On May 2 and 3, 2006, American Friends gathered for a pair of New York events featuring two noted Hebrew University authorities on Middle East relations.

At a spring symposium held on May 2, Professors Shlomo Aronson, of the Department of Political Science, and Raphael Israeli, a professor emeritus from the Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, addressed congregants and AFHU special guests at Temple Israel on New York City's Upper East Side. Entitled "Fanatics and Fanaticism," the evening's discussion centered around the professors' frank analysis of the road ahead for Israel and the Middle East peace process. Chaired by Edmund Bogen, the event was attended by Richard D. Weinberg, President of the AFHU's Greater New York Region Board, and board of trustees members Stanley Bogen and Adi Raviv.

On May 3, Professors Aronson and Israeli were on hand to serve as keynote speakers for a breakfast lecture, themed "Distinguishing the Passionate Faithful from the Political Fanatics," which was held at the law firm of Herrick, Feinstein LLP. Well-attended by members of the legal and business communities, the morning was part of a lawyers lecture series chaired by Arthur G. Jakoby, Esq., Roger L. Stavis, Esq., and Jerome G. Snider, Esq. Again focusing their discussion the Middle East, the speakers gave their thoughts and answered questions concerning Israel's unique challenges as a Jewish state in a vastly non-Jewish region. Special guests included AFHU Chairman of the Board Ira Lee Sorkin and Martin E. Karlinsky, Esq., incoming president of the Greater New York Region.

In his farewell to guests following the morning's activities, co-chair Jerome Snider stated: "Some of us have to run off to work to make money to give to The Hebrew University."

See Photos from event below: