Barbara Seimetz, Head of the Science Department, and Susanne Düwel, Head of the Cultural Department of the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) office, visited Bar-Ilan University at the end of February. The focus of their visit was to discuss the effects of the events on October 7 and the ongoing situation of war.
During the visit, Zohar Yinon, the university’s CEO, highlighted the immense efforts made by the university to provide support to students and researchers, not only in terms of academics but also by addressing their psychological well-being.
Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, Founding Director of the Rackman Center, Faculty of Law, and an esteemed expert in family law and international women’s rights, shared with Barbara and Susanne her dedicated work documenting instances of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas since October 7. Their findings have played a vital role in bringing international attention to this distressing aspect of the October 7 attack.
Prof. Eitan Okun from the Faculty of Life Sciences, whose research focuses on developing vaccines and strategies against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, shared his personal experience. He bravely defended his kibbutz against a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. Presently, he and his family are residing in a hotel in Netanya after having to evacuate their home. However, a glimmer of hope emerged as two of his daughters were able to participate in swimming training in Germany, thanks to the aid program “Shalom-Chaveruth, Solidarity Partnerships with the South” initiated by the NRW office.
This visit proved to be an incredibly moving experience, once again highlighting the resilience and unity of Israeli society. A heartfelt expression of gratitude goes out to the entire team at Bar-Ilan University.
Text (translated) from an article on the German Embassy’s Facebook page. © Pictures: German Embassy
