Together We are a Powerful Light

As we gather to light the Hanukkah candles, let us illuminate these challenging times with hope and joy. We wish you a Happy Hanukkah from all of us in Haifa – students, faculty, staff, and evacuated families currently residing on campus! WATCH IT HERE

BRING THEM HOME: Dr. Adi Shoham (alumnae) returns home with her mother Shoshan Haran, and her children Naveh, 8 and Yahel, 3

Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS

After 50 days in captivity, the University of Haifa community rejoices at the safe return of Dr. Adi Shoham, a distinguished alumna of the School of Psychology, along with her mother Shoshan Haran and children Naveh (8 years old) and Yahel (3 years old). While celebrating their reunion, our thoughts and prayers remain steadfast for the prompt and secure return of Adi’s husband Tal Shoham, and all hostages.

Marine researchers on remote Antarctic mission raise Israeli flag in Antarctica, and awareness for Israeli hostages

(l-r) Prof. Tal Mass and Dr. Tal Luzzatto Knaan | Photo credit: Courtesy

University of Haifa marine biologists, Prof. Tali Mass and Dr. Tal Luzzatto Knaan, combined their scheduled Antarctic expedition with the "Homeward Bound" program for women leaders with a powerful act of solidarity. While raising the Israeli flag on the frozen continent, they also used the opportunity to raise awareness about the Israeli hostages and the broader Israel-Hamas war with members of the expedition from around the world. READ MORE | Coverage in JPost

IN THE NEWS

University of Haifa will open the 2023-2024 academic year on December 31st, 2023, in conjunction with all research universities in Israel and in accordance with the MALAG (Israeli Council of Higher Education) decision. This unified action reflects our collective commitment to maintaining educational and research activities despite challenges, contributing to the continued growth and development of the academic community in Israel. 

• Israel’s University Presidents urge decisive action against anti-Semitism on American campuses

President Ron Robin and the other presidents of Israel’s leading universities representing Israel’s Association of University Heads (VERA), have issued a joint letter prompted by the historical testimony before Congress involving the presidents of Harvard, MIT and UPenn. The letter stated, "The university presidents' failure to provide a firm stance in dealing with instances of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment on many campuses in the United States is alarming. Apologies and expressions of regret are not enough; what is required are clear and decisive actions." READ FULL LETTER HERE

Newsweek Op-Ed: VP Mouna Maroun explains what it is to feel Israeli

– Prof. Mouna Maroun, Vice President
and Dean of Research & Development

"What is it like to be an Arab in Israel right now? In a word, horrible. I've spent the majority of my life in Israel's north, a beacon of coexistence where Jews and Arabs have lived side by side in harmony. Yet today, for the first time in my life, I understand why Jews are afraid of us." | READ MORE
Prof. Maroun, former head of the Sagol Department of Neurobiology, has also served on the National Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education (CHE), and chaired the National Steering Committee for Accessing the Arab Population to Higher Education.

• President Ron Robin calls out the 'Corporate Focus' of U.S. Higher Education

– President Ron Robin

During his nationwide tour of US campuses last month, President Ron Robin said "The 'incorporation of American universities' is at the root of toxic discourse surrounding the Israel-Hamas war on college campuses… You used to go to a university to get an education. You now go to a university to acquire a profession… As such, universities have increasingly neglected the humanities and social sciences — and this void of scholarship in those academic departments has been filled by advocacy." READ MORE

Prof. Sigal Zilcha-Mano receives an ERC Consolidator Grant

The University of Haifa community congratulates Prof. Sigal Zilcha-Mano (School of Psychological Sciences) on being awarded a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant on "An Individual-Specific Understanding of How Synchrony Becomes Curative". The study aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of interpersonal synchrony within the context of psychotherapy. Grounded in Prof. Zilcha-Mano's theory on personalized therapeutic change mechanisms, the original research delves into understanding how synchronicity in interpersonal dynamics contributes to the healing process.

HELPING THE WAR EFFORT
• Professor of Social Work volunteers to support grieving families at Shura base: Each day was an assembly of heartbreaking moments and horrifying sights

– Dr. Adi Pachter-Alt
School of Social Work

In the aftermath of the October 7th massacre, Dr. Adi Pachter-Alt (School of Social Work) joined fellow social workers to provide vital support to grieving families at the Shura base, where victims were taken for identification. With about 1,500 bodies at Shura, their compassionate efforts aim to aid those affected during this challenging time. View Her Emotional Interview – Part of a series of multi-language videos initiated by the University's Spokesperson's Office aimed at clarifying facts on October 7th. Daily updated videos can be found on this webpage.

• Legal Teams from the Faculty of Law's Legal Clinics assist evacuees by bringing legal aid directly to their locations in Haifa and the surrounding areas

– Students in the Legal Clinics discuss their casese.

Lawyers and students from the Clinics for Law and Social Change at the Faculty of Law, under the direction of Adv. Haran Reichman, have launched a new initiative to offer free assistance to evacuees in Haifa and the northern regions. This program provides initial support and legal advice to those temporarily displaced from their homes, addressing issues such as education, social security, grants, and workers' rights. READ MORE

• A big "Thank You" from families living temporarily at UofH dorms

In the aftermath of the October 7th attack, the University of Haifa has stepped up to provide housing for over 150 individuals displaced from their homes, including 60 children. With many men serving as reservists, a significant number of women and mothers faced the challenges of displacement alone. The University swiftly opened its dormitories on Mt. Carmel and Haifa to provide them with safe and comfortable shelter.  University dormitory management facilitated connections with the municipality, arranged emotional therapy sessions, and set up a club for homework and cultural activities. University units provided free access to facilities, and the community, including on-campus Chabad and the Student Union, local Rotary clubs, the Haifa Sports Association, bakeries, restaurants, and more, showed goodwill through generous donations. | READ MORE

FULL CONCERT AVAILABLE: Classical musicians dedicate special performance at the Hecht Auditorium to the release of the hostages

Organist Dr. Yuval Rabin and viola player Itamar Ringel, renowned musicians who usually fill concert halls, delivered a powerful performance to an empty audience. Each vacant seat was adorned with a portrait of a hostage held by Hamas, transforming the concert into a poignant act of solidarity.

Tune in today to a fascinating webinar with distinguished cyberterrorism expert Prof. Gabriel Weimann for a discussion exploring 'Why Hamas is Winning the PR Battle'
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