May 12, 2021
A Message from
Dr. Ron Robin,
University of Haifa President

Dear Friends,
 
I am writing to you following a very long and restless night of constant attacks and strife.  

Although the University of Haifa is located in an area not yet affected by this turmoil, we are nevertheless prepared for every eventuality should the situation deteriorate.
 
The campus is ready for any scenario. The safe rooms and shelters are open for those who may need them in real time; we are organized to support our students and faculty and we are, as ever, sensitive to their emotional wellbeing and their concerns. We are assessing the situation continuously, and although we hope for calmer times, we are prepared for any contingency.

Friends, I have received many messages and I am thankful for your support and friendship. It is heartwarming and gratifying.
 
Sincerely,
Ron Robin
New Study Shows
Cellular Mapping of Coral
Could Help Save Reefs
Over half a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection, but climate change and pollution threaten to decimate coral populations.

The genetic profile of each cell in stony corals has been mapped for the first time in a new study published by the journal Cell.  The study was conducted by the University of Haifa, the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, and the Weizmann Institute.

This groundbreaking research can help identify certain biological processes in the coral, which can shed light on how best to protect dying coral reefs. Read more
Developing Treatment to Erase Fear
Mouna Maroun’s trajectory as a neuroscientist extends from a Druze village to a postdoc in France and department head at the University of Haifa. She is now developing a treatment to erase the negative emotions that accompany trauma – and also working to open the door to an academic future for young Israeli Arabs.

Maroun began by studying psychology at the University of Haifa. “But I didn’t like it", she says. "I kept thinking about how I could get out of it without disappointing my parents. But then, in my third year, I joined a research project that worked with rats in a laboratory – and it was love at first sight.” Read more
Scholars as Peace-Builders?
A webinar was hosted recently by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York with University of Haifa President, Dr. Ron Robin and Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Chancellor of UAE University.

Chancellor Nusseibeh rejected and dismissed the BDS Movement against Israel as a useful strategy to solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dr. Robin suggested the best way to address differences is through academia. Read more or watch the full recording.
Dr. Robin recently travelled to the United Arab Emirates and met with Chancellor Nusseibeh and a number of senior government officials, seeking to promote greater collaboration between the universities. UAE officials are planning to visit University of Haifa this summer. 
Reminder: You are invited to a
special panel discussion
presented in partnership with the

PANELISTS:
Dr. Manfred Green Director of the University of Haifa's International Master's Program in Public Health, past Head of the IDF's Public Health Branch, and Founding Director of the Israel Center for Disease Control.
Dr. Andrew Morris Medical Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Sinai Health System/University Health Network, Professor, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Dr. Dorit Nitzan Regional Emergencies Director, European Region of the World Health Organization.
Moderated by Dr. Romana Primus Physician and Holocaust Education Activist,
Member of the Board of Directors, American Society of the University of Haifa.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation
email with a link to the webinar.
If you experience difficulties joining the webinar,
please email info@asuh.org for assistance.