Dermer was interviewed by in a Q&A-format discussion. Topics included Israeli-U.S. relations, democracy in the world, the Israel election process and Dermer’s early life in Florida as part of a family dedicated to public service.

Much of the discussion centered on the Middle East and Israeli’s role in the region. Dermer said he believes that, ultimately, “democracy and freedom will penetrate the free world.”

While acknowledging that “these things don’t always go in a straight line” and the process could take decades, Dermer is optimistic that democracy will prevail in the Middle East and that Israel’s influence will play a major role.

“Israel is a beacon of freedom in the Middle East,” Dermer said.

Dermer also addressed the importance and future of U.S.-Israel relations saying that the two countries have “shared interests, shared values and a shared sense of destiny.”

Jennings asked Dermer about the Israeli economy and the country’s unique ability to innovate.

“There’s no question that the genius of our people is the free market,” Dermer said. “Israel is poised to seize the future.”

He explained that Israelis have a history of challenging the status quo and seeking new and better solutions. This approach has led to many innovations, particularly in technology.

Dermer is the second Israeli Ambassador to speak as a McConnell Center guest. Itamar Rabinovick spoke in 1994.

Before his appointment as U.S. ambassador to Israel, Dermer’s previous roles included Israel’s minister of economic affairs and a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Finch, who works with the department of early childhood and elementary education and is a supervisor of methods and student teachers at Portland, gave the teachers a tour of the school, answered questions and provided information on the UofL-Portland partnership.

The Israeli educators were curious to learn more about public education in the United States and asked questions about curriculum, instructional methods, and assessment.

“Israel models its education system after that of the United States. We are about two years behind what you do here, including accountability,” reported one of the visiting teachers.

Finch has conducted research on multicultural education and diversity in schools and he volunteered to host the teacher visit in collaboration with administrators at Portland.