Now more than ever, the modern State of Israel cannot be understood without grasping the full scope of Jewish history as context. The ancient Israelite kingdoms, two millennia of Diasporic life, the emergence of the Zionist movement, the Holocaust, seventy-five years of developments within the Jewish State and constant geo-political challenges to date are all essential background to form a comprehensive understanding of what Israel is today.
With this in mind, University of Haifa has developed three international one-year English-taught master’s programs aimed at preparing future professionals in Jewish, Israeli, and Holocaust studies with the broad understanding necessary for a fruitful and rewarding career contributing to these fields. Globally renowned for their excessive research publications and grants, its academic leaders are recognized as world experts in versatile historical aspects of the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
All three international programs offer students a hybrid-learning mode, the freedom to choose from a wide range of courses, and extensive research options, for a personalized study experience tailored to their preferences and interests. The programs also offer attractive scholarships for eligible students, which can amount up to full tuition coverage and living stipends.
Learning from the Past to Protect the Future: Master’s in Holocaust Studies
“Our goal is to pave the way for a new generation of Holocaust experts,” says Anat Weiner, Director of the Weiss-Livnat International Master’s program in Holocaust Studies. This innovative, one-of-its-kind program explores the Holocaust through a diversity of perspectives, including history, anthropology, psychology, education, art, and technology. Its multidisciplinary concept trains students in the holistic modes of thought and practical skills necessary for a professional career in Holocaust education, commemoration, or research
These complex perspectives are magnified by the diversity of participating students from across the globe, bringing different narratives regarding the Holocaust and unique motivations for research. “Each student arrives with their personal ‘why’ for exploring the Holocaust,” explains Weiner, “they could be descendants of Holocaust survivors, students from countries involved in World War II, or any other country with a history of genocide. The motivations are numerous, and we encourage students to align with their personal story, interest, or passion
One of the main reasons this globally renowned Master’s program stands out is its exclusive internship opportunities in Israel and abroad. These include Yad-Vashem, Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the Holocaust Museum L.A, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and more, where students acquire hands-on experience and work directly with leading experts on unique projects.
“My Master’s Holocaust Studies has been a profound and enriching experience, says Master’s student Daniel Toro Torres from Colombia. “The program offers an in-depth understanding of life in Israel and powerful insights into Jewish resilience and renewal. Its international diversity, expert lecturers, and field trips to museums and remembrance sites were an unparalleled opportunity for me to explore the multifaceted impact of the Shoah on society in a beautiful and diverse campus and vibrant city, with beautiful mountains and beaches.”
The program is also known for its broad and diverse network of filmmakers, Holocaust survivors, and professional experts whom the students work with in workshops and meet in field trips and at guest lectures, developing relationships that continue graduation. This network facilitates innovative projects, including the development of groundbreaking technological methods that will significantly influence the future of Holocaust research, commemoration, and education in the digital age.
“It has been an incredible experience and lifetime opportunity for me for me to learn from the top scholars in the field, meet colleagues from around the world, who after traveling this shared emotional and educational journey together, have become lifelong friends” says Judy Goldberg, a Master’s student from the US. “The academic faculty of this program are outstanding educators who are always there to provide guidance and support”.
A Fully Rounded Approach to Judaism: Master’s in Jewish Studies
UHaifa International’s Master’s Program in Jewish Studies incorporates the full spectrum of current and historical Jewish perspectives, including the unique experiences of different Jewish cultures throughout history. It provides students with the versatile research skills needed to analyze and address the core questions of Jewish Studies, specifically those concerning the historic interactions between local and global Jewish cultures.
“Our program offers a balanced and fully-rounded picture of pre-modern Jewish culture, and explores its relevance in larger trends and global events,” explains Dr. Micha Perry, the Program’s Head. “We’re a good fit for students who are curious about Jewish culture, history, and religion, interested in developing advanced research skills, or looking to pursue a career in academia, education, NGO’s or Jewish community organizations.”
The program offers students opportunities to explore biblical studies, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Judaism and Christianity from ancient to early modern times, Talmud and Midrash, medieval Jewish history, Jewish philosophy, Kabbalah, Hasidism, Jewish mysticism and more.
“Studying in Israel, and especially in Haifa – Israel’s most culturally diverse city- benefits our students by providing a broader perspective on the conveyance of Judaism in a multicultural context,” adds Perry. “That’s why we incorporate many field trips in the program, so that students can experience our unique multicultural history and heritage firsthand.
The Master’s program in Jewish Studies attracts students from all over the world, for a multitude of exciting reasons. Frederik Reforivan Baziduhu Zaluchu for example, Uhaifa International’s first student from Indonesia, chose this study path for professional reasons. “As a youth pastor, I need to study where the Bible was written and understand its content from a Jewish perspective,” he explains. “The profound knowledge I have learned in the International Jewish studies program is helping me develop my preaching career.”
Besides focusing on the three chronological cohorts of Judaism – Biblical, Antiquity and Medieval to Modern periods, students can also take courses in other International programs such as Israel Studies, Holocaust Studies, Hebrew or Arabic.
From an Idea to a Nation: Masters in Israel Studies
While both Holocaust Studies and Jewish Studies programs examine the past, the Master’s program in Israel Studies focuses on in-depth study of the State of Israel, from the beginning of the Zionist movement to present. The program sheds light on the theoretical foundations of the Zionist project, the relationship between Jewish diaspora communities and the modern State of Israel, and the complexities of Israeli society in face of its multicultural character.
“This international program is designed for students who want to understand the Israeli experience in the broader context of 20th century Jewish history, along with the politics and society of the Middle East, including current events”, says the program’s Head, Dr. Asaf Shamis. “It’s ideal for students pursuing careers in journalism, education, diplomacy, tourism, Israeli or Jewish organizations, and other fields that require a broader understanding of Israel, its ongoing challenges, and the Middle East”.
“The University of Haifa is the ideal place to experience the historical and multicultural background of Israel”, says Margherita Ledro, from Italy, a graduate student in Israel Studies program at UHaifa International. “There is no other place that can give me the study experience and in-depth knowledge I’m looking for.”
In fact, the study program covers a broad range of topics, including migration, economics, politics, culture, religion, and the ties between Israel and Jewish communities abroad. It explores significant trends in Zionist ideology and how they evolved over time, including relevant criticism and internal debates. Students learn how the Old Jewish Settlement and later, Israeli society, were consolidated through waves of immigration and examine contemporary Israel within the context of modern Jewish and Israeli history.
Like the first two programs, Israel Studies combines classroom studies with field trips to historical and archaeological sites, kibbutzim, archives, historical museums, and meetups with representatives from different sectors of Israeli society. “This allows students to become familiar with Israel’s society, history, landscape, and geography”, concludes Shamis
Join the MultiExperience
Situated on the top of Mount Carmel with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the University of Haifa offers nineteen international Masters Programs for students coming from over 90 countries to a diverse and fascinating multicultural experience. All programs are entirely English-taught and can be completed in one year, while students interested in pursuing the thesis track can prolong their studies and pave the way for their PhD. The first University in Israel to align with the global Sustainable Development Goals, UHaifa International has adopted an equal opportunity approach, and offers scholarships and financial aid to eligible students.