The growing tension in Jerusalem-Cairo relations, particularly since the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak, is absent from Egyptian academic circles. Political hostility apart, on Egyptian campuses and among the intelligentsia, Israel is considered an object of interest and evokes much curiosity, something that would certainly surprise many Israelis.

Nine of the 14 state universities in Egypt, including Al-Azhar Islamic University, have Hebrew departments. Close to 20,000 students study Hebrew at these universities at any given point in time, most in colleges of Middle Eastern Studies. Each year, at least 2,000 students graduate with bachelor's degrees that include the study of Hebrew.

In addition to studying Hebrew, Egyptian academics work on numerous issues related to Israeli society and culture. The project for Hebrew to Arabic translation, most of which is a private initiative, includes major bestsellers that were published in Israel. The Egyptians are also very interested in Israeli politics and Judaism.

Dr. Yossi Amitay, a researcher of modern Egypt, served for four years as director of the Israeli Academic Center in Cairo, which operates through funds from Israeli universities, and its activity is stipulated in the peace treaty between the two countries. Amitay, who is fluent in Arabic, kept in close contact with academic Egyptians.