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
Ensuring Accessibility for All Social and National Groups
Beyond its academic mission, the university holds a normative and educational responsibility to promote an equitable, just, and tolerant society. As such, the university actively advances the meaningful representation of diverse social and national groups within Israeli society, the region, and globally. Special emphasis is placed on supporting populations that face greater barriers to higher education, including Arab society, Jews of Ethiopian descent, individuals with disabilities, ultra-Orthodox Jews, and first-generation students.
Maximizing the Academic Potential of All Diversity Groups
The university aspires to be a leader in promoting academic, research, and practical excellence, by creating conditions that enable students and staff from diverse backgrounds to maximize their academic and professional potential and success, while providing equal opportunity for all.
Promoting an Equitable, Tolerant, and Inclusive Campus Climate
Recognizing its educational and normative role, the university is committed to cultivating an equitable, respectful, inclusive, and tolerant environment that embraces diversity and celebrates our differences.
Vision
Mission
Since its establishment nearly a century ago, Hebrew University has been a leader in higher education in Israel, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to scientific excellence in research and teaching, while promoting equity and fostering a diverse, engaged academic community. The university is dedicated to making a unique contribution to Israeli community and society – and to human knowledge as a whole.
Vision
Hebrew University is committed to advancing groundbreaking, interdisciplinary research – basic and applied, theoretical and experimental – with far-reaching theoretical, social, and practical impact. This mission is guided by the principles of academic freedom, ethics, and integrity. The university takes pride in being at the forefront of Israeli and global science, deepening and expanding the connections between Israeli academia and leading universities worldwide. Students at Hebrew University are driven toward academic success and leadership in their fields. This is a place for today’s exceptional achievers. From here will emerge the leaders of tomorrow. Those who pass through the university’s gates gain the tools to navigate an ever-evolving reality – one shaped by climatic, geopolitical, social, cultural, and employment-related changes. The university achieves this by integrating innovative teaching methods and technologies while fostering critical thinking, creativity, decision-making skills, and problem-solving abilities. The university is dedicated to leading the application and accessibility of knowledge to the public, while actively initiating partnerships with the public, private, and third sectors. Graduates of the university are equipped to engage with the practical world, exchange applied knowledge, and develop real-world solutions that benefit both Israeli and global society. The university seeks to leverage its accumulated knowledge for the benefit of society as a whole, while positioning higher education in Israel as a central pillar of an enlightened, ethical, and thriving society. These efforts will ensure Hebrew University makes a lasting impact worldwide and in Israel, particularly within the cities that host its campuses.
Values
Hebrew University strives to expand the boundaries of knowledge for the benefit of all humanity, while grounded in humanistic values. As a leading academic institution, it promotes excellence, integrity, critical inquiry, freedom of expression, and respect for diverse perspectives. Inclusion, tolerance, diversity, and acceptance are key to achieving excellence in research, training, and education. The university community upholds the value of engaging with a broad spectrum of lifestyles and worldviews, cultivating an academic environment free from discrimination. We view the advancement of cultural, national, and gender diversity within the university community as essential to excellence, and as a reflection of our commitment to human dignity, tolerance, and social responsibility.
