NEWS
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.
Stories of impact
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IN THE NEWS
Wetland sediments reveal a turbulent environmental past in the ancient Mediterranean
The exhibit, curated by academics from the University of Haifa, features textiles from India, Central Asia, and China.
Haifa University researchers found unusual levels of chemicals, including rare metals, in sharks near Hadera’s power plant, raising concern over industrial and desalination impacts on marine life
President of the University of Haifa Gur Alroey praised the program, dubbing it an “expression of deep gratitude” towards Israel’s Druze population, of whom many serve in the IDF.
Hezbollah’s position in southern Lebanon and Israel’s demand for long-term security arrangements could keep the northern front unstable
Wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar sought stability by diplomacy with Tehran. But they were hit hard by Iran, forcing them to reassess how they face their biggest threat
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The study argues that current guidance largely focuses on prohibitions and warnings, without offering a practical alternative that can compete with WhatsApp’s speed and ease of use.
A new archaeological study from the University of Haifa is challenging long-held assumptions about how ancient political borders functioned
The growing array of suspicious activity is adding urgency to efforts to address the risks opened up by prediction markets
Hippos’ cathedral had two baptismal halls, one for adults, another for infants and children
In recent months, with the start of Operation “Roaring Lion,” I was called back to reserve duty as an officer in the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate.
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
The first evidence that iron was traded as a semifinished product has been found off the coast of northern Israel. It may have been intended for weaponry among rival empires in an era of upheaval
Kailo Pharma’s approach aims to weaken traumatic memories without affecting normal recall.
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
The shift in public mood followed reports of the killing of senior Iranian officials, as many appeared to be celebrating what they see as the weakening of the regime’s enforcement forces.
