In the Israeli countryside, the kalanit — a bold red wildflower — always blooms in the middle of winter. For the founders of Kalaniyot, a USC faculty-led initiative, the chapter is named after the flower that symbolizes what they hope to create: a resilient, vibrant academic community built to endure difficult times.

Kalaniyot at USC is part of a national effort to support Israeli researchers and scholars through fellowship opportunities and academic community building. The chapter now has around 12 faculty members and is in the process of recruiting more students.

“The original idea of Kalaniyot is an umbrella for affiliated universities to support faculty and initiative to advance academic excellence by deepening the connections, ties with Israeli researchers and academics and building [a] supportive campus community,” said Hagit Arieli-Chai, co-director of USC’s chapter.

Kalaniyot launched its first chapter in October 2023 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has since expanded to campuses including Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Medical School and Columbia University. However, USC’s chapter is the first chapter launched on the West Coast and led by women co-directors. 

“USC really has a very rich environment in all research disciplines, and we would like many professors to take that opportunity to advance relationships and ties with universities in Israel,” said Arieli-Chai.

Dave Cohn, executive director of Hillel at USC, said the Kalaniyot chapter is an essential presence on campus. 

“I believe that the moment we’re living in calls for proactive constructive approaches, and this very much feels like it is one that could lead to really positive outcomes for the health of the campus community,” Cohn said. 

Cohn said the chapter may encounter challenges in its operations and growth, especially given the climate surrounding discussions of Israel on college campuses.

“We’re living in an environment that subjects everything connected to Israel to intense scrutiny. We’re living in an environment where Israeli products are boycotted,” he said. “That phenomenon could mean that this effort faces headwinds from those who would rather not see this kind of energy applied to boosting Israeli contributions to scholarship on campus.”

Arieli-Chai said that Kalaniyot is ultimately about human connection through scholarship.

“I just want to make sure that [it] will open up a discussion into the [Israeli] historic components, historical events and what we can educate in terms of tolerance and acceptance and find that bridge.” said Arieli-Chai, also a coordinator for USC’s Hebrew language program.

The program currently supports several Israeli fellows at USC, and Arieli-Chai said more scholars are expected to join in the coming semesters. For those navigating a new country, culture and academic environment, she said it was important to create a welcoming space. 

“Our aim is [to] also invite as many faculty to different events that are related to Israel studies, Jewish studies, and that will be a network within a network, because it’s embedded into the whole culture of USC,” Arieli-Chai said.

Susan Hess, co-director of the USC Kalaniyot chapter alongside Arieli-Chai, emphasized the importance of cultivating inclusive academic spaces that prioritize listening and mutual understanding. The goal is to provide a forum where scholars of differing perspectives can engage thoughtfully and humanely.

“Having different views is encouraged, but how do we have discussions that are respectful and that we’re seeing humanity?” said Hess, also an associate professor of practicum education. “Our hope is that we won’t have to have voices being raised or characteristic attacks, that it’s more about a dialogue and learning from each other.”

The Kalaniyot team plans to expand its programming in the coming months and deepen its partnerships with other departments and organizations. Both Hess and Arieli-Chai said they hope to involve more students going forward.

Stella Muzin contributed to this report.