“Our top priority is the safety of our students,” says Joan Raducha, director of International Academic Programs. “After careful consideration, we felt this was the most prudent course in light of the current situation.”

Tuesday’s State Department warning cited a “deteriorating security situation” and repeated previous advice to U.S. citizens not to go to Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It specified Jerusalem as a place Americans should consider leaving.

Students returning to the United States will remain enrolled at the UW–Madison throughout the remainder of the spring semester. IAP is working with the Hebrew University to arrange for participants to complete the remainder of their coursework in the United States to the extent possible.

UW–Madison recognizes that making arrangements with regard to credit, personal finances and departure will be stressful for returning students. The staff of International Academic Programs will be available to assist them in making the process as smooth as possible under the circumstances.

The University of California, University of Southern California, University of Washington and University of Colorado have taken similar steps in recent days.