THE CHALLENGES WE’RE WORKING ON

At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), we celebrate the achievements of our female faculty, students, and alumni, and are proud to share their brilliant ideas with the world. 

But like many other institutions of higher education around the world–women remain underrepresented in the general academic faculty, as well as within the student body pursuing advanced degrees. As of 2017, female students outnumbered men only in the Human/Social Sciences track (64 to 47). Women account for only 40% of lecturers, 35% of senior lecturers, 26% of associate professors, and 15% of full university professors.

HOW WE’RE SOLVING THEM

HU is proud of its accomplished female faculty, students, and alumni, as well as HU initiatives that are addressing gender inequality at the university and throughout Israel:

The Lafer Center: Closing the Gap

Founded to further the understanding of women and gender, the Lafer Center for Women and Gender Studies aims to bridge the gap between feminist theory and practice. The center coordinates programs of the Hebrew University and offers courses at the M.A. level and is the first of its kind in Israel. Its goal is to create more academic research opportunities for women, and to advance gender equality both at the university and in Israeli society.

Meet a Few of HU’s Accomplished Female Faculty and Alumni: 

Dr. Hermona Soreq

Dr. Soreq is a professor at HU and a prominent researcher in brain sciences. She helped found the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and has received several prestigious awards for her research. She is the author of over 280 peer-reviewed journal articles and eight books.

Prof. Mona Khoury-Kassabri

Prof. Khoury-Kassabri is the Dean of Social Work and Social Welfare at HU and one of the first Arab women to be appointed dean at any Israeli university. Prof. Khoury-Kassabri’s research focuses on issues related to the welfare of children and youth, with a particular interest in children at risk for becoming perpetrators and victims of violent and delinquent acts. 

Alumna, Joan West Johnson

Joan was the first African-American woman to attend the Hebrew University after winning a New York City Hebrew competition prize in 1962. While attending HU, she gained a deep appreciation for education, which become the springboard for her lifelong career in the New York City Public school system.

THE IMPACT OF OUR WORK

HU, with assistance from American Friends of Hebrew University (AFHU), is dedicated to supporting women in their pursuit of the highest levels of academia, research, and advancement.

ABOUT AFHU

Founded in 1925, AFHU is a national, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, headquartered in New York City. We connect the passions of Americans to the talent at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one of the world’s most distinguished academic and research institutions. Collectively, its students, faculty, and alumni have won eight Nobel Prizes, developed treatments for diseases, and ignited innovation that has led to more than 8,900 patents.

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