February 18th, the second course on «Modern Israel», jointly designed by MGIMO and the Israel Institute in Washington, was launched by the Ambassador of Israel in Russia, Harry Koren. The guest remarked with gratitude that the Russian population’s increased interest in Israel is partly MGIMO’s doing.

MGIMO’s Rector for General Affairs Artem Malgin presented the program of the course to the students, noting that it would deal with current economic, political and social issues, and would be taught by invited professors from different universities in Israel.

The first lecture was dedicated to «Zionism and the Russian Empire» and was delivered by a Professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Semion Goldin. The Professor spoke about the origins of modern Zionism and the complex relationship between the imperial leaders and the Zionist movement in Russia and abroad during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Course is sponsored by MGIMO’s School of Business and International Proficiency and the Embassy of Israel in Russia and will run until the end of May.