The 14th Annual Law Conference addressed pressing national issues, including the recent court ruling on drafting Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) into the IDF. When asked by Dean Prof. Tal Zarsky about the military draft issue, Minister Arbel highlighted its complexity: 


This is not just a legal matter. The court has meticulously developed a legal framework over the years to address this, beginning with the requirement for legislation, adding the principle of equality to human dignity and liberty, and culminating in a constitutional challenge.

– MK Moshe Arbel, Minister of the Interior

Organized by the Faculty of Law in collaboration with the Haifa District of the Israel Bar Association, the conference featured prominent figures such as State Attorney Adv. Amit Aisman, Chief Military Advocate General Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, and Adv. Amit Becher, President of the Israel Bar Association. The gathering attracts a prestigious audience and features distinguished politicians and judiciary members, underscoring its significance in shaping Israel's legal discourse. READ MORE

Prof. Mouna Maroun, VP and Dean of Research and Incoming Rector, along with faculty members Prof. Simon Shamay-Tsoory and Prof. Ahmed Abu Akel from the School of Psychological Science, collaborated with researchers from the Hebrew University and the Weizmann Institute to publish an opinion piece in NATURE, opposing an academic boycott of Israel. They argue that such a boycott:

• Neglects 20% of university students as well as faculty members who identify as Arab or Palestinian.
• Overlooks Israeli academics' proven record of supporting human rights and challenging government policies.
• Undermines efforts to promote inclusivity, engagement and dialogue within the scientific community, which is a better path to fostering change in Israel.

The Carmel-Haifa Accelerator Program, funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Space, will support five innovative university projects, helping them reach the feasibility stage. Congratulations to the faculty members and their pioneering research:

• Prof. Anna Zamansky (Department of Information Systems): Monitoring the Quality of Life of Pets
• Prof. Kobi Rosenblum (Sagol Department of Neurobiology): Treating Depression via eEF2K Inhibitors
• Prof. Limor Goldner and Prof. Rachel Lev-Wiesel (School of Creative Arts Therapies): VR Therapeutic Protocol for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
• Prof. Sigal Zilcha-Mano (School of Psychological Science): Depression Monitoring and Diagnosis
• Prof. Sarah Rosenblum (Department of Occupational Therapy): Detection and Monitoring of Deficiencies in Daily Functioning

The program, with an annual budget of over NIS 1 million, provides mentorship, business development, and support from leading industry companies, aiming to advance these projects towards commercialization. The five projects were selected from 24 applications.

Batia Shani led the first of a four-part discussion series for her exhibit, "Embroidered in the Body," at the Younes & Soraya Nazarian Library, attracting a wide and diverse audience. Trained as a social worker and in needlework at the Royal School of Needlework, Batia's exhibit showcases a collection addressing social injustices, violence against women, refugees, and victims of child trafficking.This captivating exhibit, curated by Prof. Sharon Poliakine (Head, School of the Arts), opened during the 52nd Board of Governors Meeting and will run until October 24, 2024, in our new gallery space overlooking a serene sculpture garden.

Upcoming Discussions open to the General Public:

• July 28, 2024: "A Dialogue Between Two Women" with Prof. Leah Peretz, Dean of the School of Design
• August 1, 2024: "Art as a Healing Tool" with Rana Simaan Jubran, Social Worker
• September 11, 2024: "Art and Language, Art as Language" with Prof. Assi Meshullam, Department of Fine Art

The new journal, titled כדת וקאדין (الشريعة والقضاء) or "Sharia and Judiciary" in English, is Israel's first online journal dedicated to Sharia law. This initiative, a collaboration between the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies (headed by Prof. Uriel Simonsohn) and the Ministry of Justice, aims to provide a dedicated platform for academic and legal discourse on Sharia law in Israel. The journal, led by Prof. Karin Carmit Yefet (Faculty of Law) and Dr. Ido Shahar (Department of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies), seeks to make Sharia law more accessible to legal professionals and enhance the depth and breadth of its study and practice.

Twenty-six gifted youths participated in the University of Haifa Youth Division's first cohort of the "Idea" Summer Program, organized by the Future Scientists Center and the Ministry of Education. Over the course of the two-week program, they engaged with leading researchers from various fields and participated in social bonding activities such as bowling, cooking workshops, and Qigong sessions. They also toured the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Library, the Hecht Museum, and archaeology labs. At the closing ceremony, attended by family and friends, the students presented mini-research projects that were officially recognized by the Ministry of Education as fulfilling part of the students' matriculation requirements.
MORE ON YOUTH DIVISION ACTIVITIES

Prof. Benny Miller (Director, The National Security Center) was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award (2023-2024) from the Israeli Association for International Studies. Prof. Miller, who served as President of the Israeli Association for International Studies, is an expert in international relations theories, international security policy, and the Middle East.

Prof. Hod Orkibi (School of Creative Arts Therapies) was recently elected incoming President of the American Psychological Association's Society for the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. This marks a significant milestone, as Prof. Orkibi is the first Israeli researcher in the field of arts therapies to attain this prominent leadership position.

Dr. Yael Mayer and Dr. Yael Enav (Department of Counseling and Human Development) won the Best Scientific Poster Award at the2024 World Association for Infant Mental Health Conference for their "Home in the Heart" project, which assist evacuated families from border communities in Israel in the wake of the Swords of Iron War. Their poster was selected from 80 global entries and highlights their work in strengthening family resilience during crises.

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