Unlike many foreign visitors to Washington, Klevitsky did not come to D.C. to tour the White House. She was one of the participants in this year’s Washington Center-John Hopkins University structured dialogue between local and foreign students. Klevitsky is an Israeli college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in government, diplomacy and strategy and a director of the “Young Business Leadership” program in Israel.
Why did you participate in the dialogue between Israeli and Washington Center students?
I think it is interesting to hear other people’s opinion. People take their time to study about our conflict. Which means we are not alone, but it’s also great that there is criticism.
You were in the Israeli army. What did you do there?
Yes, I am an officer in the army. I was a combat medic course commander. We do integration between the Ministry of Health, and the army, and the Red Cross, and the Palestinian health care in case of war. …
Did you participate in a war?
I participated in the operation in Gaza last year.
So, what are you doing in Washington?
I am a part of the students’ group from Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya. We study either government or law or communications or business [studies] and I came here for a 10-day conference with the John Hopkins University. Basically you are learning about the Middle East, trying to kind of learn from other people’s opinions.
Is that your first time in D.C.?
I have been in the U.S. before, but this is my first time in Washington.
How do you like D.C.?
I love D.C. …It’s a very clean city, the subway is clean, so it’s great.
In terms of Washington culture, what do you want to take back to Israel?
Definitely the patience and kindness, even in stores. I feel that Americans are much more patient.
— Hristina Ninova
