An evening event organised by the German Friends of the University of Haifa and attended by Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, focused on the power of science and dialogue.
On 18 June 2026, nearly 60 guests from the worlds of politics, academia, business and civil society gathered at the Industrie-Club Düsseldorf for the Haifa Dinner, hosted by the German Friends of the University of Haifa ( e.V.). The event centred on German-Israeli scientific cooperation and the role of the University of Haifa as a hub of academic excellence, lived diversity and social cohesion. With 40 per cent of its students being Israeli Arabs, it is regarded as a prime example of coexistence within the diverse mosaic of Israeli society. In the presence of Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Dr Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf, the importance of scientific cooperation between Germany and Israel was emphasised.
In his address, Minister-President Hendrik Wüst paid tribute to German-Israeli relations, the role of academic cooperation and North Rhine-Westphalia’s long-standing ties with Israel and Haifa:
“The University of Haifa stands for scholarship that builds bridges and strengthens social cohesion. People of different religions, cultures and backgrounds learn, conduct research and live together here. The German Friends of the University of Haifa make an important contribution to this. They open up opportunities for young people, promote social engagement and intercultural dialogue. The projects supported by the Friends’ Association are an important sign of solidarity. This is particularly significant at a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise again, even at German universities. Universities must remain places of freedom, open-mindedness and respectful exchange. If Jewish students experience hatred, exclusion or hostility there, this constitutes an attack on the fundamental values of our democratic society. North Rhine-Westphalia will continue to take a firm stand against anti-Semitism – in universities and schools just as much as on the streets and in the digital sphere.”
Other speakers at the event included the President of the University of Haifa, Prof. Gur Alroey; the Arab-Israeli neuroscientist Prof. Hanin Karawani-Khoury; and the Chair of the Board of the German Friends of the University of Haifa e.V., Dr h.c. Sonja Lahnstein-Kandel. The discussions focused on the role of the University of Haifa as one of Israel’s leading research universities and on its contribution to a resilient and inclusive society. At the same time, the importance of international scientific collaboration in times of increasing polarisation and attempts at academic boycotts was emphasised.
University President Prof. Gur Alroey took up this point. He emphasised that universities are not only places of research and teaching, but also bear responsibility for social cohesion. Universities must create spaces where different perspectives can come together and joint solutions to societal challenges can be developed:
“I would like to thank our German friends and Minister-President Hendrik Wüst for the opportunity to present the University of Haifa – Israel’s most diverse university, with 40 per cent Israeli-Arab students. I call on universities in Germany to deepen their scientific cooperation with Israel and to clearly reject academic boycotts: science builds bridges, opens up opportunities and shapes the future. Alongside world-class research and teaching, we regard social impact as our third mission. As a living laboratory of coexistence, we promote social mobility and strengthen social cohesion – an approach that is unique in the Middle East.”
A particular focus of the evening was on the university’s coexistence and scholarship programmes, which are supported by the German Friends’ Association. These include the “Jewish-Arab Community Leadership Programme”, which brings together young Jewish and Arab leaders, and the “Werner Otto Arab Israeli Women Graduate Scholarship Programme”, which supports outstanding Arab female students on their path to top academic qualifications. Both programmes are unique to Israel and the entire Middle East region. Prof. Mouna Maroun is also among the outstanding graduates of the “Werner Otto Programme”. The neuroscientist made university history when she was appointed as the first Arab-Israeli Vice-Chancellor of the University of Haifa. Her career exemplifies the scholarship programme’s aim of opening the way for talented women to reach top academic positions.
Prof. Hanin Karawani-Khoury, head of the AudioNeuro Laboratory at the University of Haifa, also embodies an impressive example of the university’s diversity and commitment to inclusivity. In her presentation, the Arab-Israeli scientist spoke about her research at the intersection of neuroscience, auditory research and multilingualism, as well as the opportunities that an open academic environment offers for scientific excellence and social participation:
“The diversity at the University of Haifa shapes my research anew every day. The multilingualism of the participants in our laboratory raises fascinating questions – and equally exciting answers – regarding the brain’s plasticity and cognitive functions. The University of Haifa provides a unique setting for this: it not only facilitates groundbreaking research, but also fosters an intensive exchange between people with very different perspectives,” she explained.
In her address, Dr h.c. Sonja Lahnstein-Kandel emphasised the particular significance of German-Israeli partnerships – especially at a time when Israeli scientific institutions are increasingly confronted with calls for boycotts and attempts at exclusion:
“The connection between North Rhine-Westphalia and Israel has given rise to wonderful and sustainable projects for decades. These include, for example, the Jeckes Museum at the University of Haifa. The Jeckes – immigrants from German-speaking regions, including many from North Rhine-Westphalia – once brought knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit and democratic values from Germany to Israel. Today, it is up to us to carry on this spirit: through engagement, through academic collaboration and through the resolute support of those institutions that embody diversity, dialogue and freedom on a daily basis. We must oppose academic and cultural boycotts with determination, a clear stance and consistent action, for they run counter to all these values.”
Source and further information: German Friends of the University of Haifa e.V. (in German)