The Center for the Study of Italian Culture, founded with the help of the Friends of the Hebrew University in Italy, has been part of the European Forum at the Hebrew University since May 2005. The aims of the Italian Center are to promote academic relations between Italy and Israel; explore the heritage of Italian Jewry and its contribution to the state of Israel; investigate the many aspects of Italy's role in the EU, especially within the Mediterranean region; develop working relationships in a number of academic disciplines with Italian universities and scholars; organize conferences and workshops on Italian themes; coordinate research projects, grant scholarships, invite guest lecturers, and facilitate exchanges of students and faculty; and to educate the coming generation of Israelis - tomorrow’s researchers, politicians, artists, and journalists - in the history, culture, economy, and politics of Italy.