On the first day of the 2024-25 academic year, students participated in a ceremony marking 400 days since hostages were kidnapped to Gaza. During the event, they read the names of the 101 individuals still held captive.

 Even as our nation faces profound challenges, the University of Haifa stands as a beacon of hope and learning. This academic year marks a significant milestone as we welcome over 17,600 students and proudly launch Israel's first university-based School of Design. This achievement highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence, even in the face of adversity. 

Our hearts go out to the hostages and their families, and we pray for their safe return. We strongly condemn the recent and deeply disturbing attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam, which underscore ongoing tensions. Although the complex security situation on our northern border delayed our start by a week, we are working closely with the Home Front Command to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Together, let us embrace this year as one of resilience, growth, and hope for all.  
- Prof. Gur Alroey, President

 As we navigate these challenging times, our commitment to Israeli society and our vision for the future remain strong. Our dedicated faculty and staff in social welfare and health sciences, education and psychological sciences have been instrumental in providing vital support to those affected by the tragic events of October 7th and the ongoing war on seven fronts.

Looking ahead, the University of Haifa is poised to make significant contributions across diverse fields, from cutting-edge artificial intelligence to a proposed medical studies program. Our interdisciplinary approach will drive impactful research and innovation that benefits society both locally and globally. These efforts, combined with our dedication to fostering inclusion and diversity, define our mission to shape our University as a true reflection of the better society we aspire to create.
- Prof. Mouna Maroun, Rector

READ MORE about Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Dr. Arnie Aberman, a longstanding member of the University of Haifa Board of Governors and former Dean of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine, has returned his honorary degree from the University of Toronto, awarded in 2015. Dr. Aberman took this principled step to protest the university leadership’s inadequate response to anti-Israel protests on campus and its failure to ensure student safety for all.

 
“It’s symbolic. To me, it’s a mark of great distinction. I was very proud to receive the honorary degree. The fact that I’m willing to give it back to signify my discomfort with the university indicates how deep my concerns are.”
                                                 – Dr. Arnie Aberman

The University of Haifa will continue to offer full dormitory fee exemption for students serving in the IDF reserves again this academic year. Student reservists will also continue to receive a NIS 2,000 scholarship from the University. To further assist our student soldiers during this difficult time, we are providing psychological counseling through the Interdisciplinary Clinical Center and are actively working to secure additional financial aid.

Following a petition to Israel’s High Court, filed by the University's Legal Clinics on behalf of students at Tel Hai and Sapir Colleges, the government has agreed to extend financial aid grants to students evacuated from the north. The ruling now includes students residing in temporary dormitory housing, who were previously ineligible for this grant. This success is part of the legal clinic’s broader efforts to support northern residents affected by the Swords of Iron War. "From providing on-site assistance with social benefits to advocating for expanded compensation and essential services, the clinic is working to address the diverse legal needs of these communities in crisis," noted Tammy Harel Ben-Shahar (Faculty of Law), Academic Director of the Law Clinics. READ MORE

Prof. Merav Roth (Department of Counseling and Human Development) shares insights into the psychological impact of Israel’s prolonged hostage crisis and conflict, emphasizing the role of both individual and communal coping mechanisms. Roth, author of several books and a leading figure the treatment of victims of the October 7th attacks, emphasizes community resilience, confronting difficult truths, and a renewed commitment to core Israeli values as crucial to the healing process. Reflecting on Kibbutz Be'eri, she observes, "Being part of a genuine community can serve as a force for healing." She also sees this resilience on a national scale as well, citing recent displays of solidarity, such as public demonstrations and artists volunteering to sing to wounded soldiers and the families of the fallen, which highlight the enduring strength and unity of Israeli society.  READ FULL INTERVIEWREAD FULL INTERVIEW

A groundbreaking study led by Prof. Shani Stern (Sagol Department of Neurobiology) reveals that 75% of genes associated with autism spectrum disorder are also linked to schizophrenia. Published in Molecular Psychiatry, the study highlights the significant genetic overlap between these two heritable neuropsychiatric disorders. Prof. Stern explains that, despite differing developmental timelines, both conditions share similar social impairment symptoms and co-occur more frequently than previously thought. This discovery offers promising new directions for developing targeted treatments. READ MORE in  Israel21c and Ha'aretz.

A young blackchin guitarfish washed up on the shores of Israel. Credit: Aviad Scheinin

Prof. Dan Tchernov and Dr. Aviad Scheinin (Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences), along with their team, have discovered a natural nursery for the critically endangered blackchin guitarfish near Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael. This nursery, supported by unique coastal conditions, provides young guitarfish with shelter and food until they are ready to navigate open waters. The study, funded by the Blue Marine Foundation and published in Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights the importance of preserving this habitat as a protected area to support species recovery. READ MORE

The University of Haifa congratulates design student Mor Friedberg on winning the prestigious Armon Foundation Award for her project, "Planning Eilat as a Receiving Port City." Guided by Dr. Adar Dana Margalit from the School of Design, Mor’s innovative work exemplifies excellence in planning for Israel's periphery, envisioning Eilat as a flexible port city capable of accommodating evacuees during emergencies. Developed as part of a fourth-year urban planning studio in collaboration with the Eilat Municipality, Mor’s project highlights Eilat’s potential to grow dynamically and serve as a critical support city in times of crisis.

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