Hebrew University President Calls Rankings a Miracle Amidst Academic Decline
Translated & summarized from Haaretz by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hebrew University President calls global ranking a miracle amid decline.
- Academic boycotts and brain drain threaten Israeli universities.
- Government budget cuts are harming higher education, Sheafer warns.
- President avoids political stances, citing responsibility.
- Sheafer is fighting against forces causing academic decline.
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 stated that the fact the Hebrew University remains ranked among the top 100 universities globally is a "miracle," implying this status may not last. Sheafer, 64, who previously served as the university's rector before becoming president a year ago, is actively fighting against three forces he believes threaten the university's future: the emigration of Israeli academics, international academic boycotts, and what he described as the current government's detrimental actions towards academia through reduced higher education budgets.
Despite his concerns, Sheafer is avoiding direct confrontation with the government and opposes the university taking political stances. He explained his cautious approach by stating, "I am squirming because I am in a sensitive position, and I have responsibility for the university."
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