At the Henrietta Szold Hadassah Hebrew University School of Nursing, we launched a unique and groundbreaking in-depth initiative to promote a tolerant and inclusive environment, led by Dr. Nurit Zussman in collaboration with the Diversity Unit at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, students from all years of study, tracks, and programs, and selected faculty members.
This initiative brings faculty members and students together in a shared process aimed at building a safe and supportive learning environment, even during times of war or heightened tension.
The process includes learning from real case studies from recent years, dialogue sessions with professional experts, and a joint working group dedicated to formulating agreements, guiding principles, and practical tools for managing conflict situations on campus.
As part of this collaborative work, a school-wide principles document will be developed, defining how freedom of expression can coexist with mutual responsibility for the learning experience on campus, and how to maintain a safe and respectful environment even during challenging times.
The document will establish guiding principles for respectful conduct during both routine periods and times of crisis, while providing participants with practical tools for conflict management, all while preserving their unique identities and their commitment to the nursing profession.
This is a complex yet essential process that seeks not only to talk about tolerance, but to actively create it in practice, and to prepare the next generation of nurses to work together with responsibility, sensitivity, and professionalism, even in the presence of disagreements.
Special thanks to Michal Kon-Orovano from the Mosaica Center, and to Mustafa Shla’ata for their professional guidance and partnership throughout the process.
