A $1 million British donation is helping Jersusalem's Shalem Centre to establish Israel's first US-style liberal arts college.
In London to promote the project, managing director of academic programmes Dr Amichai Magen said the aim was to create "the Oxbridge of Israel for lsraeli and Jewish leaders, politicians, diplomats and journalists of the future".

Due to open in 2012, it will offer a broad programme of arts, history, religion and philosophy.

The Chicago-based Conduit Foundation has donated $5 million and has agreed to match the $1 million from the anonymous British donor.

"I'm delighted the community here has been so receptive," Dr Magen said.