To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Camp David peace accords, Yachad -- Penn State Friends of Israel, has declared this week "Israel Awareness Week."

Yachad President Doug Rike said the group will sponsor several activities to honor the peace efforts and show other aspects of the 41-year-old nation's culture.

"The purpose of Israel Awareness Week is to highlight the positive political achievements in the Middle East and (showcase) Israeli cultural opportunities available to Penn State students," Rike explained.

Events this week include:

-- A lecture by Amnon Efrat, Philadelphia consul from Israel. Efrat was in attendance during the 1979 peace talks, and will speak at 7:30 tonight in the HUB Gallery Lounge about the historic agreement and other peace attempts in the area.

-- A cake-cutting ceremony. Titled "Piece for Peace," the display will take place at noon today on Old Main's steps.

-- A discussion about political lobbying for the Middle East. Matt Levin, field organizer for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, DC, will speak on Thursday at 7:30 in the HUB Gallery Lounge about paid internship opportunities. AIPAC is one of the largest pro-Israel lobbying groups.

-- A presentation of student programs in Israel. A member of the Philadelphia Aliyah desk, Israel Gur, will be in the HUB basement from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, showing videotapes and answering questions about immigration and educational opportunities.

Gabriela Warat, program chairwoman for Yachad, said the programs will give students a better understanding of what the Middle East is really like. She explained that many stereotypes associated with the area deter students from visits.

Contrary to popular images of fighting terrorists, Israel contains much history and many different traditions, Warat said. She referred to the land as the cradle of Western civilization, for it was the founding place of three major religions -- Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

In addition, Warat said, Israel like the United States is a country of immigrants, making both nations melting pots of many different cultures.

"I think in Israel, you can get a taste of every country," she said.

Aside from culture, Rike said other practical reasons exist for going to Israel. Right now travel is affordable, he said, and the country is perfect for outdoor activities, such as hiking and water sports.

Warrat added that agricultural students may be interested in the country because of its revolutionary farming techniques.

"It's incredible what they make -- turning desert into green," she said.

Celebrating the accomplishments of Israel is only part of this week's activities, Rike said. He said that the main concentration is on international peace efforts, especially the Egypt-Israel agreements in 1979.

"Ten years is a significant number. Ten years is a long time for peace in the Middle East," he said.

Rike encouraged all students to attend. Hopefully, the programs will stir interest in other students as well, he said.

"We want to get this message across, not just to Zionists," he added.