UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Photos Credit: Philipp Dümcke

German Friends of the University of Haifa held a festive event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the University and its special connection with Germany at the residence of German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. President Ron Robin and VP and Dean of Research Mouna Maroun led a delegation of alumni and students from German Friends-sponsored programs. Over 80 longstanding friends and supporters of the University attended the event, including honored guests Dr. h.c. Sonja Lahnstein Kandel, Chairwoman of the German Friends Association and UofH honorary doctorate recipient (2017), and Prof. Manfred Lahnstein, Honorary Chairman of the University’s Board of Governors and UofH honorary doctorate recipient (2007), Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, President of Freie Universität Berlin, Vice President of Max Planck Institute, and Director of GEOMAR. The gala event was followed by a lunch hosted by Senator and Second Mayor of Hamburg, Katharina Fegebank.

University of Haifa is a symbol of the ‘dream for a better, more peaceful world in which people of all cultures and religions have the same rights and live together in peace’. ─ German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier

READ FULL SPEECH HERE

MEDIA COVERAGE
The event received extensive media coverage. In a rare statement, President Steinmeier voiced his concerns surrounding the Israeli government’s proposed judicial overhaul.

The escalation of hate and violence …in the past weeks and months… is giving us all great cause for concern. And we are also concerned by the (Israeli) government’s plans to reform rule of law structures… Those who champion understanding and détente, as well as dialogue, deserve our full support – so that the dream to which the University of Haifa is committed can actually be realized one day.
─ German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier

A house divided, will not stand. Separation of powers is essential for Israeli society, and the Israeli academy in particular. 
─ President Ron Robin

READ MORE in Times of Israel and Jerusalem Post