(JNS.org) In about a year’s time, Texas A&M University will open a campus in the northern Israeli city of Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab city. Education Minister Shay Piron said he hoped the new campus would become an alternative for Israeli Arabs who might otherwise go to Arab countries for university studies. “I see the new campus as another significant step in the integration of Israeli Arabs into society,” Piron said. “The goal is that Arabs and Jews will study as one at the campus.” Plans for the new campus were announced by Texas Governor Rick Perry, who is visiting Israel this week. While in Israel, Perry  met with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. Also in Israel this week is Governor Brian Sandoval of Nevada. Sandoval, who is visiting Israel for the first time to study desert farming techniques. Considered a rising Latino star in Republican party, he, too, met with Peres this week.