Considering the threat on the lives of academics and university students in Ukraine, and in a show of solidarity, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has offered academic hosting for Ukrainian academic staff and students.  To date, 18 such refugees have been accepted to continue their studies at the University and 10 have already arrived at our Jerusalem and Rehovot campuses. 

Dr. Anastasiia Zinevych recently arrived in Israel.  During her first day of teaching at Odessa National Economic University after winter break, the buildings shook as bombs began to fall and a nearby airport was severely damaged.  After the rumbling died down and with “the supermarket shelves bare of food and the pharmacies out of medicine,” she and her husband decided to leave the Ukraine.  “All we took with us were two laptops and a copy of my husband’s poetry”.  In need of medical attention, the couple chose Israel because they had “heard good things about Hebrew University-Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.”

After a harrowing trip crossing the border into Poland, the pair arrived in Israel.  “I literally exhaled for the first time in weeks when our plane touched down in Israel and knelt down to touch the earth.  I’m not Jewish, my husband is, but I felt such gratitude for this country and to Hebrew University for taking us in.”

Since then, Zinevych has been living in a university-affiliated apartment and is working with Professor Ran Hassin at HU’s Center for the Study of Rationality where she will continue her studies.

In addition to Zinevych, 9 other Ukrainian refugees that have arrived at Hebrew University.  Several undergraduate students are continuing their studies in Israel at HU’s Rothberg International School, and a number of professors have joined HU’s Psychology, Sociology, History, Jewish Studies, Computer Science and Agriculture departments.

The University established its Emergency Aid Campaign for Ukrainian Researchers and Students to enable them to continue their academic studies and research, which had been halted due to the unfolding crisis.  The aid provides a minimum of four months tuition and a generous living stipend.  Each researcher has been matched with a HU faculty member who will serve as their mentor during their stay. 

“Let us not close our eyes or ignore what is happening in Ukraine.  As more resources become available, we hope to bring more Ukraine scientists and students to our research centers at Hebrew University.  It is our moral duty." shared HU President Professor Asher Cohen.