The Department of Middle East Studies at Bar-Ilan University focuses on the history, literature, religions, languages, politics, economics and cultures of the states and societies of the region. With courses on medieval and modern topics. The future of the State of Israel is dependent, more than anything, upon a profound comprehension of the billion-and-a-half strong Muslim population that surrounds – and lives within – the country, and this is the place to develop that comprehension.