Our Mission

PDLI seeks to create a space on campus where top civilian & military students can engage in a nuanced conversation about the U.S. role in the Middle East, focusing on Israeli & Palestinian societies with 5 overarching objectives: 

  1. To give students the tools to explore the U.S.-Israel relationship, the U.S. role in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship, and the challenges facing both the U.S. and her allies in the region,

  2. To foster civil-military understanding and dialogue,

  3. To provide an incisive look into Israeli and Palestinian society, culture, and politics, 

  4. To convey a nuanced understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the region as a whole by connecting high-level strategic dialogue with realities on the ground,

  5. To develop a strong community on campus and beyond interested in engaging with and discussing these issues.

What does this mean in practice?

​Each year, PDLI chooses approximately 30 Fellows (20 Yalies & 10 West Pointers) to join in a year-long exploration of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Fellows begin their journeys on campus, where they attend PDLI speaker events and conferences. Towards the end of each academic year, Fellows participate in the program's capstone - a ~10-day trip to the region where all they've been learning over the course of the year will be put to the test. Throughout the Fellowship, not only will Fellows learn about the history and culture of the region, but they will also learn to engage with the highest echelon of decision-makers in the political, business, academic, and military worlds. PDLI strives to achieve a discussion that is both respectful and truly open, which we consider necessary for confronting these complex issues. No question, regardless how controversial, is off-limits.

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By the Numbers

7

Trips to the Middle East

210

Fellows and counting

20+

Different majors pursued by PDLI Fellows

1mm+

Raised in support

10+

Current & former Ambassadors engaging with PDLI

4

Current & former Heads of State engaging with PDLI

4

Major conferences held each year

9+

Publications running pieces by PDLI Fellows & leaders

Even More Numbers...

  • 6 Rhodes Scholars, 4 Marshall Scholars, 5 Schwarzman Scholars, and 2 Kerry Fellows among the PDLI community

  • 100+ Yalies; 40 West Point cadets; 15 UPenn students; 10 Georgetown Students; 8 Naval Academy Midshipmen; 4 Princetonians have been selected as PDLI Fellows