Ilan Weiss’s Unforeseen Journey: From TAU to Columbia and Back

 Ilan Weiss was thrilled when he was accepted into the Dual Degree Program offered by Columbia University.The program, in partnership with Tel Aviv University (TAU) in Israel, would allow him to complete his four-year undergrad degree, with the ability to study for the first two years at Tel Aviv University before transferring to Columbia for the final two years of his Liberal Arts BA. This unique program combines the strengths of one of America’s elite universities with Israel’s most elite and prestigious university, providing students with a comprehensive education that spans two dynamic cultural and academic environments. The program was the ideal opportunity to combine his love for Israel with his academic ambitions.

Ilan grew up in Detroit, where he attended Franklin Hebrew Academy. His upbringing instilled in him a deep love for Israel and a keen interest in the history of the Middle East. It was that interest that inspired his desire to focus his education on Middle Eastern Studies. “From a young age, I was fascinated by the rich history and complexities of the Middle East,” Ilan shared. “I knew that I wanted to dedicate my studies to understanding this region better.” It was a dream to be living and studying in Israel. “Tel Aviv University is an incredible place. If you want to major in Middle East studies, it makes sense to do it here.” He jumped right in, immersing himself in the comprehensive curriculum that spanned a broad historical range, from the origins of Islam to modern geopolitical dynamics. The program provided a deep understanding of the region’s complexities, emphasizing the long historical context crucial for grasping contemporary issues. Ilan’s academic performance and active involvement in campus activities made him a standout student. He loved Tel Aviv, and he looked forward to his return to New York to continue his studies at Columbia.

In August 2023, Ilan began his first semester at Columbia University, filled with excitement and anticipation for the new opportunities that lay ahead. However, his experience at Columbia starkly contrasted with his expectations.

One of the immediate issues Ilan was surprised to be confronted with was his experience with the curriculum for Middle Eastern Studies at Columbia. Unlike the comprehensive historical approach at TAU, Ilan says that the Middle Eastern Studies courses he took at Columbia focused primarily on post-1948 events, beginning with the Nakba. The Nakba, or “catastrophe,” refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. This narrow timeframe provides little historical context for understanding Israel’s complex history and claims to the land. Ilan recalls, “They start teaching most of this history, not from the British Mandate, not from the Ottomans, not from anything even before that. They don’t even mention Israel becoming a state; they skip right to the war. And of course, if you skip right to when there is already war and consequences of war, you also don’t get to why there was war to begin with. I was shocked. At TAU, we studied the deep historical roots of the Middle East, but at Columbia, the courses I took completely ignored centuries of vital context,” says Ilan.  “It’s a glossing over of history.”

He felt increasingly uncomfortable as a Jewish student in the Middle Eastern Studies program. Although initially trying to integrate into the Columbia community, his discomfort grew due to the pervasive anti-Israel sentiment among students and faculty. “I love languages, and I wanted to take Arabic,” Ilan explained, “but I feared the reactions from classmates and professors who might question my motives as a Jewish student.”

Ilan tried to make the best of it. He buried himself in his studies; then October 7th happened. No words could express the horrific and barbaric attacks that were perpetrated on Israel. The very next day on October 8th, Ilan witnessed firsthand the vitriolic response on campus. “Israel hadn’t even entered Gaza yet,” Ilan said, “and already there were protests against Israel on campus. It was terrifying. Unlike other protests that were confined to designated areas, the pro-Hamas protesters spread across the campus, blocking walkways, harassing Jewish students, and preventing them from attending classes. “I realized then that I couldn’t stay in an environment where my safety was constantly at risk.” He added, “A bunch of us gathered on the lawn to say Kaddish for the victims. We sang Hatikvah, and we were literally chased into buildings. I knew it would get worse.”

After October 7th, the safety concerns for Jewish students became a significant issue. When protesters moved outside the campus gates, Ilan had to contend with them each day walking to his apartment. There were protests outside his building. Despite being in New York, a city with a significant Jewish population, Ilan felt increasingly isolated. He rarely came back to campus. Despite his efforts to integrate into the Columbia community, Ilan struggled to find his footing. The stark contrast between the close-knit, supportive environment at TAU and the atmosphere at Columbia was a significant adjustment for him. Despite these challenges, Ilan tried to persevere, hoping things would improve. However, the constant stress took a significant toll on him. In December, after completing his exams at the end of the semester, Ilan made the decision to end his studies at Columbia and return to Tel Aviv University. His family was extremely supportive.

The process of withdrawing and re-enrolling at TAU was surprisingly smooth, and Ilan felt an immense sense of relief upon his return. “When I made the decision to leave Columbia for good and return to TAU, it felt like a weight had lifted,” Ilan said. Back at TAU, he was welcomed with open arms by a supportive community of faculty and friends, and a familiar academic environment that valued comprehensive historical understanding and exploration. The return to TAU marked a new beginning for Ilan, allowing him to rebuild his confidence and refocus on his studies. “Now that I am in Israel, even in the midst of a war, I feel safer here,” Ilan said. “I’ve been embraced and supported by the TAU community. I don’t feel I lost anything by leaving Columbia. TAU is one of the top ranked universities in the world.” Ilan’s experience is a stark reminder of the importance of finding the right academic and social environment. His journey highlights the profound impact that a supportive community and a well-rounded curriculum can have on a student’s well-being and academic success.

For Ilan, returning to TAU was not just about completing his education; it was about finding a place where he could truly thrive, both personally and academically. A place where he could express his Judaism openly in a supportive environment. The contrast between the experiences at Columbia and TAU underscored the importance of a holistic educational approach that encompasses both academic rigor and personal well-being. Through his story, Ilan hopes to encourage other students to prioritize their mental health and seek environments that offer both academic excellence and community support. His courageous decision to leave Columbia and return to TAU underscores the importance of finding an environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

“Jewish students will find a safe home on campus in Israel,” Ilan advises. “I recommend everyone consider it.” Ilan’s story is not just about overcoming adversity; it’s also about the importance of community and the role it plays in academic success. At TAU, Ilan found a community that valued his contributions and supported his growth. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about the prestige of the institution but also about finding a place where one can flourish. His experience underscores the value of a holistic approach to education that prioritizes both academic excellence and personal well-being. Through his story, Ilan hopes to inspire other students to seek environments that support their growth and to prioritize their mental health and well-being in their academic journeys. Ilan has become an advocate for students facing similar challenges. He speaks openly about his journey, hoping to inspire others to seek environments that support their academic and personal growth. “It’s crucial to find a place where you feel safe and supported,” Ilan advises. “Your mental health and well-being are just as important as your academic achievements.”

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