Promoting Diversity and Multiculturalism in Israeli Academia: Challenges and Opportunities for Arab Students

Speakers:
MONA KHOURY-KASSABRI, PHD 
Dean of The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

MICHAL HAI-ATTIASS, MLS 
Associate Dean of The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Mona Khoury-Kassabri, PhD made history earlier this year when she became the first Arab woman appointed dean at Hebrew University and may well be the only Arab woman to serve as dean at any university in Israel.  She also is head of the committee appointed to examine the Hebrew University diversity policy which is part of the Israeli President’s initiative “Israeli Hope in Academia”. Her success in academia has made her a role model for other young Arab women who are striving to realize their potential and are aiming for new horizons.

Michal Hai-Attiass has a Masters in Library and Information Science and previously was the Director of the Harman Science Library at the Hebrew University. As Associate Dean, Michal is committed to increasing equality, diversity and cultural competence at the School of Social Work, turning it into an exemplary school of Israeli Hope.  As part of this commitment, the school is working on updating its vision, on increasing diversity in employment, on cultur-al competence workshops for the entire staff, and on creating a triple language policy within the school.