The Washington Post recently published an insightful article on the Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF), which highlights its vital role in supporting displaced scholars amid global crises. The piece includes interviews with Dr. Sami Muslih, a mathematical physicist from Gaza, who began his fellowship at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign after fleeing the ongoing violence in his home country.
Dr. Muslih shared his experience of finding refuge and academic opportunity in the U.S., stating, “I am very happy that I am engaging completely now in my research.” His journey reflects the broader theme of the article, which discusses how conflicts like the Israel-Gaza war disrupt education, limiting opportunities for young adults and stifling scientific progress.
Dr. Wendy Wolford, Vice Provost for International Affairs at Cornell University, one of the most active U.S. host partners for IIE-SRF, emphasized the mutual benefits of hosting displaced scholars. She noted that providing a space for academic freedom enriches the campus community and fosters engagement across diverse perspectives.
The article also highlighted IIE’s recent announcement of a historic $33 million in trustee gifts to support programs that protect scholars under threat and expand educational opportunities for displaced students. This significant funding, led by prominent supporters including Thomas S. Johnson and Mark A. Angelson, represents the largest commitment in IIE’s history, reinforcing the organization’s mission in response to increasing global crises.
Dr. Allan Goodman, CEO of IIE, acknowledged the ongoing need for support, stating, “We’re going to be doing this on a global basis, unfortunately, for a very long time,” as applications from threatened scholars continue to rise.
As the world watches ongoing conflicts, the disruption of education remains a profound and often overlooked consequence, making the work of organizations like IIE-SRF increasingly crucial.