Israeli politics and public life are currently undergoing tumultuous times. In its proposed judicial reform, the government seeks to weaken the Israeli judiciary – an esteemed institution and cornerstone of Israeli democracy. As part of its efforts to secure freedom of research, teaching, and speech in Israel, the University has taken a number of measures to deflect initiatives that threaten democracy in this country. Earlier last month, President Ron Robin and Rector Gur Alroey signed an official petition by all leaders of Israeli research universities calling for a balanced discussion on the reform. As part of a formal statement, the Senate of the University urged the coalition government to suspend the Knesset vote until a public discussion is held on this important issue. University of Haifa became the first university to offer students and faculty the opportunity to partake in demonstrations.