In late May, history Professor Gregory J.W. Urwin traveled to Israel on a Foundation For Defense of Democracies Academic Fellowship on Terrorism — “Defending Democracy, Defeating Terrorism” — an intensive, 10-day course on terrorism and the threat it poses to democratic societies.

While based in Tel Aviv, he visited military bases, border zones and other security installations, and attended lectures by academics, diplomats, military and intelligence officials, and politicians from the Middle East, India and the United States.

“We were given unparalleled access to every level of the Israeli security system and government,” Urwin said. “Among the most chilling experiences was being able to enter the cell block of a maximum-security prison housing terrorists, [where] I got to speak to two terrorists — one from Hamas and one from the Popular Front.”

In an op-ed published in The Philadelphia Inquirer on June 27, Urwin explored the motivations behind terrorism and how Israel’s response to constant threat has differed from the United States’.

“Israel has found ways to cope with terrorism without stifling internal dissent or abrogating the rule of law,” he wrote.

“America could learn much from its longtime ally as it strives to better safeguard itself.”