10/30/2013 1:32:00 AM

TERPS FOR ISRAEL

HAMAS CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR TUNNELS

After the recent discovery of a massive tunnel beneath the Israel-

Gaza border, Hamas militants publicly claimed responsibility for it

and expanded about its purpose. In an interview, their

spokesperson, Abu Obaida, said that armed Hamas brigades dug

the tunnel. They had hoped that the tunnels would enable them to

force Israel to release Palestinians prisoners by bargaining with

Israel following capture of an Israeli. Their inspiration for this plan

is the deal when Israel exchanged 1,027 prisoners for soldier Gilad

Shalit. Gilad Shalit had been captured near a similar tunnel in 2006

and was only released in 2011.

The 1.5 mile long tunnel was discovered on October 7th by

Israel, who then accused Hamas of constructing it. Capturing

Israeli soldiers is their most effective strategy for freeing

Palestinian prisoners and the tunnels allow them to do so. By

sneaking under the border using a network of tunnels, Hamas aims

to again capture an Israeli soldier to use as a bargaining chip for

the release of many more prisoners.

TERPS FOR ISRAEL IS THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND'S ONLY BIPARTISAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION

WORKING TO STRENGTHEN AND SECURE THE U.S.-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP. TFI ENGAGES BOTH STUDENT

LEADERS ON CAMPUS AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND THEIR STAFF IN D.C.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Recent discovery of

tunnels into Israel

Karnit Flug

appointed head of

BoI

Israeli scientist’s

discovery about leaf

colors

Helping bring water

to the West Bank

New Senate bill for

Israel-U.S. energy

TFI Update

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

http://terpsforisrael.weebly.com

TERPS ADVOCATING FOR THE U.S.-ISRAEL RELATIONSHIP

OCTOBER 31, 2013

FIRST WOMAN APPOINTED HEAD OF BANK OF ISRAEL

On Sunday afternoon Dr. Karnit Flug was selected

as the new Bank of Israel governor, ending several months

of uncertainty for the bank. Dr. Flug, a mother of two with

an economics doctorate from Columbia University, was not

the first choice for the post. The choosing of Dr. Flug

comes after a months-long process. Netanyahu did not

originally favor Dr. Flug and offered several foreign

candidates the position before her.

Stanley Fischer, the previous governor of the bank

recommended Dr. Flug upon his resignation. Yet, Dr. Flug

was named only after Lawrence Summers, former US

Treasury secretary and president of Harvard University

turned down the post.

Although Dr. Flug threatened to resign in July when

she was passed over for the post, she is now grateful that

she remained at the bank. This appointment marks a

significant moment in history, as Dr. Flug is the first

woman to hold this position.

Read More: Hamas tunnels: Times of Israel

Dr. Karnit Flug: Times of Israel Leave Colors: Times of Israel

DISCOVERING THE REASONS

BEHIND LEAF COLORS

Israeli scientist Simcha Lev-Yadun has

figured out that trees change the color of

their leaves as a means of survival. The nice

autumnal red indicates that the tree is

fighting insects while the yellow shows that

the tree is not fighting against herbivores as

much. In Israel, there is enough rain for the

native trees to continue growing during the

wintertime. In order to cause the colors of

leaves to change, Israel has imported several

different varieties of trees from northern

climate zones. At Rehovot’s Weizmann

Institute, there is an acclimatization park,

where trees from around the world are grown

to research how they adapt to a range of

climate and soil types.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

OCTOBER 31, 2013

ISRAELIS HELP BRING WATER TO WEST BANK As cooperation between the Israeli government and its neighbors

remains tense, individuals and entrepreneurs are finding common

ground in projects that help bring water to and recycle water in the

West Bank. Many of the suppliers for the ongoing overhaul of the

Palestinian water sector are Israeli companies. In other cooperative

projects, Israelis and Palestinians are working together to develop and

implement wastewater-recycling programs. Avraham Israeli, president

of the Israel Water Association, an organization involved in one of

these cooperative projects sees these projects as “a very good example

of how cooperation and technology can bring at least local solutions.”

Other’s such as Dr. Loay Hidmi, director of water supply and sanitation

at Jordanian firm SaafConsult, emphasized the vitality of upgrading

water technologies through regional collaboration and sees water as “an

excellent forum on which to start [regional] communication.”

Read more: Water in West Bank: Jerusalem Post

Senate bill for energy: Jerusalem Post

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

OCTOBER 31, 2013

Fast facts about Israel:

Israelis developed

the first cell phone

Israel has the highest

ratio of university

degrees to population

in the world

Israel recycles 75%

of its wastewater

Israel’s bank notes

have Braille on them

so that blind people

can identify them

The glue on Israel’s

stamps is certified

kosher

A bipartisan group of senators recently proposed a bill aimed at

enhancing ties between Israel and the United States with regards

to energy research and development. The United States-Israel

Energy Cooperation Enhancement Bill promotes cooperation in

a variety of areas concerning energy, such as academics,

business, and scientific research. If the bill is passed, it should

serve to greatly help the energy sector in both the United States

and in Israel, especially after the recent discovery of natural gas

in Israel.

SENATE BILL PROPOSED TO HELP ENERGY IN U.S. AND ISRAEL

For our future meetings, we will be discussing issues relating to the U.S.-Israel

relationship. Next meeting we will focus on the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act. In

addition, please be sure to keep up with your Ngauge points and read Josh’s email from a

few days ago to see what everyone should be doing now. Also, we will be sending a

delegation to AIPAC’s Saban Leadership Seminar this winter. This is an amazing

experience to both learn and network with fellow college student advocates from around

the country during an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. If you are interested,

please apply via this form: Saban Interest Form

TERPS FOR ISRAEL HOUSEKEEPING

For those of you thinking about spring or summer internships, the Embassy of Israel

has a great program designed to provide students with an inside look at the day-to-

day activities of the Embassy. The program is an excellent opportunity for college

students to receive valuable insight into U.S.-Israel relations and the nature of Israeli

diplomacy.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the attached application and send

your resume and cover letter to Renee Best at culture@washington.mfa.gov.il.