In the same way there is an exchange rate that translates the value of currency in one country to its value in another, Tal Becker wishes there was an exchange rate for words in the Mideast. That way, words like “peace,” and “democracy” could be given a numerical weight based on the context in which they were uttered.
Palestinian violence and financial meltdowns aside, travel program leaders unanimously point to one cause for a dramatic drop in teenage visitors to the Jewish state over the past decade: Taglit-Birthright Israel.
Over the years, Israel has spent millions in the French-speaking Western African nation of Senegal. In return, Senegal has supported Israel, including signing over oil prospecting rights.