Social Sciences

Hidden History of Israeli-Syrian Peace Efforts  Across Seven Decades Revealed

Hidden History of Israeli-Syrian Peace Efforts Across Seven Decades Revealed

18 May, 2025

Amid escalating tensions and evolving diplomatic overtures, the relationship between Israel and Syria has entered yet another complex phase. In wake of the fall of the Assad regime, tentative diplomatic signals come against a backdrop of intensifying military activity. In a sweeping historical study published in Israel Studies (Vol. 29, Issue 2), Professor Elie Podeh of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers an insightful look into over seven decades of clandestine and public efforts to achieve peace between Israel and Syria.

No Car, No Problem: Inside Israel’s Unlikely Car-Free Families

No Car, No Problem: Inside Israel’s Unlikely Car-Free Families

14 May, 2025

In a world where cars symbolize freedom, some Israeli families are finding liberation in going without them. A new study from the Hebrew University explores the surprising motivations of middle-class parents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem who choose to live car-free—not out of necessity, but by design. Their reasons range from fear of driving to a desire for healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and more independent children. These “outlier” families offer powerful insights that challenge transportation norms and open new avenues for policy and planning.


 

Bridging Political Debates: The Power of Factual Knowledge

Bridging Political Debates: The Power of Factual Knowledge

25 April, 2025

A new study shows that factual knowledge can reduce polarization on contentious topics. Participants who engaged with balanced facts about gun control shifted toward more moderate policy views—an effect that lasted even after a month. The findings suggest that, contrary to popular belief, people are open to learning facts that challenge their beliefs and that accurate information can promote a healthier discourse.