Dear Friends,

I am writing to provide a brief update following the tumultuous events of recent days and to assure you that our University is holding up admirably under the present circumstances.

On Saturday evening, as events started to unfold, the University leadership instituted precautionary measures to assure the safety of our community. As of Sunday, April 15^th ─ the first day of the second semester ─ the University moved to “Corona Mode.” All courses were delivered by Zoom and most of the administrative staff worked from home. As we write this newsletter, we have returned to normal activities.

Despite multiple challenges, culminating in the Sunday morning attack, you may rest assured that we are part of a mature and stable academic community, linked by common goals, values and a resilience that has allowed us to manage through all the obstacles and challenges since October 7^th. Led by its experienced administrators and dedicated faculty, the University will persevere in its mission of providing an excellent education and instilling leadership qualities in our wonderful student body. 

We have, as well, some wonderful news. As most of you know by now, we have a president-elect who will assume office on October 1^st. Professor Gur Alroey, current Rector, brings to the table an impressive background that will serve him well in his capacity as President. He has been an outstanding and visionary Rector. During the last three years, Gur has reformed our academic structure, to improve both our effectiveness and efficacy. Gur and Ron share the same vision for the University’s future and this common theme will provide continuity during this period of uncertainty.

In his capacity as Rector, Gur led the search committee for his replacement. I am delighted to report that on April 11^th, the University Senate approved Professor Mouna Maroun as the next Rector of the University of Haifa. She will assume office on October 1^st. Mouna is a brilliant neuroscientist and her skills will serve us well as the University moves towards creating a new School of Medicine and the attendant strengthening of its life sciences. Mouna is also the first Arab to ever serve in this critical position, and one of only a few women to hold a senior position in any Israeli university. We are proud to be trailblazers, committed to electing leaders based solely and exclusively on academic excellence and leadership skills. The appointment of Gur as President and Mouna as Rector forms a formidable partnership poised to navigate our institution through these challenging times. Both leaders have ascended to their respective roles after distinguished, stellar careers within our University.

Finally, I remind you all that our Board of Governors Meeting will take place on June 2-3. We trust that current affairs notwithstanding, we will have an in-person Board of Governors, where you will hear the State of the Union address summarizing Ron Robin’s impressive tenure and have an opportunity to hear the vision of the President-elect, Gur Alroey. Please make every effort to join us on this auspicious occasion to celebrate the many accomplishments achieved during Ron Robin's eight years, and to share our collective aspirations for an even brighter future. 

Sincerely,

Bradley M. Bloom
Chairman of the Board of Governors

The University of Haifa is proud to announce the appointment of Prof. Mouna Maroun as Rector. Prof. Maroun, currently the Vice President and Dean of Research, brings a distinguished record of trailblazing achievements. She is a first-generation university graduate and the first woman from her hometown of Isfiya to earn a PhD. Additionally, she is the first Arab woman in Israel to hold a senior faculty position in the natural sciences. Her pioneering neuroscience research, exploring stress and fear responses, could pave the way for new treatments tailored exclusively for children and adolescents. Prof. Maroun will begin her tenure in October 2024. 

Ambassador Jack Lew recently visited the University of Haifa, meeting with President Ron Robin, Rector Prof. Gur Alroey, and VP and Dean of Research and Development Prof. Mouna Maron. He and his team also met with the Dean of Students Prof. Batya Engel-Yeger and a diverse cohort of students to learn from their experiences amidst the ongoing conflict.  Ambassador Lew expressed appreciation for the University's commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and sustainability during these difficult times.

University of Haifa welcomed its largest benefactor, Mrs. Herta Amir, who has generously pledged her support to establish the University's future School of Medicine. During her campus visit, she toured potential building sites with President Robin, Rector Alroey, Mr. Sharon Zaid (VP and CEO), and Prof. Haim Bitterman (Founding Dean of the new school). A celebratory luncheon was held in her honor at the Aviva and Sammy Ofer Observation Gallery. Haifa's Mayor, Mr. Yona Yahav, and his wife Prof. Rivka Yahav, members of the University's Administration and Deans were all in attendance. At the event, Mayor Yahav delivered words of greeting, and Prof. Bitterman presented the vision behind establishing a School of Medicine in northern Israel at the University.

*Herta Amir, an honorary life member of the Board of Governors, along with her late husband Paul (Shmuel) Amir, z"l, have been dedicated supporters of the University of Haifa and Israel. Both are recipients of UofH Honorary Doctorates. Their generosity contributed to the construction of the Herta and Paul Amir Health Sciences Building, a significant renovation of the Herta and Paul Amir Faculty of Social Sciences building, and support for the Returning Scientists Program.

During a recent visit to Haifa, the University of Haifa had the privilege of hosting members of the Frieze family. The family met with President Robin, and participated in student workshops led by the Division for Diversity, Inclusion and Community, which they generously support. The Division's programs have been instrumental in empowering first-generation minority college students. These programs help students overcome Hebrew language barriers, develop essential "soft skills" for the job market, and prepare for academic and career success. Alongside these meetings, the Frieze family toured the City Campus and interacted with Computer Science students and alumni.

Congratulations to Prof. Oren Gazal-Ayal and Dr. Yifat Aran on being awarded the prestigious Cheshin Award for Academic Excellence in Law. Professor Gazal-Ayal received the award in the senior researcher category, while Dr. Aran was recognized in the young researcher category.

Interest in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has surged since the Gaza war outbreak. Traumatic memories can resurface years later, disrupting the lives of those who suffer from PTSD. A research team led by Dr. Ami Ritter at Dr. Oded Klavir's Neural Circuits of Behavior Lab has made promising strides in the field. Their findings demonstrate that blocking specific brain pathways in mice previously frightened by robotic toy beetles eliminated their fear response. This suggests that a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying PTSD could lead to faster diagnosis and potentially even the repair or reversal of fear-related problems. The study was recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications. READ MORE in NoCamels and the Jerusalem Post

Credit: Hagai Nativ/Morris Kahn Marine Research Station

A novel research study conducted at Eilat's dolphin reef has revealed that ship noises disrupt dolphin communications. Led by Prof. Roee Diamant and Dr. Aviad Scheinin (Charney School of Marine Sciences), the study used artificial intelligence to analyze 60,000 dolphin whistles in the presence and absence of ships. The findings show that dolphins alter communication patterns near ships, potentially due to stress. Published in Scientific Reports, the study emphasizes the need for further understanding of marine noise pollution's impact on wildlife. READ MORE in NoCamels

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