(l-r): Anita Friedman (Chairperson of World WIZO), Zvika Rak (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NB Haifa School of Design), Architect Ori Ronen (Interim President of the WIZO Academic Center), Rector Gur Alroey,  Sharon Zaid (University VP and CEO), and Prof. Leah Peretz (Head of the School of Design). | Credit: Yossi Carasso

The merger between University of Haifa and the Neri Bloomfield School of Design marks an important milestone as the first university in Israel to house a dedicated design school. Expected to take effect at the commencement of the 2024 Spring Semester, this transformative agreement is contingent upon regulatory approval from The Council for Higher Education. The Council, which has been supportive since the inception, has consistently granted approval for various interim agreements throughout the process.

The University’s new School of Design, headed by Prof. Leah Peretz, a globally recognized leader in fashion design, will inaugurate a new era of education and innovation across diverse design disciplines in Israel. This initiative aims to leverage and enhance practical knowledge, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth. As part of the new merger, the School of Design will continue its operations at its existing location in the German Colony in downtown Haifa. The strategic collaboration promises to elevate the status of design education within the University of Haifa, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and setting a precedent for academic institutions in the region.

“This is a particularly exciting day, as the School of Design’s German Colony campus joins with the University’s Technological City campus in Haifa’s downtown, deepening our integration into the social fabric of Haifa. These campuses, situated within walking distance, will attract students to recreational and commercial hubs, thereby drawing entrepreneurs and service providers. Simultaneously, researchers collaborate with industry, fostering the emergence of new start-ups. Our vision for a genuine urban university is now becoming a reality,” stated President Ron Robin.

“Our new School of Design is set to offer unprecedented opportunities for our students, distinguishing them in the competitive job market. This pioneering integration, a national first, brings immense pride to Haifa, the University, its residents and our students. The transition is strongly aligned with our steadfast commitment to social and environmental sustainability, with design and architecture playing an integral role in advancing this mission.  The introduction of new fields fosters innovative collaboration across disciplines, ranging from smart clothing and sustainable fashion to research that blends cinema and empathy, and extends even further,” noted Rector Gur Alroey.

Anita Friedman, Chairperson of World WIZO, stated: “WIZO celebrates the natural union. For more than half a century, the WIZO Academic Center in Haifa has been an intrinsic part of WIZO narrative, transitioning from an educational seminar to a college, academic center and now a School of Design at the University of Haifa. We take pride in its endearing legacy, honoring the name of Neri Bloomfield z”l, a Jewish-Canadian philanthropist pivotal in its establishment. Our commitment to its future remains steadfast through our membership on the governing boards of the University. We’d like to thank everyone whose tireless efforts helped shape the institution into what it is today – a place of constant renewal.”

According to the agreement, the new School of Design will become an academic unit of the University of Haifa, and retain its current departments: Fashion Design, Visual Communication, Architecture, Photography (inclusive of a film course), and a master’s program in Environmental Design and Education. Prof. Peretz, appointed as the School’s head, previously led the Fashion Design Department for 22 years, garnering international acclaim and ranking sixth globally among fashion design departments. Recognized as a key figure in Israeli fashion and culture, she received the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fashion Award. She added: “I am excited about the endless possibilities for collaboration between the School of Design and the existing departments at the university. We can envision synergies with theater, music, and cinema for joint specializations, as well as unconventional collaborations, such as integrating with the School of Marine Sciences for sustainable design materials or incorporating the sea as an additional space for environmental design. Our students will enjoy opportunities that they won’t find anywhere else in the country and their undergraduate degrees will allow them to advance to graduate studies without the requirements for supplementary courses.”

“The merger signifies a significant leap forward for our institution,” added Ori Ronen, Interim President of the WIZO Academic Center. “I would like to thank the founders, donors, and leaders, including World WIZO, Neri Bloomfield, z”l, past and present presidents, department heads and dedicated staff. Their enduring commitment to community and environmental values finds has found its rightful place at the University of Haifa. Our dedication to excellence remains steadfast, ensuring that at least one-third of our future graduates are certified for teaching design fields, with opportunities for advancement to research degrees. Alumni in architecture, fashion design, photography, and graphic design form a central pillar of our legacy—leaders in creativity, innovation, and unwavering professionalism. Their remarkable achievements embody the spirit of our institution. We look forward to a promising future, rooted in our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the aspirations of our vibrant community.”