The Academic Friends of Israel
UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA - UPDATE
19.7.06
SHALOM FROM HAIFA,
It feels as if the rocket attacks on Haifa and Northern Israel have, sadly, become a thing of routine. We continue to update on events occurring at the University of Haifa: The University of Haifa Administration has decided on the following:
1. GRADUAL RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITY AT THE UNIVERSITY Starting Sunday the 23rd of July the staff, both academic and administrative, will return to work. The University has prepared and maintained the sheltered areas and the bomb shelters for exactly this purpose. Formal studies and exams will be rescheduled at a later stage, and a 48 hour notice will be given prior to the reopening of the examination period.
THIS DECISION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON CIRCUMSTANCES AND ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIVES GIVEN BY AUTHORITIES. WE REQUEST THAT YOU FOLLOW UPDATES ON UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA INTERNET SITE.
2. PLANNED SUMMER CLOSURE OF THE UNIVERSITY The University Administration has decided that the summer recess, previously planned between the dates of August 1st to the 12th, will be cancelled. This is due to the unscheduled break we were forced to take, in light of the security situation, and to enable the completion of standing obligations.
* * *
Research Activity Continues Many researchers, at the University of Haifa, have found ways to continue their work despite the closure of Campus the looming security threats. The Institute of Evolution is hosting a Scientist from Kiev, Dr. Surgai Simotnik Who arrived at the University to work on research jointly with the Institute and with the Israeli Academy of Science. The guest Scientist refused to flatly leave Haifa and insisted on continuing his research.
The Overseas School
"My parents trust the administration of the School for Overseas Students and know that no harm will come to me" said Adam Turnhiem, aged 21, from Boston. Adam, a graduate of the University of Brandeis, arrived at the University of Haifa in order to participate in the summer Ulpan (intensive Hebrew-language-study program). He has not considered, even for a moment, changing his plans. "I feel very safe and thankful for the devoted care of the University of Haifa team that is accompanying the Ulpan and takes care of our every need, I am looking forward to returning to Haifa and continuing my studies as planned" said Adam.
"The students are solid in their resolve to stay and this warms our hearts" said the Director of the Overseas Summer School, Professor Hanan Alexander. The Professor and 140 students are temporary guests of The Hebrew University in Jerusalem during the uneasiness in the North. "Since the outbreak of security events we have provided for al the Students needs and our Teachers and Psychologists are available to them at any time" he said.
From the original group of 250 students form overseas that arrived at the University of Haifa, last week, 70 have left the Country. The majority have chosen to continue their studies despite the situation in Israel. "They have decided to stay and are very calm in their decision – they have nothing but praise for the Summer School Team that has accompanied them through out".
* * *
We close, wishing everyone a quiet night and will continue to update in the coming days. We thank you all for your cooperation and we extend wishes of peace and quiet to all members of the University of Haifa family.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Amir Gilat
Head of Media and Communication relations
University of Haifa agilat@univ.haifa.ac.il
UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA -
UPDATE 18.7.06
Shalom to all,
The University of Haifa was forced yet again today, to remain closed due to ongoing rocket attacks on Haifa and the Northern region of Israel. The following is our latest update:- Since the beginning of the rocket attacks on Haifa we are witness to unprecedented international interest in events occurring at the University. We have received countless telephone calls and letters of support from friends of the University of Haifa from all over the world and from within Israel. The External Relations Department has been responding, through out the day, to countless inquiries from University supporters and will continue to prepare daily updates to be sent out to University friends, and to the Administrations of the Friends of the University of Haifa Associations through out the world.
- The International Press has reported in depth and widely, with special emphasize on the University of Haifa. The Administration of the University and Academic Experts have been interviewed frequently by the local and international press reporters.
- The Berman Center for Psychological Support has opened a 'HOT LINE' for students and faculty that feel the need for emotional support. The HOT LINE is operated via electronic mail and telephone.
- As a result of the Campus closure, the University Library is operating as a virtual library. The librarians, thorough electronic mail, provide consultations and reference material to their readers, who are often working from bomb shelters, so that they may continue their research work even in times as hard as these.
We will update further in the coming days.
With best wishes,
Dr. Amir Gilat
Head of the Communication and Media Relations
Patron:
The Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks
Advisory Board:
Dr Manfred Gerstenfeld - Chairman of the Board of Fellows, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.
Henry Grunwald Q.C. - President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews
Amir Lev
John D A Levy - Director of the Academic Study Group on Israel and the Middle East
Andrew R. Marks, M.D. - Columbia University, USA
Dr Robin StamlerProfessor Leslie Wagner CBE
Rt Hon Lord Young of Graffham
The Academic Friends of Israel Ltd is limited by guarantee and registered in England No 5297417.