The Haifa Laboratory for
Religious Studies

Led by Prof. Uriel Simonsohn, the Center is a pioneering initiative that highlights how religion can serve as a bridge for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among diverse communities. In the spirit of the season's light and hope, it stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of mutual respect and shared values in creating a brighter, more harmonious future.
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UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA

On December 23, 2024, the University of Haifa will confer its highest honor, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa, upon Justice Esther Hayut, Supreme Court President (Ret.). Justice Hayut is being recognized for her lifelong dedication to upholding democratic values, equality, and social justice – principles that lie at the heart of the University’s Legal Clinics and its broader mission. Her work has shaped the legal landscape in Israel and serves as an enduring inspiration to future generations of legal professionals and advocates for justice. We proudly celebrate her remarkable contributions to society and the values that we share. PROGRAM DETAILS

Nathan Royce Silverstein, US lawyer and philanthropist, will join the University’s President, Prof. Gur Alroey, Rector, Prof. Mouna Maroun, and Faculty of Law Dean, Prof. Tal Zarsky to celebrate the inauguration of the Max Silverstein and Elizabeth Blume Silverstein Law Building on December 23, 20024. Home to one of Israel’s top-rated law programs, the Faculty of Law combines cutting-edge research with hands-on training to prepare students to champion justice and drive change in Israeli society. Silverstein was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University in June, 2023.

Dr. Gideon Bickel, agronomist, entrepreneur, and businessman, has gifted the University’s Institute of Evolution with a 61-dunam (15-acre) plot of land in Moshav Neve Yarak to establish a "regenerative agriculture" research farm. The farm will focus on sustainable agricultural methods, the development of innovative plant varieties, and develop research-based solutions to challenges posed by the climate crisis. The initiative, spearheaded by Prof. Asaf Distelfeld (Head, Institute of Evolution), will launch with two key projects: the cultivation of vineyards from ancient grape varieties, led by Prof. Guy Bar-Oz (School of Archeology and Maritime Cultures) and wheat genome studies. 

The University of Haifa UK Board of Trustees, co-chaired by Efrat Sopher and Russell Jacobs, hosted the prestigious event for University friends and supporters in England. Attendees were greeted by Mrs. Tzipi Hotovely, Ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom, had an opportunity to meet Prof. Gur Alroey, incoming University President, and Mr. Gideon Herscher, Vice President for Transformational Philanthropy and Global Resource Development, and were provided with a captivating glimpse into the University’s cutting-edge research in diverse fields: reversing early cancer (Prof. Sarit Larisch, Head, The Cell Death and Cancer Research Lab);  interfaith relations (Prof. Uriel Simonsohn, Head, The Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies); marine conservation (Doctoral student Ole Johannes R. Sørensen, Charney School of Marine Sciences); and empathy as a path for peace (Prof. Ahmed Abu-Akel, School of Psychological Sciences in collaboration with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen from Cambridge University). MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCHERS

Dr. Yael Mayer and Dr. Yael Enav, clinical psychologists in the Department of Counseling and Human Development, were honored with the Yaffe London-Yari Award for outstanding initiatives during the Swords of Iron War. Their “Home Within the Heart” program, developed in collaboration with Prof. James Gross of Stanford University, supports families displaced by the events of October 7th. The program focuses on strengthening parent-child connections and helping them navigate trauma. By providing vital mental health support, it equips families with tools to heal, reconnect and build resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. To date, the program has positively impacted over 100 families across Israel, and has garnered international recognition, including Best Poster at the World Association for Infant Mental Health global conference. MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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