From The Dean’s Desk
Dear partners, colleagues, and friends from around the globe,
Greetings from Jerusalem. As we embark on the second semester at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, I write to you amidst the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and northern Israel. Regrettably, over 100 Israelis, including Sagui, the eldest son of our esteemed colleague, Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen from the Department of Jewish History, remain captive in Gaza. In addition, we mourn the tragic loss of all innocent lives in this ensuing conflict. Nevertheless, we stand resolute in our commitment to advancing the academic year, delivering exceptional education to our students, furthering scientific research, and actively addressing societal disparities within Israel.
Our university, like many institutions in Israel and beyond, is not immune to the polarizing political discourse of our time. Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our dedication to fostering dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. We actively support initiatives that promote peace and collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians, both within our campus community and in the broader context of our society. It is our enduring mission to serve as a beacon of free and respectful coexistence within Israel and beyond.
In this spring newsletter, we are proud to present a project that exemplifies our commitment to combining academic rigor with social responsibility: the Green Terrace Initiative. Over the course of six weeks, Jewish and Palestinian students came together to participate in lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities centered around themes of art, performance, ecology, placemaking, and community activism. This initiative underscores the importance of promoting inclusivity and dialogue in our academic endeavors.
Additionally, this newsletter highlights the inspiring journey of Prof. Arnold Davidson, Distinguished Professor of Humanities at our faculty, and showcases one of our faculty's most notable success stories in recent years: the Language Center, led by Ms. Chaya Fischer. Finally, you’ll enjoy a piece featuring one of the most recent additions to our stellar faculty, Prof. Simon Wolfgang Fuchs, an expert on Islam in South Asia and the Middle East.
I trust you will find this latest edition of our newsletter engaging and informative, reflecting the vibrant international activity of the Faculty of Humanities.
With wishes for more promising and brighter times ahead,
Prof. Nissim Otmazgin