Recent Events & Webinars

LIVE PRESENTATION | July 24 2024

How Religion Fosters Dialogue in a Time of Despair

Since October 7th, it has been all too easy to feel hopeless about the prospects for peace in the Middle East. In American Society of the University of Haifa’s latest webinar, Prof. Uriel Simonsohn, Head of the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies, speaks to Dr. Chris Seiple, former Co-Chair of the U.S. Secretary of State’s Religion and Foreign Policy working group, about the Laboratory’s multifaceted efforts to harness the power of religion as an agent of positive change. Notably, Prof. Simonsohn recently gathered 20 prominent religious leaders from across the religious spectrum in Haifa to sign a groundbreaking statement calling for cooperation between faiths during this contentious wartime period in Israel. WATCH A RECORDING

52nd Board of Governors Meeting | June 2, 2024

52nd Board of Governors Meeting | June 2, 2024

University of Haifa presents the first-ever Visionary Award to Mrs. Herta Amir, recognizing the Amir family’s exceptional leadership in creating a lasting academic legacy at the University. The Amr Family Fund recently pledged $50 million towards the establishment  of the Herta and Paul Amir School of Medicine.

Rector Gur Alroey was officially elected as the University’s 12th President, assuming the role in October 2024. He will succeed President Ron Robin, who is completing a highly successful eight-year term.

Major events included the Conferment Ceremony of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Honoris Causa, upon Artist and philanthropist Batia Shani and businessman and philanthropist Morris Kahn >>WATCH A RECORDING OF THE HONORARY GALA

LIVE PRESENTATION | April 15, 2024

Join the American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) for the Third Part of the Israel and World Jewry in a Time of Crisis featuring the esteemed Director Emeritus of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Abraham Foxman. Renowned globally for his leadership in combating antisemitism, Foxman brings unparalleled expertise to illuminate the roots and evolution of this hatred. As a seasoned lawyer and activist, he delves into the current surge of antisemitism in the United States, examining the role of social media in exacerbating this troubling trend. Moreover, Foxman offers invaluable insights into effective strategies for the Jewish community to counteract these challenges. Moderating this crucial discussion is Jeffrey Robbins, ASUH Board Member and partner at Saul Ewing. Join us as we delve into vital discussions and chart paths towards combating bigotry and discrimination. WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | March 27, 2024

Join the American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) for the Second Part of the Israel and World Jewry in a Time of Crisis featuring former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Ambassador Dennis Ross, renowned for his unparalleled expertise in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Having served as a key figure in the peace process under both the George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations, Ambassador Ross offered invaluable insights into one of the world’s most contentious geopolitical issues. Delve into a captivating discussion as he shares his perspectives on the current Israeli-Hamas conflict, the state of U.S.-Israeli relations, and outlines potential paths to peace moving forward. The discussion was moderated by Jeffrey Robbins, ASUH Board Member and partner at Saul Ewing. WATCH A RECORDING
*Part Three in the series will feature Abraham Foxman, former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), on April 10th.

LIVE PRESENTATION | March 13, 2024

Join the American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) for a captivating three-part series in collaboration with the esteemed national law firm Saul Ewing. In the first event in the series we will hear from esteemed Jewish leader and Pro-Israel advocate David Harris, former CEO of American Jewish Committee (AJC) and anchor of the “Defending Israel” show on Jewish Broadcasting Service. The discussion was moderated by Jeffrey Robbins, ASUH Board Member and partner at Saul Ewing. WATCH A RECORDING
*Upcoming events in the series will feature appearances by Ambassador Dennis Ross, former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, on March 27, and Abraham Foxman, former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), on April 10.

LIVE PRESENTATION | February 28, 2024

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a fascinating discussion with former Mossad Chief Tamir Pardo who will be speaking alongside Dov Weissglas, Chair of the Executive Committee of University of Haifa and former Director-General of Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office under Ariel Sharon. Pardo explained what he believes is occurring behind the scenes as Israel attempts to negotiate a cease-fire agreement with Hamas and determine a post-war plan for Gaza. The webinar was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz. WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | February 15, 2024

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a webinar with Prof. Arin Salamah-Qudsi and Dr. Yael Granot-Bein, Head and Director, respectively, of the University’s new Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community. They revealed how during a period of extenuating circumstances, the campus community is not only making the best of the situation but rather thriving in the face of adversity and wartime.
The webinar was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz.WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | January 24, 2024

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a webinar with University of Haifa’s Prof. Roy Salomon, a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in brain mechanisms of self-consciousness, who is also co-founder and board member of SafeHeart NGO, a nonprofit initiative providing psychological aid to survivors of the Nova music festival attack. Prof. Solomon discussed how SafeHeart has provided much-needed support for survivors of the Nova attack, such as sessions with therapists who have experience working with extreme traumatic events. The event was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz. WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | January 10, 2024

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a webinar with former Attorney General Avihai Mandelblit and the University’s Executive Committee Chairman Dov Weissglas, a former Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office under former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon.  The timely discourse, coinciding with Israel’s active preparation for its legal defense in The Hague trial at the International Court of Justice, sheds light on the manner in which Israel is upholding the laws of war amidst the challenges and complexities associated with it. The event was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz. WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | December 13, 2023

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a webinar with Dr. Gabriel Weimann, a distinguished cyberterrorism expert and Communications Professor at the University of Haifa. Formerly a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Dr. Weimann explored the ongoing discourse surrounding Israel’s war with Hamas and the misinformation shared accross social media, as well as strategies for Israel to reshape the narrative and garner international support.
The event was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz. WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | November 29, 2023

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a webinar with former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the University’s Executive Committee Chairman Dov Weissglas, a former Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office under former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon. Gain unique perspectives from these prominent figures as they discuss their roles in Israel’s disengagement from Gaza. The discussion featured insights on the future steps Israel should take and the upcoming developments for the region. The event was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz.   | WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | November 16, 2023

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a webinar with former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff,  Yair Golan and the University’s Executive Committee Chairman Dov Weissglas, a former Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office under former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon. The discussion explored Golan’s lifesaving efforts on October 7, and featured expert analyses from both Golan and Weissglas regarding Israel’s ongoing ground invasion. The event was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz.WATCH A RECORDING

LIVE PRESENTATION | October 25, 2023

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a webinar with Dov Weissglas, Chair of the University’s Executive Committee and former Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office under former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon. In his role as Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office, he served as a diplomatic delegate for negotiating with U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and was one of the key architects of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. The event was moderated by ASUH CEO, Naomi Reinharz. | WATCH A RECORDING