European Survey Maps Value Diversity Among Tech Workers: Developers stand out as a unique liberal, individual and universalistic elite
In the wake of the tragic events of October 7, 2023—when Hamas launched a deadly and unprecedented assault on southern Israel—scrutiny has intensified over the historical roots of Gaza’s political trajectory. Against this backdrop, a compelling new study by Professor Elie Podeh of the Hebrew University revisits Israel’s 2005 Gaza Disengagement Plan, challenging the widespread perception that the move was a strictly unilateral one.
New archaeological findings along a little-known medieval wall in eastern Mongolia reveal that frontier life was more complex than previously believed. Excavations show evidence of permanent habitation, agriculture, and cultural exchange, suggesting that these walls were not solely defensive structures but part of a broader system of regional control and interaction during the Jin dynasty.
A new study warns that climate change will significantly reshape wind energy potential across the Middle East. While surface winds may intensify in some regions, wind speeds at turbine height are projected to decline—posing challenges for energy planners across the region. Using high-resolution climate modeling, the research highlights the urgent need to factor future wind dynamics into sustainable energy strategies.
A new study introduces choice engineering—a powerful new way to guide decisions using math instead of guesswork. By applying carefully designed mathematical models, researchers found they could influence people’s choices more effectively than relying on gut instincts or even traditional psychology. This discovery could pave the way for smarter, more ethical tools to improve decision-making in areas like education, health, and everyday life.
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.
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.
Today, students at the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine held a special event called Hospital for Bears, dedicated to the memory of two of their classmates: the late Carmel Gat, who was murdered in Hamas captivity, and Eyal Berkowitz, who fell in battle in Gaza. Both were students at the faculty and are deeply missed by their peers.
Prof. Netta Barak-Corren of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Law and the Federmann Center for the Study of Rationality has been selected to join the European Research Council’s (ERC) prestigious “Ambassadors for the ERC” program. Professor Barak-Corren recently won an ERC Starting Grant to launch EmpiriCon, a pioneering research project that addresses the lack of empirical grounding in constitutional law.
