23 July 2006.
Shalom,
Back to Work
The University of Haifa has re-opened its door today. The majority of staff members
came to work in spite of all the difficulties. During work hours several alarm sirens
forced the staff to go to the bomb shelters and the work resumed right after the all
clear announcement was given.
Below is the note published by the University Administration in light of today's return
to routine work.
Dear Staff Members,
We are all experiencing trying days.
Following much hesitancy, numerous evaluations of the situation, and consultations
with the authorities, the University of Haifa Administration has decided to renew the
work of the academic and administrative staff as of today. The work day will finish at
4 p.m. and no later than 6 p.m. The library will be open until 4 p.m. only.
A decision regarding renewal of exams, lectures and other student activities will
follow.
This decision has not been made lightly. However, after weighing all considerations,
we have determined that a return to normalcy is the correct decision.
We
acknowledge the many difficulties this presents to every individual on staff and their
families.
We believe that the decision to return to work is for the benefit of both the staff and
the University.
Today and in the coming days, regular work activities will cease at the sounding of
the air-raid siren. To our regret, almost certainly this will become the temporary new
normalcy for all of us. Despite the difficulty, we will try on the one hand to obey all
the regulations and instructions of the authorities and on the other hand to maintain a
reasonable degree of routine at work.
All the bomb shelters and reinforced, protected spaces on campus have been
examined and prepared for use, should the need arise. We repeat and emphasize to
staff located in Eshkol Tower that the southern stairwell (beside the express elevators)
is a protected space where people should stay during an air attack.
At this time, Heads of Departments and Units are requested to display understanding
and sensitivity with regard to the special needs of any staff members that have
difficulty for any reason with our decision. The University Administration is open and
sensitive to any problems that arise and will try to help in particular cases.
Dear Staff Members, we are all undergoing trials that demand of us courage and the
strength to cope at a high level. We are sure that together we will find the fortitude to
meet the personal and organizational responsibilities that are required of us.
As has been the case in the recent past, we are asking you to continue to remain
updated via the University website.
In hopes for quieter and more secure days,
The University Administration
The American Friends Association of the University of Haifa is
Launching an Emergency Campaign
Leon Charney, President and Chairman of the U.S.
Friends Association of the University of Haifa, called out
for aid in light of the current hostilities, "Now more than
ever, there is an importance to support the University of Haifa", says Charney, "As
you all know the city of Haifa has sustained terrible rocket attacks. The enduring
rocket attacks have been causing untold damage to the city of Haifa, and naturally
much indirect harm to the University". The emergency scholarship campaign is
aiming to cover for the fact that students can not work, and thus can not save to pay
tuition and will be in need of the University's assistance. "Your contribution will help
immensely to overcome the financial needs which will be necessary to keep the
university financially healthy" announced the Chairman to the University's American
Friends Association, "We can not be there in person but the least we can be there
financially to help. I ask all of you to understand our plight and help us with this
emergency campaign".
Faces of the University of Haifa – Coming Back
to Work
Prof. Saul Smilansky – the Faculty of Philosophy
"I returned to the Department, at the University Of Haifa, a few days
ago, actually I never left! I feel safe here, as safe as any place these
days" said Professor Sminalnsky. "I am at work because I have
many outstanding projects to complete and I am adamant that the Hezbollah not
interfere with my work" he added.
Professor Smilansky tells us: "During the first sirens, last Sunday, I was at the
University and I did not feel frightened or shocked - I felt that everything was going
to be alright". The Professor made a point of coming to the University all of last week
and again this week. "Together, with my family, I decided that there was no reason to
leave Haifa, here we feel safe and at home despite the frequent bomb attacks" he
explained.
Yael Belkind-Eran – part time support staff at the University of
Haifa Library
"I was told that the decision to come to work at the University was
being left to each individual, and that everybody is free to make a
decision about being here during the bombings" shares Yael, from
between the book shelves at the Library. "I decided to come to work
at the Library – to take my mind off the sirens and bomb attacks"
she added.
Ms. Belkind-Eran, as well as working in the Library, also works at a Hostel for
Mentally Challenged people in the Hadar area of Haifa – the area hit with rockets
only this last weekend. The direct hit in the City caused many of the residents of the
Hostel to openly show signs of anxiety and stress. Yael shares with us: "of course I
am frightened but I am trying to slim down my chances of being hit by taking the
under ground train, the Carmelit, and staying indoors as much as possible".
Yael lives on the Carmel, in Haifa, and for now at least, she is not even considering
giving up her two part time jobs. "The last time I came home from work in Hadar, I
was caught by the sirens on my way – since then I make a point of wearing running
shoes to work so that I can make my way to the closet bomb shelter really fast if I
need to" she said.