איגרת לתחילת שנת הלימודים תשפ”ה

Letter for the Beginning of the Academic Year 2024/2025

Dear Students, Academic Faculty Members, Administrative Staff, Clinical Staff, Colleagues, and Friends.

Since the tragedy of October 7, we are all in the midst of a difficult and ongoing war that has claimed many victims. The war has cast a long shadow over our lives, impacting us both directly and indirectly. Our hearts ache for the bereaved families, the families of the kidnapped, and for the injured and their loved ones. We pray for the safe return of all hostages, the healing of the wounded, and the swift return home of the displaced. We also express our deepest gratitude to the women and men of the security forces and all healthcare professionals working tirelessly to help those in need.

Alongside the pain, sadness, and concern, and in the shadow of the ongoing war, we are pleased to open the academic year 2024-2025. We look forward to seeing you and look forward to meeting you on campus. The return to studies fills us with joy, and we are eager to return to our research, and scientific work. This is a sign of resilience and strength, that allows us to maintain a sense of normalcy. However, we are aware of the many challenges ahead as we begin the academic year.
We will do everything in our power to assist anyone affected by the war in successfully completing their studies. We will adjust requirements, ease assignments, and be flexible and attentive to the needs of every student who may struggle to cope with the current reality.

Even amidst the most challenging days, we hold onto the belief that academic study and teaching,
at every level and in every discipline, is a unique and intellectually rewarding experience. It provides exposure to intriguing content areas, current scientific theories, research methodologies, and discussions that promote original and critical thinking. The study of health professions and mental health is crucial in addressing the challenges of war.
During your studies, you will gain a deep understanding of the traumatic impacts on mind and body and learn treatment techniques to help those affected. Your training will empower you to provide essential support, foster community resilience, develop new theories and concepts, and contribute to mental and physical rehabilitation. By doing so, you can positively impact the lives of others and help make the world a better and safer place.

The University of Haifa, as the largest research university in the north, aims to lead a policy and practice of inclusion, diversity, and acceptance among its academic, administrative, clinical staff, and students, reflecting the mosaic of populations and cultures in the State of Israel. Therefore, this time emphasizes all the more the urgent need for each and every one of us to act in a way that promotes tolerance and coexistence both within the university and beyond.

We extend our greetings to all of you, and wish you a successful, meaningful, and enjoyable academic year on behalf of the entire Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences at the University of Haifa.

We would like to emphasize that the entire faculty administration is at your service, and our doors are always open to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and comments throughout the academic year and beyond.

Wishing all of us a successful year, and we pray for the safe return of all hostages and the safe return of all IDF soldiers.

Prof. Israel Issi Doron
Dean

Mrs. Racheli Belifante Afoota
Head of Administration

Prof. Galit Weinstein
Vice Dean of Research Affairs

Prof. Limor Goldner
Vice Dean of Teaching Affairs

Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences