War

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has announced the extension of its "Academic Shield" program, specifically designed for women and men wounded during the "Iron Swords" war. The program includes a special grant of 2,000 NIS, along with a comprehensive package of benefits and accommodations for wounded veterans enrolling in undergraduate programs for the upcoming academic year (2026-2027/5787).

In recent months, we have observed with concern an increase in calls for boycotting Israeli institutions, including our own. It is important to note the following:

• Israeli academia operates independently of the Israeli government and plays a crucial role in promoting critical thinking within Israeli society. Israeli academia is the backbone of Israeli civil society.

The Hebrew University paused its activities today for 58 minutes, calling for the release of the 58 hostages still trapped in hell in Gaza.

At gatherings held simultaneously across the university’s four campuses (Mount Scopus, Givat Ram, Ein Kerem, and Rehovot), each minute was dedicated to one of the hostages held by Hamas—for 600 days now.

Professor Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, urged the Israeli government to do everything in its power to bring them all home now, stating:

A recent study at the Hebrew University examines the impact of memorial days in Israel on national unity amidst political polarization. The study delves into the emotional dynamics surrounding Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), revealing a notable decline in affective polarization during the commemoration. This decline, attributed in part to an increase in feelings of sadness among participants, underscores the pivotal role of memorial days in temporarily reducing societal divisions and safeguarding cohesion.

We, the presidents of the research universities in Israel, express our deep concern over the recent surge of severe violence, antisemitism, and anti-Israel sentiment across numerous leading universities in the United States. These disturbing events are often organized and supported by Palestinian groups, including those recognized as terrorist organizations. This troubling development has led to a climate where Israeli and Jewish students and faculty members feel compelled to hide their identities or avoid campuses altogether for fear of physical harm.

The horrific attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7, sparked the Iron Swords War and led to a widespread mobilization effort to support Israel. New survey revealed that 83% of the NGOs’ ability to provide assistance and social services was negatively impacted by the war, only 35% of organizations sought government assistance during the war, and 35% of the NGOs reported an increase in philanthropic support from abroad.

The HUBS-Aid project led by Hebrew University Business School (HUBS) responded to the Gaza conflict's impact on small businesses with innovative support, pairing them with mentors and students to devise tailored plans for recovery and growth. Around 80 businesses received vital assistance, demonstrating resilience and fostering community bonds amidst adversity.

[Jerusalem, Israel] Today, Sunday, January 14^th, the Hebrew University held a rally today for the return of the hostages, to mark 100 days since their abduction and captivity by Hamas. The rally emphasizes the Hebrew University's commitment to the hostages and their families, until they return home safely.

This year there will be two semesters of 11 weeks each. The fourth week, which begins on January 21, 2024, will be an "absorption and completion week" for army reservists who joined late until this date. We are committed to not leaving any student behind—therefore, even for student reservists who return to studies at a later stage, the teaching staff and the university will do their best so that we all finish it together.

Schedule for the academic year

The Hebrew University, in conjunction with all research universities in Israel, announces the opening of the 2023-2024 academic year on December 31st, 2023. The decision to initiate the academic year reflects the University's steadfast dedication to the future of the State of Israel and its commitment to fostering education and research despite challenging circumstances.

The Forum of Deans of Medical Faculties in Israel, including Prof. Eli Pikarski, the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University, has developed a framework for the admission of students studying medicine abroad, conscripted to the IDF under Order 8, who are unable to resume their studies. This initiative acknowledges their contributions and aims to mitigate any disruption they may face.