Operation Swords of Iron
Hebrew University Update
November 10, 2023
⏱️Avg. reading time: 6 min
About the Campaign
To support those affected by the war, and the aftermath of war, the University has established the We Are One fund. We welcome contributions of any amount, and the Dean of Students will make allocations in consultation with University leadership based upon the changing needs on the ground.
These tragic times remind us of the human cost of war and the true blessings of family and friends. As we mourn those we have lost and prepare for difficult days ahead, we find comfort in community and strength in solidarity. We are grateful for your support.
We Are One.
Campaign Goals
- Scholarships and Academic Assistance for Returning Soldiers
- Aid for Special Circumstances
- Psychological Counseling Throughout the Crisis and Beyond as Needed
- Emergency Assistance - Administered as per Dean of Students' Discretion
- Tutoring
- Student Exchange Cut Short
- Recording Equipment
- Legal Clinics
- Security on Campus
- Mental Health
- Jewish-Arab Relations
Rebuilding Trust in a Shared Society - Jews and Arabs in Israeli Universities Post-October 7th
The issue of Jewish-Arab relations continues to receive a lot of attention from both the management, the University Diversity Unit, and philanthropic funds. It is a critical issue, and a holistic plan is currently in development by the University management who are working tirelessly to best plan for the opening of the semester in the post-October 7th era.
University Leadership
Learn about what the Hebrew University of Jerusalem leadership is doing behind the scenes
On Campus
- The administrative staff are returning to the campus in increasing numbers, with the goal of returning to 4 days a week.
- Research activities are attempting to return to as much normalcy as possible, given that difficulties have ensued due to enlisted faculty members, enlisted spouses, enlisted students, post docs who are not all in Israel, etc. Despite these difficulties, research activities are slowly getting back on track.
- Many discussions and plans are underway regarding the opening of the fall semester, and under what conditions it would take place. At the moment the official date is December 3, but there is a high likelihood that it will be postponed due to the war.
Hebrew University at the Front
The Hebrew University’s Human Resources Division, the Dean of Students, and the Marketing Division highlight what the Hebrew University has been doing to help the community during these challenging times.
Building Community
The Institute for the Study of Civil Society and Philanthropy at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has just released an extensive report on "Civil Society Engagement in Israel During the Iron Swords War." In the first two weeks of the conflict, Israel witnessed an unprecedented surge in volunteerism, with an astonishing 48.6% of the population actively participating—a notable increase from previous crises.
International Students Get Involved
Ten international students from Rothberg International School collaborated with the Human Front community organization to provide support to Jerusalem residents affected by the war. These dedicated students prepared meals for those in need, meticulously chopping hundreds of vegetables, cooking large quantities of rice and pasta, and crafting generous servings of antipasto, salads, and sauces, benefiting approximately 160 individuals.
Volunteer Force Answering the Call
The students serve as a pivotal volunteer force. Jerusalem has recently welcomed over 20,000 evacuees from both the southern and northern regions of Israel, constituting a part of the 350,000 displaced individuals. In collaboration with numerous other organizations, Hebrew University students have played a crucial role in establishing a logistics center, swiftly attending to the immediate needs of those who have been compelled to leave their homes.
Volunteering in the Fields
A call to action has been answered. There has been a great need for volunteering in the agriculture fields in the South. The Student Union and members of the administrative and academic staff are rolling up their sleeves to help.
Harvest Season
Earlier this week, international students and staff visited Yarukele Farm in Moshav Mata, nestled in the picturesque Neve Michael. There, they lent a hand to local farmers in harvesting an array of herbs. The farmers had a bountiful harvest that required gathering and replanting. Yarukele Farm is renowned for its cultivation of leaves, spices, edible flowers, and berries, and presented an opportunity for our international Hebrew University community to make a meaningful impact.
A Moment in History
Following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, classes re-opened on December 23, and following the large strike of 2008, classes opened in mid-January. In both cases, a full year of studies were held. See the footage here.
Support the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's We Are One Campaign
We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we have received. It means the world to know that you are with us - because we are one.