Sawsan Kheir

Teaching Fellow
Department of Multidisciplinary Studies
Faculty of Humanities

Fields of Research:
Psychology of Religion; Social Psychology; Minorities in Israel; Cross-cultural research

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I was born and raised in the Druze village of Peki’in, where I graduated from high school. Subsequently, I pursued psychology studies at the University of Haifa, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For nearly a decade, I worked as an educational psychologist with the Haifa Municipality. Currently, I am pursuing a dual doctoral degree at the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Haifa and the Study of Religions at Åbo Akademi University (Finland). I serve as a teaching fellow in the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies and lead a research team at the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies, focusing on the intersection of religion and gender within the Druze community.

 

My doctoral research explores the contemporary religiosity of young adult Muslim and Druze university students in Israel. The data collected has contributed to several publications, with some findings warranting further investigation. I am particularly interested in how intercultural encounters shape the relationships between Arab and Jewish communities. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and running. One of my aspirations is to visit refugee camps worldwide and provide psychological support to the children there.

We are the World": Embracing Multiculturalism

“Multiculturalism and resource mobilization are invaluable assets in both academic and societal contexts. My vision is to establish a Center for Multiculturalism at the University of Haifa. This center will bridge the gap between research and education, emphasizing the application of multicultural principles to build deeper understanding and unity among diverse communities. Together, we can cultivate a more inclusive future, where academic insights translate into real-world impact.“
– Sawsan Kheir

FUNDRAISING NEEDS

As a minority member, I’ve come to realize that bridging gaps and fostering a stronger society can only be achieved through genuine empathy for one another. Stepping into each other’s shoes is essential for true connection. The University of Haifa, renowned for its cultural diversity, offers a unique platform for advancing intercultural dialogue. I aspire to establish a Center for Multiculturalism. This proposed center would serve as a research hub and advocate for social initiatives and dialogues aimed at cultivating a multicultural environment within the university and beyond. Its mission is rooted in promoting values of understanding, respect, and freedom of expression, while fostering common goals among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

On the research front, the center will delve into the personal, social, and political psychological dynamics of intercultural encounters, examining their impact and implications. Moreover, it will emphasize practical applications geared towards effecting tangible change. At the social level, the center will organize courses and workshops designed to bring together students from different cultural backgrounds. Through these initiatives, I aim to promote cultural exchange, dispel stereotypes, and facilitate collaborative projects centered around shared objectives.

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