Our Vision

The Hebrew University perceives diversity as a condition for academic excellence, and for realizing the human potential of Israeli society. The University strives to nurture a community that expresses a broad range of stances, world views, and cultures. We endeavor to allow each student to feel welcome and protected, and to flourish academically, personally, and socially. We aspire to increase our potential to educate and enrich campus life through a plurality of life experiences, and perspectives.

A university that promotes diversity and inclusion is a university that fosters equality; that allows for each student to feel welcome and protected; and that creates the best setting for students to flourish academically, socially and personally.

A diverse university campus that offers a plurality of life experiences and perspectives, nurtures a heterogeneous community that reflects a broad range of world views, identities and cultures.

Creating a safe and accepting academic environment free from discrimination and harassment allows for members of different socio-cultural and religious groups to meet on an equal footing and to engage in formal and informal interactions. As such, it turns the Hebrew University into an incubator for Israel’s future leadership.

A Long-Term Vision: Swinging the Pendulum

Over time, increasing diversity on campus allows for a balanced correlation between each population group within Israeli society and their representation in the university as students, faculty and staff. It opens doors to higher education and thus social mobility among minority groups, leads to positive social change, breaks the cycle of poverty, and tackles inequality on all levels. As such, it bridges rapidly growing social and economic gaps, thus strengthening Israeli society.

We wish to educate our student body about the complex tapestry of Israeli society, to help them appreciate the complexities and to guide them towards a tolerance of difference.

A diverse campus breaks down barriers and stereotypes leading to greater collaboration within Israeli society. Boosting social inclusion in this way reinforces Israel as a vibrant and democratic society and enriches the overall mosaic of Israeli society.

Challenges Facing Minority Groups

Given that the Israeli education system has separate schools for Arab and Jewish youth, as well as for religious and secular Jews, that most places of residence are homogenous, and that most Arab and Haredi youth do not enlist in the army, the university campus is often the first place that they have a significant and ongoing encounter with others. Their challenges include:

Language – for most Arab-Israelis and new immigrants, Hebrew is their second (or third) language
Cultural barriers – for Haredim who are used to gender segregation
First Generation students – less networking opportunities, lack of access to academic "know how" and intellectual capital
Lack of sense of belonging – Political and social barriers lead to feelings of marginalization
Disparities in education - due to a different education within the Arab school system, that does not adequately prepare students for university; due to Haredi men lacking core curriculum basics e.g. English math and sciences; and due to less access to resources
Financial challenges – high percentage of minority students come from disadvantaged families
Demographics - students from the Arab society are younger and university is often the first time they have left home. Haredi students are usually parents with several children

Implementing the Vision

Equal Opportunities for All:

Fulfilling academic potential – faculty liaisons and special coordinators provide proactive guidance and help students access available services
Closing Academic Gaps – academic tools and skills, Hebrew and English courses, special accredited courses for minority students, private tutoring and peer mentoring
Psychological services – subsidized sessions for students struggling with personal difficulties
Remedial tutoring – university-funded diagnosis and support for students with learning disabilities
Financial support – ensuring a level playing field through partial aid, full tuition, and living stipends
Mentoring – each first year student is paired with a faculty member who offers them guidance, advice and tips.
Leadership Programs – weekly workshops for select groups of students, offering leaderships skills designed to promote ‘giving back to the community’
Career Guidance – culturally sensitive employment center, job application techniques, employment counselling, internship programs, interview skills, workshops, for students and graduates

Diverse Student Body:

Planning ahead – high school programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to promote acceptance into university
Preparatory Programs – pre-university study programs for minority students
Guidance and Support for applicants – customized application process and advice to promote successful applications
A variety of admission routes – multiple entryways to maximize admission potential

Center for the Study of Multi-Culturalism and Diversity:

Research – provides setting and funding for academic exploration of multiculturalism with a particular focus on Israeli society
Courses – promoting courses in Arabic and courses on the various populations within Israeli society
Academic Events – conferences and seminars
Policy – helps formulate an inclusive policy for the Hebrew University

Building an Inclusive and Welcoming Campus:

Diversity recruitment – on all levels including goal-based structured approaches to hiring diverse academic and admin staff
Linguistic Cultural Sensitivity – to enhance inclusivity of all populations; includes multi-cultural calendar and signage across the university in Hebrew, English and Arabic
Cross-cutting cultural sensitivity including availability of kosher food and other religious items eg. hand washing cups for ultra-orthodox students and staff
Cultural events – customized social activities and campus-wide celebrations of diverse cultural events, holidays and special dates
Building cultural competence – learning opportunities for faculty and admin staff, professional workshops, lectures, field trips
Extra-curricular opportunities for interaction –multicultural events, language exchange programs, women discussion groups, interfaith study groups