Building Bridges: Snir Dagan’s Journey Toward a Life in Diplomacy
University of Haifa student Snir Dagan, 26, originally from Moshav Ein Yahav in southern Israel, has long felt a responsibility to serve Israel and its people. Now, through his studies in political science and international relations, he is turning that commitment into a path toward a career in diplomacy — one he hopes will allow him to strengthen understanding between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
Leading the Fight Against Antisemitism: A Conversation with Dr. David Barak-Gorodetsky
Head of the Elizabeth and Tony Comper Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Antisemitism and Racism and Director of the Ruderman Program for American Jewish Studies at the University of Haifa, Dr. Barak-Gorodetsky speaks to us about building a global academic field, the launch of CASA, and what comes next in the fight against contemporary antisemitism.
Stitching Memory: A Fashion Graduate Turns Grief into Art
Yifat Mandabi is a 46-year-old mother of three from Haifa. She moved there from Eilat during her army service in the Navy, fell in love with the city, and has lived there ever since.
Building New Pathways: A Conversation with Kalanit Kleemer on the Northern Lights Initiative
When the University of Haifa launched its Northern Lights Initiative this past April, it was addressing a gap that had been quietly widening for decades. Israel’s Druze citizens are required to enlist at 18 and often serve in elite IDF roles, but many have bypassed higher education in favor of immediate employment after years of service, leaving a growing educational divide within the community. Developed in partnership with the IDF Human Resources Directorate, the Defense Ministry, and with support from the Jewish Federation of Chicago and the Jewish Federations of North America, the program offers discharged Druze soldiers a structured bridge into academic life. Kalanit Kleemer, Head of Administration in the Dean of Students Office, sat down with us to share how it came together.
Student Spotlight: Lee Avior Ovadia
Lee Avior Ovadia is a second-year student at the University of Haifa, studying Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics. She is also a Major in the IDF reserves who has served nearly 400 days since the war began, leading teams responsible for relocating hospitals into protected spaces under fire. Released from nearly seven years of combat service in August 2023, she was called back just weeks later. Through it all, she remains on track to graduate on time, supported by a faculty that has gone above and beyond.
Student Spotlight: Shanny Aya Bittom
Shanny Aya Bittom is a 26-year-old medical student in her first year at the University of Haifa’s medical school. Born in the United States and raised in Rishon LeZion, she now lives in Herzliya with her partner and their cat.
Standing with Students in a Time of War: A Conversation with Prof. Batya Engel-Yeger
Prof. Batya Engel-Yeger serves as Dean of Students at the University of Haifa, who has built her entire academic career at the University of Haifa and the Faculty of Medicine – Technion. A researcher whose work focuses on sensory processing and daily function, she spoke with AFUH about leading student life at one of Israel’s most exposed universities during an escalating war.
From Coexistence to Action: The MA in Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation at the University of Haifa
At a time when religious identity is often discussed in the context of division, the University of Haifa is advancing a different model, one rooted in rigorous scholarship, sustained engagement, and long-term leadership across communities.
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.
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.
