Social Sciences

democracyoriheffetz

Climbing Stairs or Supporting Democracy: How Much Is Democracy Worth to You?

12 August, 2025

Would you trade the ability to climb a flight of stairs for the assurance that your country is protecting democratic freedoms? A new study asked Americans to weigh surprising tradeoffs—health versus dignity, income versus rights, convenience versus environmental quality. The answers revealed consistent patterns in how people value very different aspects of life, offering a practical way to compare “apples and oranges” in policy decisions. The approach could help governments, hospitals, and other institutions design choices that reflect real human priorities.

Staff
In the media
Research
Social Sciences
Twins Ariel Knfao

The Twin Paradox: Developmental Differences and Persistent Dominance Roles

16 December, 2024

A new study reveals that typically developing twins consistently take on the dominant role over their nontypically developing siblings, even after developmental gaps are resolved. By highlighting how parental perceptions shape these dynamics, the research offers fresh insights into the delicate balance of twin relationships and the importance of fostering equality to support both children’s growth. 

In the media
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Social Sciences
Civil Society Engagement

War Survey: 83% of Israeli NGOs Impacted, Mixed Responses to Government Aid, Surge in Foreign Support

20 March, 2024

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.

War
In the media
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Social Sciences
Hagai Levin

LOOMING CRISIS: FOLLOW-UP STUDY SHOWS SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN SPERM COUNTS GLOBALLY, INCLUDING LATIN AMERICA, ASIA AND AFRICA

15 November, 2022

An international team led by Professor Hagai Levine of Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Hadassah Braun School of Public Health, with Prof. Shanna Swan at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, along with researchers in Denmark, Brazil, Spain, Israel and the USA, published the first meta-analysis to demonstrate declining sperm counts among men from South and Central America, Asia and Africa.

 

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Medicine
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Humanities