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.

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.