On Thursday, 29 May, the Visitors and Outreach Desk welcomed a solidarity delegation from Columbia University in New York, comprising around 20 academic and administrative staff members. This visit, the second from Columbia University this year (the first having taken place in July 2024), reflects the strengthening relationship between our two institutions.
The delegation represented a diverse range of disciplines—primarily medicine, but also the social sciences, social work, public health, and library sciences. Notably, most participants were not Jewish, making their visit a particularly sincere and meaningful gesture of solidarity at a time when Israeli academia faces significant international challenges, including boycotts and calls for disengagement.
The programme commenced with opening remarks from senior University leadership: Vice-President for Advancement & External Relations Ambassador Yossi Gal, President Professor Asher Cohen, Vice-President for International Relations Professor Oron Shagrir, and Chief Planning Officer for Strategy & Diversity Professor Mona Khoury. Student ambassadors Maria Farhat and Goldie Wolfson also delivered a special presentation, sharing their personal experiences and perspectives.
The heart of the afternoon was devoted to roundtable discussions, providing members of the Columbia delegation with the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with Hebrew University faculty, researchers, and students. These discussions fostered professional connections, deepened mutual understanding, and highlighted the vibrant academic and social fabric of our university.
In a time of global tension and division, this visit stands as a heartening example of the power of academic solidarity, open dialogue, and shared values.
This event was organised by the Visitors and Outreach Desk of the Division of Advancement and External Relations.