Dearest partners, colleagues and friends from around the globe,
Greetings from Jerusalem. Due to the war in Gaza and the tensions along our northern border, the commencement of the academic year in Israel was delayed until last week, far from how we envisioned beginning a new year of discovery and progress at Hebrew University. The pain and shock of the brutal massacre of Hamas on October 7th are still fresh in our hearts and minds. The war ensues, with over 100 Israelis still held captive in Gaza.
Despite the pain and the tremendous blow we are experiencing, we remain steadfast in our decision to open the academic year and to continue to excel in what we do – providing quality education for students, contributing consistently to scientific research in Israel and worldwide, and actively working toward bridging societal gaps. Now more than ever, it is imperative that our faculty remain a pillar of support for diverse audiences, fostering the principles of pluralism and freedom of expression for all, devoid of bias and with mutual respect.
This year holds the promise of further growth, as we venture into new realms of research, continue to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogues, and work collectively to address some of the world’s most compelling questions and challenges. Together, we can amplify our global impact and enhance the quality of education we offer our students and the broader communities we serve.
I hope you enjoy the articles featured in this latest edition of our newsletter, which showcase some of the Faculty of Humanities’ vibrant international activity, and highlight the remarkable research pursuits of two of our accomplished scholars.
With wishes for a promising, brighter year ahead,
Prof. Nissim Otmazgin
nissim.otmazgin@mail.huji.ac.il