From Technology to Inclusion: A Conversation with Dr. Alexandra Saad
By being a pioneer in occupational therapy within the Israeli-Arab community and developing cutting-edge technology for assessment and accessibility, Dr. Alexandra Danial-Saad of University of Haifa’s Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences is reshaping how people with disabilities access public, cultural, and educational spaces through advanced technology. She spoke with the American Friends of the University of Haifa (AFUH) about her journey, her innovative research, and her vision for inclusive, culturally grounded education.
From San Diego to Haifa, Archaeologist Tom Levy Keeps Building Bridges
One would be hard-pressed to find a career journey quite like that of American Friends of University of Haifa (AFUH) Board of Directors member Tom Levy. It spans his early adventures as a teenage archaeology volunteer, decades of groundbreaking excavation across Israel, Jordan, India, and beyond, and now a new chapter of American-Israeli academic collaboration driven by creativity and a bold vision for Israel’s future.
Personalizing Mental Health Care: Meet Prof. Sigal Zilcha-Mano
Prof. Sigal Zilcha-Mano of University of Haifa is at the forefront of transforming mental health care by moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to psychotherapy. Her work has helped shift the field from focusing on average treatment effects to understanding the dynamic, person-specific pathways of change. In a conversation with AFUH, she shared how her research focuses on understanding why individuals respond differently to therapy and how treatments can be tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Student Spotlight: Ophir Netzer
AFUH spoke with Ophir about what she is seeing among Nova survivors today, what science is revealing about trauma and consciousness, and where she finds hope amid ongoing pain.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sawsan Kheir Shares Druze Community Struggles at Jewish Federations General Assembly
Dr. Sawsan Kheir is not just a scholar—she’s a passionate advocate for the Druze community, a vital part of University of Haifa’s diverse campus. Recently, she brought that voice to the General Assembly of The Jewish Federations of North America, engaging a global audience of Jewish lay leaders with insights on the challenges and aspirations of the Druze community. From the Northern Lights program to the everyday realities of life in Haifa, Dr. Kheir spoke with energy, urgency, and heart, showing how academia and advocacy can come together to inspire meaningful change.
Donor Spotlight: Jay Ruderman
Jay Ruderman has never been content to sit quietly on the sidelines. As an activist, author, and President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, he has made it his mission to challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and transform public attitudes.
From Physics to Diplomacy: Baidaa Obaid Finds Her Passion at University of Haifa
Baidaa Obaid, 22, grew up in the small Druze village of Sajur, and her journey through higher education has been anything but linear. Starting in engineering at another institution, she discovered her true calling in English Literature and Cognitive Science when she transferred to Haifa. Along the way, she found her voice in diplomacy as the president of the University’s Model United Nations program. In addition to that, Obaid also has her hands full as a research assistant in a neuroscience lab and a violinist. AFUH spoke with her about her path, passions, and advice for students charting their own journeys.
Bill Ackman calls Kirk’s death a catalyst, reaffirms Israel support
By Maayan Hoffman | September 16, 2025Ynet News Bill Ackman, a leading investor and philanthropist, together with his wife, Dr. Neri Oxman, has advanced global initiatives in health, scientific research, education, and culture through Pershing Square Philanthropies. The couple has also been at the forefront of the fight against antisemitism, while making major investments in […]
From IT Leader to Aspiring Diplomat: Amer Swatera’s Journey at University of Haifa
Amer Swatera, a second-year political science student at University of Haifa from Maghar, a small town in northern Israel home to Muslims, Christians and Druze, is balancing his studies with a career as an IT team leader. With a passion for diplomacy and a wealth of life experience, Amer brings focus, curiosity, and dedication to both the classroom and his future ambitions in the Foreign Service. He sat down with AFUH to talk about his experience at the University and his plans for the future.
Spotlight on Dr. Thamar Gindin: Understanding Iran from the Inside Out
As tensions escalate with Iran, few voices offer the depth, nuance, and cultural fluency of Dr. Thamar Gindin. A linguist, researcher at University of Haifa’s Ezri Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies, and host of two Hebrew-language podcasts on Iran, Dr. Gindin has devoted her career to decoding Iran—its people, politics, and the powerful narratives shaping both.
