As Prof. Moshe Lewenstein wraps up a transformative seven-year tenure as Deputy President of Bar-Ilan University, his reflections reveal a leader who has not only driven significant projects but has also laid the groundwork for future advancements within the institution. In a recent conversation, he shared insights into three key initiatives: the International School, the Youth Center, and the Business Intelligence (BI) system, each of which exemplifies his commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Under his guidance, the International School has become a vibrant hub of activity, attracting international students and fostering global partnerships. International School colleagues celebrate Orientation...

In a vibrant event held in October 2024, Bar-Ilan University celebrated the invaluable contributions of outgoing Deputy President, Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, and outgoing Vice President for Research, Prof. Shulamit Michaeli, while warmly welcoming a new cohort of visionary leaders poised to steer the university into a future of innovation and global collaboration. A Legacy of Achievement Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, who served as Deputy President for seven transformative years, was lauded for his pioneering work in establishing the International School, an advanced BI system, and the BIU Youth Center. His leadership in projects like the Responsa Project and the construction of...

Bar-Ilan University (BIU) is actively expanding its global reach by forging meaningful partnerships with academic institutions worldwide. A recent visit to Kazakhstan highlighted BIU's commitment to strengthening ties and exploring new collaborative opportunities. Bar-Ilan University representatives with the team from the National Academy of Sciences, which falls under the President of Kazakhstan The visit focused on strategic meetings in Astana and Almaty, with a key highlight being the interaction with Bolashak, the Center for International Programs, which falls under the Kazakhstan Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Discussions revolved around potential collaborations and renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  ...

Bar-Ilan University (BIU) made significant strides in connecting with existing partners and forging new collaborations at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference held in Toulouse, France, in September 2024. The event served as a pivotal platform for the university's International School to engage with institutions from around the world, emphasizing BIU’s commitment to enhancing its international presence and collaboration in higher education. Focus on International Collaboration The EAIE plays a crucial role in supporting professionals involved in the internationalization of higher education. At this year's conference, the theme 'En Route!' highlighted the collective efforts of the educational community...

On Orientation Day at Bar-Ilan University, a lively Q&A panel brought together seasoned international students to share their perspectives on studying and living in Israel. Hosted by Oz Nacker, Director of Student Exchange, the panel featured students from diverse backgrounds—including Turkey, Australia, Ukraine, Italy, and India—each bringing unique insights about the challenges and rewards of their time at Bar-Ilan. Overcoming First-Year Hurdles For many, the biggest hurdle was adjusting to life far from home. Hüsne Dereli-Begue, a sixth-year postdoctoral researcher in physics from Turkey, recounted the challenges she faced moving to Israel during the pandemic with young children. “The biggest...

In recent years, the academic world has witnessed the rise of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a campaign that aims to isolate Israel in various spheres, including academia. Initiated in 2005, BDS was founded with the intention of applying economic and political pressure on Israel, but it has since become a tool for anti-Israeli encampments, particularly in the United States and Europe and especially since the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war with Gaza. “These movements, which often operate under the guise of human rights advocacy, target Israeli academics and institutions, undermining the universal...

Prof. Emeritus Michael Sofer from Bar-Ilan University recently visited Slovakia as part of an academic collaboration supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ grant scheme. His trip included meeting colleagues at two universities: Constantine the Philosopher University (CPU) in Nitra and the Catholic University in Ružomberok, and exploring Jewish heritage in the country. Prof. Michael Sofer and Assoc Prof. Martina Pavlíková met with Amb. Eitan Levon, the Ambassador of Israel to Slovakia (center) at the Israeli Embassy Prof. Sofer, a distinguished academic in the Department of Geography at BIU, also serves as the chair of the Israel National Committee of the...

In a significant move to bridge language barriers and enhance international academic opportunities, American philanthropist David Magerman has pledged $1 million to Bar-Ilan University. This generous donation, made through Magerman's Tzemach David Foundation, aims to support programs that facilitate the integration of English-speaking students into Hebrew-language degree programs. The gift, announced by the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, will primarily fund Hebrew-language studies for American and other English-speaking students. David Magerman, a computer scientist and co-founder of the venture capital fund Differential Ventures, expressed his vision for the gift: "This is a critical moment for Jewish American philanthropists. If even...

Nearly 30 US undergraduate students from the US recently participated in the 14th annual Summer Science Research Internship Program, a joint Bar-Ilan University-Yeshiva University initiative. This program enables students to gain hands-on experience in emerging scientific fields while being mentored by Israel’s finest scientists. This year’s cohort is comprised of students from Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, Columbia University, Cornell University, Rutgers University, The Cooper Union, Queens College, Brooklyn College, Touro College, Lander College, and the State University of New York at Binghamton. During the seven-week research experience, the students conducted intensive internships in STEM research with faculty members...

In July 2024, Israel welcomed distinguished delegations from the embassies of Georgia and  Japan, highlighting the importance of international collaboration through innovative research and shared goals. These visits underscored the vital connections between these nations and emphasized their commitment to advancing sustainability and scientific inquiry. The visit from the Embassy of Georgia, led by Amb. Zaza Kandelaki, Ambassador of Georgia in Israel, showcased an ambitious agenda to fortify ties with Israeli institutions. Key moments included a tour of solar farms in collaboration with Dr. Yariv Ben-Naim from the Faculty of Life Sciences. This visit illustrated a shared vision for renewable...