University of Haifa tells staff not to work above 5th floor of iconic tower amid spiraling tensions in north

Temporary emergency protocols have been adopted by the University of Haifa for the next few days, with the educational institute citing a heightened sense of caution and the concerns of staff and students.

While Haifa is south of the “confrontation line” of communities bordering the Lebanese border that are currently subject to stricter protocols, the university has decided on a day-to-day basis to restrict gatherings over 100 participants (affecting planned graduation ceremonies) and “for reasons of caution” instructing staff who work above the fifth floor of the campus’ iconic 30-story Eshkol Tower to work from home.

The location of hazardous material used for university research is also being re-evaluated while all other university activities, such as exams for the summer semester, are proceeding as usual.

On behalf of the university’s leadership, special condolences for Haifa’s population of Druze students were also sent out this morning.

At the Technion, which as a result of a delayed start to the school year is still in the midst of its spring semester, there have been no changes to university activities.

לא שוכחים אפילו לרגע אחד. אוניברסיטת חיפה מאירה את מגדל אשכול במספר 133, כמספר החטופים והחטופות בעזה, ״כדי להזכיר שהם והן לא יחגגו את חג הפסח הזה עם משפחותיהם. אנו מצטרפים לתפילה שישובו הביתה עכשיו! @UofHaifa @WallaNews #BringThemHomeNow pic.twitter.com/PMtS0aw6j7

— יואב איתיאל מדווח כי (@yoavetiel) April 21, 2024