University of Haifa Opens New Academic Year
with State Visit

President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog were welcomed on the Mount Carmel Campus by University President Ron Robin, Rector Gur Alroey, Vice-President & CEO Sharon Zaid and Dean of Students Batya Engel-Yeger. During the visit they met with students from the Jewish-Arab Leadership Program and toured the Lady Barbara Davis Wild Cereal Gene Bank with Prof. Assaf Distelfeld, Director of the Institute of Evolution.

In his address, President Herzog emphasized the profound significance of Israel's return to normalcy after a time of hardship. He highlighted the University of Haifa's unique atmosphere marked by an unparalleled sense of optimism, fostered by the distinctive social tapestry and dynamic spirit that permeates the campus. "Despite the challenging circumstances surrounding the commencement of the new academic year, our mission remains clear – to fortify and inspire academia in Israel, champion diversity, foster integration, so that every individual finds their rightful place here and on campuses throughout the country... To our dedicated female and male student reservists courageously defending this country and its borders, we extend strength and hopeful wishes for a swift and peaceful return. We anticipate their seamless reintegration into academic life supported by a dedicated framework."

We Hear You and We're Waiting for You

We Hear You and We're Waiting for You: President Ron Robin, Rector Gur Alroey and Vice President Mouna Maroun warmly welcome new and returning students to a new academic year – Jews, Arabs, Druze, secular and religious alike. Amid the ongoing war, we acknowledge and understand your concerns. Our commitment remains steadfast as we strive to reinforce a campus environment that is both secure and inclusive – a place where every student can flourish academically and personally. | WATCH HERE 

University of Haifa Rolls Out a New Initiative to Foster Unity and Resilience in a Diverse Campus Amid War

The 2023-2024 academic year opened on December 31, 2023, two months later than scheduled due to the "Swords of Iron" war against Hamas. Elevated tensions on social media between Jewish and Arab students during this period highlighted the need to strengthen campus harmony. To restore a sense of safety and inclusion, and uphold our mission of empowering students through learning, growth, and fostering intercultural understanding, the Division for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community is launching three transformative initiatives:

·         Shared Society Trustees – a team of students serving as visible security ambassadors

·         Arab-Jewish Student Leadership – cultivating collaborative leadership within each academic department

·         Tailor-Made Support Programs for Faculty Members – providing resources and training to address diverse student needs

As we embrace 2024, our collective aspiration is for a year marked by unity, understanding, shared learning, and collaborative efforts towards creating a better world. READ FULL LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP TEAM

The International MA Program in Education and Development in Early Childhood Launches with 24 Students from 20 Countries

The event took place with the participation of the Program's generous supporters, the University's Hon. Dr. Ora Stibbe and Eytan Stibbe, Program's leaders Prof. Emeritus Avi Sagi-Schwartz (Department of Psychology) and Prof. Yair Ziv (Department of Counseling and Human Development), as well as Rector Prof. Gur Alroey, Prof. Adar Ben-Eliyahu (Academic Head of the International School), Joel Feldcshuh (President of the Israeli Friends), Ambassador Gil Haskel (Chief of State Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Ambassador Sharon Bar Li (Deputy Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of Africa Division). | Photo Credit: Guy Yechiely

Ambassadors and senior diplomats from 12 countries attended the opening event of the International MA Program in Education and Development in Early Childhood at the Gallery of African Studies in Tel Aviv, hosted by University's Hon. Dr. Ora Stibbe and Eytan Stibbe who generously support the Program through Anatta and the Israeli Friends' Academic Forum. The new cohort, consisting of 24 professionals from twenty countries in various fields of education, welfare and healthcare, will gain interdisciplinary tools to promote the wellbeing of children in developing countries, and will become game changers. The program emphasizes a holistic "tikkun olam" approach aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. READ MORE

HELPING THE WAR EFFORT
• The American Friends' Generous Donation of Portable Ultrasounds Saves Lives Under Fire

University of Haifa received a powerful, firsthand account of the impact the generously donated ultrasound systems are playing in saving lives and providing essential care to the injured on the battle field. "In a recent mission, our paramedical unit successfully evacuated a wounded soldier, injured by shrapnel from the Gaza Strip, perched atop a jeep. The decision-making process was intense, as we weighed the option of summoning a helicopter for evacuation. The portable ultrasound systems swiftly confirmed our initial prognosis—ruling out internal bleeding. With this crucial information, we responsibly canceled an unnecessary helicopter evacuation under intense fire."

• The University of Haifa for Youth engages Israeli teens in lectures and workshops focusing on the current situation

Since mid-October, the University of Haifa for Youth, has been actively engaging youth across the country through lectures at local high schools and hands-on workshops. Recent events featured professors from the Department of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. Prof. Itzchak Weismann provided valuable insights into the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, while Dr. Yaron Friedman discussed the complex dynamics of regional relationships and conflicts in the Middle East. Dr. Arik Cheshin (Head, Department of Human Services), presented information concerning how to deal with emotions effectively, and Dr. Roee Admon(Department of Psychology) talked about how to manage anxiety.

• Student initiative delivers 3,500 combat boots to IDF's reserve forces

Thanks to the initiative spearheaded by Lisa Salamonov, a student in the School of Social Work, over 3,500 pairs of tactical military boots were delivered to IDF reservists during the initial weeks of the Israel-Hamas war. The international community project, launched as part of a broader community action project, included the dedicated involvement of volunteers and mobilized organizations working collectively to support the cause. Lisa and the team continue to raise donations to provide essential equipment.

National Geographic Unveils Haifa's Global Collaborations in Rediscovering Tel Kabri's Lost Palace on Land and Sea in Latest 'Lost Cities' Episode

In the latest thrilling National Geographic's 'Lost Cities' series, Albert Lin delves into new discoveries at the ancient Canaanite palace of Tel Kabri. Unveiling secrets both on land and sea, these findings shed light on the remarkable resilience of the ancient civilization to climate change. Researchers from the School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures, led by Prof. Assaf Yasur-Landau, joined forces with leading global scientists: Profs. Eric H. Cline (George Washington University), Alexandra Ratzlaff (Brandeis University), and Tom Levy (University of California, San Diego). Recently published scientific volumes in Brill and Equinox, co-edited by members of the global teams, further enrich our understanding of Tel Kabri's intricate history. The episode was aired in Israel on December 31, 2023. 

Inbar Haiman, Haifa visual arts student, was murdered in Hamas captivity

We are deeply saddened to learn that Inbar Haiman, University of Haifa visual arts student, was murdered in Hamas captivity. Inbar, known by the nickname “Pink” (a nod to her favorite color) in the graffiti community, was a gifted writer and artist. She was abducted by Hamas at the Nova music festival on October 7th, along with hundreds of other innocent civilians. READ MORE
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, who learned of her death after 72 days in captivity. May her memory be a blessing.

LINK TO names of the University's fallen heroes and those mourning the loss of loved ones

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