The University of Haifa opened the 2025–2026 academic year on October 26 with the launch of the new Herta and Samuel (Paul) Amir School of Medicine and the new Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences. This year, approximately 18,000 students began their studies across all degree programs. The new School of Medicine, established in partnership with Carmel Medical Center and Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, marks a significant milestone for the University. The new Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences focuses on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, preparing students for key roles in Israel’s tech industry. Thanks to a special donation, the new medical students will receive a full tuition waiver for their first year.

The University of Haifa recently welcomed a German delegation of 24 guests for a two-day visit, beginning with a warm dinner alongside university leadership, faculty, and staff. The program included a city and campus tour in the Schues Foundation Art Prize exhibition.

The visit concluded with the German Friends Scholarship and Co-existence Ceremony at the Ofer Observatory, featuring student presentations, a keynote by Rector Prof. Mouna Maroun, and a performance by student Edan Tsela, followed by a lecture by Prof. Martin Köttering of the University of Fine Arts Hamburg.

In recent months, collaboration between the University and the German Friends has also received wide media attention in Germany. You can explore some of the recent interviews here: NDR Interview, SWR Interview, Deutschlandradio Interview.

The Division for Global Engagement hosted a delegation of community leaders from Boston, who visited Israel with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation met with Prof.Tally Katz-Gerro, Vice President for Global Engagement, Tsameret Einav, Managing Director of the Division for Global Engagement, and Dr. Marva Shalev Marom from the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies (HLRS). During the visit, participants discussed about the University of Haifa’s unique character as a diverse, multicultural institution and learned about interfaith diversity in the city of Haifa. 

The University of Haifa is proud to recognize this year’s honorary degree recipients, distinguished leaders, innovators, and visionaries across diverse fields. 
This year’s honorees include celebrated poet Ronny Someck, evolutionary biologist Eugene V.Koonin, philanthropists Michael and Linda Frieze, entrepreneur Bill Ackman,designer-researcher Neri Oxman, former Board Chairman Bradley Bloom, and visionary supporters Jules and Eddie Trump. Each has made a lasting impact in their field and contributed to advancing knowledge, creativity, and community.
We congratulate all recipients for their remarkable achievements and their enduring connection to the University of Haifa. 
Read more about the 2025 honorary degree recipients.

Dr. Mark A.Raider, Professor of Modern Jewish History at the University of Cincinnati, reflects on how discussions about Israel have become a mirror of America’s civic and moral landscape. Writing in the Times of Israel, he examines how polarization around Israel reveals broader challenges to identity, tolerance, and democratic discourse in the United States, while calling for renewed dialogue and mutual understanding.
Read the full article here.