April, 2020
Strengthening Israel's North:
A Mission to Stand the Test of COVID-19
The increasingly prevalent sentiment during the still-nascent era of COVID-19 is that the pandemic will generate far more than short-term disruption for institutions and organizations of any kind. Be prepared for a permanent “new normal,” various experts have warned. Nevertheless, a compelling argument also exists for maintaining the core identity of an institutional mission in the face of the current upheaval, while more subtly adapting strategic decisions to the times rather than completely abandoning that mission. In this regard, the University of Haifa provides an instructive test case.

In 2018, the university launched what we called a “multiversity revolution” with the goal of shaping Israel’s future based on a unique academic model: a multi-campus institution with locations around Haifa and throughout northern Israel, easing access for students and adding vitality to the city and region, while allowing a wide range of ideas and activities to flourish in a diverse community. Jpost
A man wears a face mask as he takes the train to Haifa
(photo credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)
According to a report by the University of Haifa, Israelis between the ages of 20-40 are more worried about their financial situations than they are with contracting the coronavirus .

The survey also found that these young Israelis are more concerned with the health of their loved ones than they are with their own -- adding that the main reason for them staying in quarantine and being "good citizens" is that concern alone. Researchers note that this is probably due to their age, considering the coronavirus is widely believed to be more dangerous to the elderly population. JPost
Nursing Students Develop a Volunteer
Team to help the Elderly
 Tamar Nagler (pictured left) a third-year nursing student at the University of Haifa, established a group of volunteers who would eventually become an urban system, providing emergency assistance to the elderly population in Haifa and surrounding areas. This initiative was inspired by University of Haifa’s "Activist Old-Age" course, led by Dr. Maayan Agmon.

The University of Haifa's Dean of Students Office immediately joined in to support this program. Currently, four neighbourhood student volunteer groups are operating. In addition, there is an active telephone contact unit for people in need. The program is held in collaboration with the Welfare Department of the Haifa Municipality.

Liat Epstein (pictured right), a third-year student from the Occupational Therapy Department, stepped in to help Tamar lead this project.

Over the past month they have trained 10 neighbourhood coordinators, who directly employ nearly 600 volunteers, accounting for more than 1,000 people collaborating with parallel group managers for full urban coverage.
I srael’s university students do not receive special emergency funds or grants from the government during this crisis. They receive unemployment benefits if they had part-time jobs which they lost due to the pandemic. As a result, there is an urgent need for assistance in order to permit our deserving students to continue and complete their studies. Many of them are from low-income families who are, themselves, struggling to make ends meet.

Please consider a donation to the University of Haifa, enabling us to address our students’ immediate needs and provide some comfort in a time when so much is unknown. Your contribution will help make it possible for our students to fulfill their dreams. Thank you for your consideration.
Wishing you and your families good health.