In mid-February Goethe University President Prof. Enrico Schleiff visited Israel to meet with representatives of the universities of Haifa and Tel Aviv and sign into effect two cooperation agreements.
First official partnership with Haifa University
On February 16, Schleiff met for discussions with representatives of the University of Haifa, including Rector Prof. Mouna Maroun. Together, they signed a memorandum of understanding for a mutual student exchange.
Strengthening the partnership with TAU
The following day, Schleiff held meetings with representatives of long-term Goethe University partner institution Tel Aviv University (TAU) and signed an agreement that builds on the existing partnership of the two institutions, which dates back to 1984. The universities agreed to further promote the exchange, teaching and research activities of both universities, further strengthen the ties between them, and deepen the understanding of the economic, social and cultural issues and traditions of Germany and Israel. The agreement includes the commitment to promote university exchanges by inviting the respective partner university’s students – irrespective of their discipline or degree level – to participate in exchange programmes for non-degree study or research periods, exchange information pertaining to developments in teaching and research, and do everything possible to secure the funds necessary for this cooperation from third parties, including foundations, organisations and donors. A second agreement signed between the two partners covers students and staff exchanges within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme.
‘It was important to me to personally be there to sign the agreements and also speak to former exchange students from our long-term partner university TAU about their experiences in Frankfurt,’ Schleiff says. ‘I was happy to hear of all the good things they had to say about their stay at Goethe University, where they felt both safe and welcome. Another good sign is that many expressed the desire to return.’
Discussions on the current situation at Israeli universities
Schleiff’s discussions also included updates on the current situation of Israeli universities and institutions of higher learning, the goals and challenges of academic relations between Germany and Israel, as well as questions revolving around funding and academic freedom.
These discussions once again showed, Schleiff says, ‘how critically many Israeli academics view their government’s policies. They face the great challenge of asserting their academic freedom against the state, which also provides their main source of funding.’ Most Israeli universities are largely publicly-financed, income which they supplement with third-party funding, study fees, project funding and donations.
Source and further details: Goethe University Frakfurt