Hebrew University President Calls Rankings a Miracle Amidst Academic Decline
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli universities face decline due to boycotts and brain drain.
- Hebrew University President calls current rankings a "miracle."
- Government budget cuts are harming higher education, says the president.
- The president avoids political stances and government confrontation.
- Sheafer has served as university rector and president.
The President of the Hebrew University, Tamir Sheafer, has warned that Israeli universities are in decline due to academic boycotts, brain drain, and government budget cuts. Sheafer described the fact that the Hebrew University remains ranked among the top 100 universities globally as a "miracle," suggesting this status may not last.
Sheafer, 64, who previously served as the university's rector before becoming president about a year ago, is reportedly engaged in a struggle against three factors he believes threaten the university's standing: the emigration of Israeli academics, international academic boycotts, and what he terms a "local boycott" by the current government, which he accuses of harming academia through reduced funding for higher education.
Despite his concerns, Sheafer stated he is avoiding direct confrontation with the government and opposes the university taking political stances. He explained his cautious approach by saying, "I am squirming because I am in a sensitive position, and I have responsibility for the university."
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