Professors share experiences after returning from West Bank Region
Three Utah State University professors have returned from a sabbatical at Arab American University in the Israeli city Jenin after rumors of possible threats to their safety.
Deloy Hendricks, professor in nutrition and food sciences, and his wife Cora returned Feb. 17 from Israel after living there since August. Jim Thomas, associate director of the international program, served as senior adviser at Arab American University in Jenin and returned with his wife Marilyn on Feb. 13.
Steve Hanks, dean of the College of Business, his wife and three children were also in Israel. Hanks’ family has returned to Logan, however he is currently in Taiwan, Hendricks said.
Thomas said, “The United States Security Services told us that ‘the American professors at the university were at more risk than ever before.'”
The mission director of United States Agency for International Development called Thomas and recommended once again, the professors needed to leave the area. Although the professors did not feel they were in any immediate danger, they chose to leave to avoid any problems that may jeopardize the future of other professors going to the university, Thomas said.
“I hope as soon as there is some kind of peace, I hope we convince Utah State University to go back and assist,” he said.
However, he said he “never felt threatened, saw anyone get hurt” and the Palestinians always took care of them.
Hendricks said, “They really tried to meet our needs. In spite of what was going on in Israel, we felt more of an appreciation for what we were doing at the university than any animosity.”
Since 2000, Thomas has been working as a senior adviser to the president of AAUJ. Both Thomas and Hendricks were in Israel during the attacks on Sept. 11, however Thomas said, “The violence in the last two weeks [in the Middle East] is worse than it’s ever been before.”
Hendricks taught a course on basic nutrition at the university. Hendricks and Thomas also team taught a course on nutrition and food security.
“The goal of the university was to be able to make them [the students] employable on an international market,” Hendricks said.
Both Hendricks and Thomas agreed teaching at AAUJ was an enjoyable experience.
“These students, in spite of all the hardship, violence, road closures,they would keep coming [to class]. I don’t think there’s one student at that university that hasn’t had a family member killed,” Thomas said.
In regards to the continuing conflict for the people in Israel, Hendricks said as a tear trickled from his eye, “We’re anxious for our friends.”