Opening New Paths for Druze Soldiers
University of Haifa launches program helping Druze IDF veterans pursue higher education
University of Haifa unveils program to help Druze after IDF service
Student Spotlight: Kamela Mohammad Zaid
Kamela Mohammad Zaid grew up in Fureidis, a village in the Haifa district, with a childhood dream of studying medicine and a deep commitment to her community. A social activist, volunteer, and muralist, she is now a first-year student at the University of Haifa’s Herta and Paul Amir School of Medicine. For Kamela, being part of this inaugural class carries special meaning. Studying alongside students from different backgrounds and traditions, she sees the University’s diversity not as incidental but as essential preparation for the kind of physician she hopes to become.
The Education of Mouna Maroun
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.
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 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.
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.
Frieze Family Foundation commits $5 million to create ‘Center for Shared Society’ at University of Haifa
Breakthrough method analyzes word distribution to clarify origins of biblical passages — including disputed stories in Genesis, Samuel and Esther
