Dear alumni, friends and supporters in the UK,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you following a day of heavy fighting in the South and rockets launched at civilian populations in the South and Central Israel. As you are undoubtedly aware, our nation finds itself in a state of war.86

A large number of our staff, faculty and students have been called up for active reserve duty as we brace for what promises to be a long and difficult confrontation. We are doing our best to stay in contact with them and offer our support .

We seek to maintain routine operations, as much as possible. However, as a precautionary measure, we have suspended exams and all large assemblies. As for the next coming days, we have instructed most of our staff to work from home. Given the bombing this morning on Israel’s northern border, we have opened our bomb shelters on both the Mount Carmel and City Campus.

We are aware of the impact of events on those who reside in the line of fire. As such, the University has opened its doors to residents from the South and offered them use of our dormitories.

We will continue monitoring the situation and have yet to decide whether we should commence the school year next week or defer the opening date. All university presidents are coordinating activities, and we will try, as much as possible, to align our plans and responses.

Dear friends, this surprise attack and its aftershocks are unprecedented both in their scope and tragic loss of human life. We have yet to comprehend its impact on our society. I want to reiterate our unwavering commitment to delivering a safe campus for our entire University of Haifa family and greatly appreciate your concern and support during this most trying time.

Thank you and keep the faith.

Ron Robin

President