Bar-Ilan University’s International School is dedicated to providing a rich and diverse cultural experience for its international students. Throughout the year, the Department of Student Affairs and Well-being, led by Hadar Giat, organizes a wide array of events and activities that cater to the interests and needs of the student community. These events celebrate Jewish traditions, prioritize language learning, and foster connections between Israeli and international students.
The department’s commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community is evident in the success of recent events including hosting a Pesach Seder (Passover meal), Israel Night for Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), the monthly English Coffee and Conversation meet-up, and the certificate ceremony for The Ambassadors’ Club Speakers Series.
The Pesach Seder was an enjoyable celebration of Passover. Led by Prof. Tova Ganzel and Rabbi Tzvi Wohlgelernter, the event involved reading the Haggadah, understanding Passover traditions, and enjoying symbolic foods. Participants were also taught songs that added joy to the evening.
At the beginning of May, students took part in a Yom Hashoah event to honor the memory of the Holocaust. Holocaust survivor, Yehudit Adler, shared her family’s story. Hosted by Yevheniia Vodolazska, an MBA student, the event served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength shown by those who endured the darkest moments in history.
At the end of May, students celebrated Israel’s Independence Day during Israeli Night. While keeping the difficult situation of a country at war in mind, the evening was filled with Israeli music, traditional songs, and some dancing, all of which showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage. The event provided an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in Israeli culture and foster a deeper appreciation for the nation’s history and achievements.
In addition to cultural festivities, the International School provides weekly Hebrew classes, allowing students to develop language skills and engage effectively with Israeli society. Conversely, a monthly “English Coffee and Conversation” event brings Israeli and international students together to speak in English, creating a warm and welcoming environment for meaningful friendships across cultures.
The International School is committed to providing a holistic educational experience. The university fosters cultural understanding, language proficiency, and social integration through diverse events and activities, allowing students to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
BIU International Students Graduate as Israel Ambassadors
More than 30 students from 18 countries, including Israel, successfully completed The Ambassadors’ Club’s Speakers Series in June 2024. This prestigious program, held at Bar-Ilan University in conjunction with StandWithUs, is the premier Israel advocacy program for students. The participants were awarded a Certificate of Achievement accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their active participation in the program.
The Ambassadors’ Club not only provides students with valuable knowledge but also equips them with the skills to effectively advocate for Israel. By completing this program, the students have demonstrated their commitment to understanding Israel’s history, conflicts, and humanitarian efforts, as well as their ability to answer tough questions about the country.
The Speakers Series offers students a unique opportunity to engage with various speakers from different backgrounds, including ambassadors, security experts, politicians, professionals, and graduates of the Ambassadors’ Club. Topics included “Israel-Hamas War: Understanding the Conflict,” “How it all Began: Israel’s History and Conflicts Throughout the Years,” “Israel in the Digital Arena,” “Israel: History Through Music,” “Minorities in Israel: Israeli Arabs and Ethiopians,” “Israel and Humanitarian Aid,” and more.
The participants in the Speakers Series represented a diverse group of countries: Russia (1), Ukraine (2), France (1), Philippines (1), United States (4), Canada (2), China (5), Turkey (1), Egypt (1), Georgia (1), Kazakhstan (1), Uruguay (1), Finland (1), Mexico (1), Korea (2), Nigeria (1), Spain (1), and Israel (4).
Hadar Giat, the Director of Student Affairs and Well-being at Bar-Ilan University’s International School, played a crucial role in facilitating the participation of international students in the program. Her efforts ensured that students from various countries could benefit from this unique opportunity to learn about Israel’s public diplomacy and engage with experts in the field.
