Message from the Unit for Diversity Management
Message from the Unit for Diversity Management
Diversity is a fact of life. Social, national, religious, cultural and political diversity is one of the key characteristics of Israeli society. Ever since it became a society and turned into a state, it has been characterized by the merging of exiles and the integration of locals, immigrants, and refugees. Add to that the diversity derived from self-determined personal, gender and emotional preferences, and the diversity due to residential areas and socioeconomic status.
Conversely, inclusion and integration are up to us – it is up to us to adopt behavioral norms based on values such as equality, tolerance, fairness, and mutual responsibility.
The Hebrew University views the combination of diversity and inclusion as a necessary condition for a trailblazing, critical, inquisitive academia with impact on society and on the future.
The overarching goal of the Hebrew University in the diversity and inclusion are is to make the university accessible to all social and national groups and create conditions that enable to reduce gaps, success and maximization of one’s academic potential while promoting a tolerant and inclusive climate.
The objectives on the way to attaining this overarching goal, which inspire the Diversity Unit, are:
- Making the university accessible to all social and national groups
- Maximizing the academic potential of all diversity groups
- Promoting a climate of equality, tolerance and inclusion
The Diversity Unit is devoted to implementing the university’s diversity and inclusion policy at every stage and on every dimension in its ongoing academic and professional life, in close collaboration with the various units and the administrative and academic diversity officers.
Our path remains long and tortuous, but we are determined to walk through it and invite each of you, members of the Hebrew University community, to walk with us, while maintaining the values that guide us, which are the prerequisites of a fair and egalitarian society.
Our door is open to everyone (administrative and academic staff and students) who wish to comment, share, suggest or express needs.
Sincerely,
Prof. Mona Khoury - VP Strategy & Diversity ,
Sharon Ben Arie - Diversity Unit Director
The Diversity Mission
Hebrew University views diversity as essential to academic excellence and to realizing the full human potential of Israeli society. As such, the university is committed to cultivating a community that reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives, worldviews, and cultures.
We strive to ensure that every student feels welcome and safe, and has the opportunity to thrive academically, personally, and socially. We also aim to enrich campus life by integrating diverse life experiences and perspectives, enhancing our collective capacity to learn and grow.
The university plays a central role in society by working to make higher education accessible to all segments of Israeli society, reducing social and economic gaps, and promoting social mobility. As part of its educational mission, the university seeks to prepare its students for leadership in a pluralistic society, by exposing them to diverse viewpoints and worldviews.
Hebrew University is deeply committed to academic and research excellence. To achieve this, it actively works to ensure that the composition of its student body and faculty reflects the diversity of the broader population. The university is equally dedicated to fostering an academic environment free from discrimination or harassment, regardless of community, national, ethnic, religious, or gender identity.
Vision
The Hebrew University is deeply committed to advancing groundbreaking and interdisciplinary research — both fundamental and applied, theoretical and experimental — with significant theoretical, social, and practical impact. It upholds the principles of academic freedom, ethics, and integrity in all its endeavors.
The university takes pride in being at the forefront of Israeli and global science, while continuously strengthening and expanding the ties between Israeli academia and leading universities around the world.
Students at the Hebrew University are guided toward academic excellence, leadership, and distinction in their fields. This is the place for today’s top achievers — and the birthplace of tomorrow’s leaders.
Everyone who enters the university’s gates gains the tools to navigate a rapidly changing reality: environmental, technological, geopolitical, social, cultural, and professional. The university addresses these challenges by integrating innovative teaching methods and technologies, while cultivating critical thinking, creativity, decision-making skills, and problem-solving abilities.
The Hebrew University is committed to leading the implementation and dissemination of knowledge to the wider public, and to initiating collaborations with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Graduates of the university are prepared for the world of practice, equipped to share applied knowledge, and capable of offering practical solutions that contribute to both Israeli and global society.
The university strives to place the knowledge developed within its walls at the service of society at large and to solidify the role of higher education in Israel as a central pillar in building an enlightened, ethical, and thriving society. These efforts will leave a lasting mark both in Israel and across the world — especially in the communities that host and support it.
Our Work
Hebrew University embraces a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion, supporting it at every stage – beginning with outreach to prospective students, through admissions and enrollment, undergraduate and graduate studies, and the onboarding and training of academic and administrative staff. This work is carried out with sensitivity, respect, and careful attention to the differences and unique identities of all social and national groups that comprise our university community.
Support Services Provided by the Diversity Unit
The Diversity Unit offers tailored organizational and pedagogical support to both academic and administrative units, adapted to suit their specific needs and unique characteristics. This support includes:
- Workshops for academic and administrative staff on leading diversity-related processes, offered in collaboration with the Training Unit.
- Ongoing guidance and support for diversity officers from both the administrative and academic staff.
- Translation of key documents from Hebrew to Arabic (such as administrative announcements and course syllabi)
- Simultaneous translation and transcription in various languages, in collaboration with the International Office.
- Funding for the development of an interdisciplinary glossary and other forms of support based on the specific needs of the university’s individual units and departments.
For more information about our activities, flagship programs, and support services, visit Our Work..
Services Offered by Other University Units – The Diversity Map
In addition to the support provided by the Diversity Unit, the Diversity Map highlights a wide range of services offered by various units across the university. The map is designed to make information more accessible and help students and staff easily locate the services most relevant to their needs.
For more information, visit the Diversity Map page .