Haifa University

The Robert Weil Family Foundation are proud supporters of the initiative at Haifa University that aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity within the institution. A support that will make possible for the Arts Departement at Haifa University to hire Arab faculty members.

There has been a transformation within the Arts Departement at Haifa University over the past 15 years. Today 76% students on BA level are Arabs. But at the level of teaching faculty, Arab representation is nearly absent.

It is crucial in realizing the vision of a more equitable and culturally vibrant academic environment to create a diverisfied faculty. It will not only provide opportunities for talented individuals but also contribute to the advancement of the institution and the broader community.

Head of the institution, professor Sharon Poliakine says:

“As we look higher up the pyramid of seniority within Israeli universities, including our own School of Arts, we are confronted with a sobering reality. While we boast a thriving student population at the bottom, the representation diminishes significantly at the level of second-degree programs, and even more starkly at the level of teaching faculty, where Arab representation is nearly absent.

This discrepancy is precisely what our initiative seeks to address. We recognize that true inclusivity extends beyond student enrollment numbers; it must permeate every level of academia, including the composition of our teaching faculty. It is within the realm of education that we have the power to effect meaningful change, and I firmly believe that this is where our efforts must be concentrated.

By diversifying our teaching faculty to reflect the rich tapestry of our students and broader society, we create an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. I think that the Arab student’s educational experience will profoundly be enriched when they will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of teachers, drawing inspiration from a spectrum of cultural and artistic perspectives.

Our mission is fostering diversity, equity, and excellence in arts education.

Your support for these initiatives is instrumental in realizing our shared vision of a more inclusive, vibrant, and culturally enriched academic environment”

Haifa University