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 – for more details, see here →
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 programs 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, organizations and donors. A second agreement signed between the two partners covers students and staff exchanges within the framework of the Erasmus+ program.
“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, see here →
Background: Goethe University’s partner universities in Israel
Tel Aviv University (TAU)
Founded in 1953, Tel Aviv University has more than 30,000 students studying across nine faculties. The partnership between Goethe University and TAU dates back to 1984 and complements the city partnership between Frankfurt and Tel Aviv. There exist a number of cooperative research and teaching projects and networks between the two universities, including at faculty level, in the form of student exchanges as well as close contacts between the university managements and International Offices. In 2022, the two universities set up the Frankfurt-Tel Aviv Center for Interreligious Studies – see here →
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI)
Founded in 1925, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem today has more than 23,000 students studying across seven faculties. Goethe University and HUJI strengthened their long-standing research networks in November 2023 by setting up the Center for Childhood and Child Welfare in Context, see here →
The University of Haifa
Founded in 1972, the University of Haifa’s more than 16,000 students today study across six faculties. Goethe University and the University of Haifa entered into their first official partnership on February 16, 2025, with the signing of the mutual student exchange agreement, see above and here →
Kibbutzim College of Education
Founded in 1939, Kibbutzim College is an initiative of Israel’s collective kibbutz movement to establish a training seminar for school and pre-school teachers. It is Israel’s largest academic college, with more than 6,000 students enrolling each year in a variety of study programs in the field of education. In 2024, Goethe University’s faculties of educational sciences and biological sciences signed a collaborative partnership with the Tel Aviv-based Kibbutzim College of Education.
