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.
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.
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.
Were King David’s Israelites the first Startup Nation? Bronze bonanza spotlights tech skills
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.
Study: AI chatbots ‘recognize’ diverse opinions, but may seek to eliminate them
Breakthrough method analyzes word distribution to clarify origins of biblical passages — including disputed stories in Genesis, Samuel and Esther
Silver used as currency in Israel 3,600 years ago
Breakthrough method analyzes word distribution to clarify origins of biblical passages — including disputed stories in Genesis, Samuel and Esther
University of Haifa Talk Tackles Israel’s Social Healing
The university’s leading scholar in conflict resolution says the nation may need to find a way to talk to one another again.
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.
