Author: AUFTAU

Tel Aviv University Marks 100 Days Since the Hamas Attack

Written by AUFTAU on 15 January 2024. Posted in Newsroom.

On January 14, the Tel Aviv University community marked 100 days since the Hamas attack on Israel. In various events across campus, TAU aimed to reflect on the impact the last 100 days of war on various fields of research, express our support families of the hostages, and to rally together in the cry to bring all hostages home.

100 Minutes for 100 Days: Examining the Impact of War

The inaugural event, ‘100 Minutes for 100 Days,’ brought together researchers from diverse fields such as psychology, ecology, and information technology. Adopting a TED-style format, the researchers presented the impact the war has had on their various fields. The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Jeremy Fogel from the Department of Jewish Philosophy in the TAU Faculty of Humanities.

Prof Ariel Porat speaking at the ‘100 minutes for 100 days’ ceremony

“Tel Aviv University is an ark which will save us from the flood and allow us to build a new world that will come afterwards” (Dr. Jeremy Fogel)”

The event opened with an address from Prof. Ariel Porat, President of Tel Aviv University. In his speech, he rallied the university community, urging both faculty and students to unite and fortify national resilience. He remarked, “Our open wound does not cease to bleed. Since October 7, 15 of our students have lost their lives, and over 60 families within the university community have experienced the profound pain of losing their loved ones. We collectively mourn their tragic deaths and yearn for the safe return of the soldiers and all the hostages.”

Prof. Porat then spoke about the decision to start the fall semester. “We realized that if we don’t do this, everyone will be hurt. We created a support network to help our students who are currently serving in the IDF, so as not to let them fall behind in their studies.We all feel that we owe them a lot; that is a debt that will never be fully repaid. And now it’s our turn to protect them, their careers, and give back to them even a little in return for what they’re doing for all of us.”

For our national resilience it is important to try and maintain some kind of routine in the time of the war. This is crucial for the future of the State of Israel. “We cannot afford the luxury of putting the economy or higher education on hold, hoping that everything will somehow turn out fine. We mustn’t cease the production of doctors for the health system, engineers, tech professionals, psychologists, and more. It is imperative that we rise to the task of the national importance that lies before us,” he concluded.

Dr. Lior Zalmanson, a senior lecturer and assistant professor at the Technology and Information Management Program, Coller School of Management, specializes in studying human behavior in virtual environments. In his discussion, he explored the role of AI in wartime communication and how technology companies influence narratives. Dr. Zalmanson also highlighted the potential dangers of AI in our daily digital interactions, pointing out its capacity to introduce biases in opinions, particularly through the presentation of specific verbal or visual content.

Prof. Marcelo Sternberg, a climate change scholar and the head of the Plant Ecology Lab in the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, addressed a less-discussed aspect of the war’s impact. “I am excited to talk to you about a subject that may not receive much attention in the media,” he began, diving into topics such as soil contamination with heavy metals and explosives, the destruction of various habitats for plants and animals, the severe disruption to Israel’s food security caused by the shutdown of numerous farms in proximity to Gaza, and more.

Dealing with Post-Trauma

Dr. Michal Kahn, a licensed clinical psychologist and the head of Sleep Research laboratory from the Gershon H. Gordon School of Psychological Sciences in the Faculty of Social Sciences, is part of the team of therapists working at the newly opened National Trauma and Resilience Center, which operates on TAU campus and provides PTSD treatment at a nominal cost to affected civilians and IDF soldiers.

“These moments, face-to-face with the terrorists and the shootings, have, of course, been with her ever since – there is no escaping from them, ‘and yet’, as she tells me, I’m a simple case'”

The panel of experts. From the left to right: Dr. Lior Zalmanson, Dr. Michal Kahn, Prof. Marcelo Sternberg, and Dr. Jeremy Fogel

Kahn talked about the psychological aspect of the war, highlighting the increased incidence of anxiety disorders and PTSD. She also offered insights into potential treatment methods and provided a glimpse into her volunteer work with survivors of the Nova party.

“While they were being led into Gaza, Rimon asked Yagav ‘what should we do? They took your guitar that you love so much,’ and he answered with the simplicity that is so characteristic of him: ‘If one child learns to play and is happy, at least one good thing has happened'” (Nofer Buchstab, PhD student in the Faculty of Life Sciences, about the moment of her brother’s kidnapping)”

Unity and Remembrance: TAU Campus Rally

“Hundreds of people, including hostage family members, Prof. Ariel Porat (the President of the university), and Daniel Zilber (the chairman of the Student Union), participated in the rally held on the TAU campus. Classes were suspended for an hour, and the entire university community gathered in the rain to call for the release of all the hostages, who have been held captive in Gaza for 100 days.

Among those speaking at the rally were:

Nofer Buchstab, PhD student in the Faculty of Life Sciences, sister of Yagav Buchstab, kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim together with his partner Rimon. Rimon was released from captivity, but Yagav is still held in Gaza.
Gil Dickman, cousin of Carmel Gat, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri. Carmel is a graduate of the TAU Faculty of Medicine with a bachelor’s in occupational therapy and a graduate student in therapy and occupational therapy at the Hebrew University. Gil is a graduate of the School of Psychological Sciences at Tel Aviv University.
Merav Svirsky, sister of Itay Svirsky, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Be’eri. Itay is a TAU graduate with degrees in psychology and economics. His cousin is Prof. Uri Ben-David from the Faculty of Medicine. Merav and Itay’s parents were murdered by Hamas on Black Sabbath on October 7.
Yifat Calderon, cousin of Ofer Calderon, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, along with his children Sahar and Erez. Sahar and Erez were released, but Ofer still remains in captivity. Yifat is one of the leaders of the Hostage Forum that brings together relatives of the hostages.
Anat Shoshani, a student at the Faculty of Management, the granddaughter of Adina Moshe, who was kidnapped from the Nir Oz compound and released from captivity. Anat’s grandfather, Said Moshe, was murdered.
Stav Levy, a student at the School of Architecture, the partner of Idan Shativ, who was kidnapped from the Nova festival.

At the end of the campus rally, faculty members and students marched to the Hostage Square in the center of Tel Aviv to join the remembrance ceremony there.

The day concluded with a One Million Bells event held at the Lowy International School where members of TAU community gathered to ring bells for one full minute to show solidarity with the hostages.

Artist Doron Gazit presented a display featuring yellow balloons made from recycled materials, shaped in the form of the iconic yellow ribbon associated with the ongoing effort for the return of the hostages.

Voices of Resilience and Hope Echo in Solidarity

Written by AUFTAU on 14 January 2024. Posted in Newsroom.

On January 14, the Lowy International School community commemorated 100 days since October 7, marking a somber milestone with 136 hostages held captive during all this time. TAU international students met with October 7 survivors and hostage representatives, and the bell-ringing ceremony was held in the afternoon to call for the release of all hostages.

Making the Voice of Israel Heard

October 7 survivors and hostage representatives came to the Lowy International School to share their stories with the members of the Israel War Story social media task force run by TAU international students who strive to combat misinformation online regarding the Israel-Hamas war. The seminar was a joint initiative of the task force and Talk Israel and Israel Is movements. Together, the session participants brainstormed ways of sharing authentic stories on social media to reach a wider audience around the world and make the voice of Israel heard.

Kayla Goldberger (USA), 2nd year student in BA in Management and Liberal Arts:

“This is the first time I’ve heard someone talk first-hand about the Nova festival. It is a different experience and it humanizes the experience of what is going on.

One of the main takeaways for me today is how raw everything still is – everyone is still grieving here in Israel. I also saw how important and valuable sharing survivors’ stories is.”

Stefanie M. Schulz (Germany), a graduate of the master’s program in Security and Diplomacy:

“The most important and special part of the day was getting to meet the survivor of the Nova festival and people advocating on behalf of the hostage families. The social media training was also useful even if there wasn’t a lot of new material. It was good to hear advice on how to present content. It confirmed our feeling that authentic content, even if it’s less professional, has better reach.”

Ring to Remember, Ring to Reclaim, Ring to Return

At 4 pm, the TAU community gathered at the Lowy International School to ring bells for one full minute as part of the global One Million Bells initiative to show solidarity with the hostages.

As Dr. Inon Schenker, Initiative Creator, explains: “Bells have been a powerful tool for centuries. One bell can warn of danger and save a village; One million bells may shake the world, herald hope and mark a line between humanity and evil. October 7th, 2024 must be remembered globally as a defining moment against terror.”

The sound of the bells echoed three powerful messages calling everyone to remember the murdered, injured, their families and loved ones; reclaim a world without terror, antisemitism, bigotry, and racism; and return the remaining hostages immediately.

Maureen Adiri Meyer, Director, The Lowy International School:

“As the international school at TAU, we have always recognized the importance of global understanding and unity – particularly on our international campus. As we mark 100 days, having bells ring out around the world reminds us of the power of community, remembrance, and solidarity and how much it is needed right now.”

TAU Rector Prof. Mark Shtaif extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the war casualties and expressed sincere hope for the swift release of the hostages and a resolution to the conflict. Tal, a representative from the Hostage Forum, underscored the urgency of advocating for the prompt liberation of hostages. American actress and performer Jade Taylor sang at the event, accompanied by Ido Montaniez.

Ido Montaniez and Jade Taylor at the Lowy International School Partners of the One Million Bells initiative included the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, World Zionist Organization, Center for Jewish Impact, major hotel chains, the Stock Exchange, United Nations for Israel, Impact for Healthy Future, NOVA, and global faith organizations.

University of Pennsylvania’s Solidarity Visit to Tel Aviv University

Written by AUFTAU on 8 January 2024. Posted in Newsroom.

Against the backdrop of escalating concerns regarding antisemitism on American university campuses, a significant delegation from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) embarked on a solidarity visit to Tel Aviv University on January 4. The purpose of their visit was twofold: to express unwavering support for their Israeli counterparts and to gain profound insights into the aftermath of the harrowing events that transpired on October 7. The collaborative effort resulted in a joint symposium titled “October 7th: Coping with Trauma,” a comprehensive exploration of social, political, and psychological perspectives. Prof. Michael Kahana, from the University of Pennsylvania, who initiated the open letter in support of Israel and the current visit said: ‘In the weeks after October 7, we felt very distant in physical space, but very close in emotional space. I’m gratified that so many colleagues, many of whom I haven’t even met before joined me on this visit.”

“Together we’ll come out of this stronger.”— Michael Kahana, Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Term Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania

Michael Kahana, Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Term Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania TAU President Ariel Porat thanked the UPenn delegation for their visit: “It’s important for us to have people like you come to us during these most difficult times ever because these days we need friends.

“Choosing to come shows support and empathy for people in Israel and Israeli universities.” TAU President Ariel Porat

TAU Rises to the Challenge

Addressing the challenges the university faced since the war’s inception, Ariel Porat explained that, immediately after October 7, up to one-third of undergraduates were called up for reserve duty. As a result, the academic year was postponed by more than two months and only started on December 31 to avoid losing the full academic year. Special provisions were instituted to aid reserve soldiers in completing their academic commitments while still being on active duty. Beyond logistical challenges, potential tension between Jewish and Arab communities on campus posed an additional hurdle. TAU, committed to fostering a safe environment for all, undertook substantial efforts to ensure a smooth start to the academic year without incidents.

“We are sensitive to free speech, even when it collides with other values. Even in times of war, democracy, human rights and civil rights are not suspended,” commented President Porat.

Notably, TAU, unlike some other Israeli universities, refrained from expelling students expressing views related to the October 7th massacre without following proper legal procedures.

Navigating Trauma through Cinema

Renowned Israeli filmmaker Avi Nesher, drawing from his extensive experience, presented a unique perspective on trauma through the lens of cinema. Reflecting on two of his films, The Matchmaker and The Image of Victory, Nesher underscored cinema’s role in shaping a nation’s mythology and the imperative of acknowledging conflicting narratives. The Matchmaker delves into the profound bond uniting the Israeli people, formed as a reaction to the Holocaust. Nesher highlighted the collective post-trauma stemming from the Holocaust, an ever-present yet unspoken force in the national psyche. The events of October 7, by reactivating this deep-seated trauma, resonated profoundly with the nation.

Professor Peter Decherney (UPenn), film director Avi Nesher, film scholar Dr Shmulik Duvdevani

“We don’t want to think about ourselves as lamb to slaughter. Locked into a collective, locked into post-holocaust trauma, we’ll all emerge only as a collective.” — Avi Nesher, filmmaker

In The Image of Victory, which recounts the 1948 Egyptian raid on a kibbutz, Nesher weaves together opposing narratives. He argued that cinema’s power lies in compelling audiences to confront and ultimately acknowledge uncomfortable truths.

“If there are two conflicting narratives, the conflict can go on forever. Sympathy is possible when you honor the narrative you don’t agree with and learn to co-exist.”

Nesher added that the complete negation of the Israeli narrative witnessed on many university campuses felt like a major betrayal as universities are the first places where conflicting narratives should be embraced.

A Dive into the Background to the War

Prof Itamar Rabinovitch, former TAU President, ambassador to the US (1993-1996), and Visiting Professor at UPenn, Harvard, and Stanford, provided a succinct political analysis of the ongoing conflict. Describing the events of October 7 as the most severe crisis since the establishment of the state, he attributed the crisis to failures in politics, policy, intelligence, and military execution.

Prof Itamar Ravinovitch, former TAU President, ambassador to the US (1993-1996), and Visiting Professor at UPenn, Harvard, and Stanford The internal divide in the country, exacerbated by attempts to weaken democracy, created an opportunity for adversaries. The policy to cultivate Hamas at the expense of the Palestinian Authority backfired, leading to a significant transfer of Qatari money into the hands of Hamas. Intelligence failures compounded the situation, resulting in a delayed response from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Prof Rabinovitch stressed that the current conflict is not merely a war with Gaza but represents the first war between Israel and Iran, with an uncertain resolution and future plans for Gaza.

However, the strength and resilience of the Israeli civil society inspire optimism about the future.

Understanding Trauma: Psychological and Social Dimensions

The symposium’s third panel, Perspectives on Trauma, provided a comprehensive examination of psychological and social dimensions. Prof Talma Hendler, the session moderator, highlighted the collective impact of the October 7 events on every individual in Israel, creating a shared sense of group trauma. Prof. Bruria Adiri presented findings from a longitudinal study initiated post-attack, assessing distress and resilience across various social groups. Initial measurements in mid-October revealed unprecedented distress levels, gradually subsiding by November. Societal resilience exhibited a peak on October 23, marked by diverse groups coming together in solidarity. However, over time, societal resilience experienced a decline, while individual resilience continued to grow.

Factors influencing individual resilience included hope, community resilience, government support, and religiosity.

Higher vulnerability was noted among 30 to 40-year-olds, potentially attributed to heightened stressors related to finances, careers, family responsibilities, and uncertainty about the future.

Addressing Mental Health Challenges Post-Attack

Prof Gil Zaisman delved into mental health issues, outlining contributing factors to post-traumatic stress in the Israeli population. The October 7 attack, marked by extreme cruelty and sexual violence, triggered PTSD even in those not directly involved, exacerbated by the online dissemination of terrorist-recorded footage.

To counteract these effects, Israeli mental health professionals initiated various initiatives. Immediate victims were treated, and initiatives like the Regional Trauma Center, Daycare Unit for Sexual Victims, and Center for Children and Adolescents were established. Additionally, Prof Yair Bar-Haim detailed the creation of the National Center for PTSD at TAU, initially planned for late 2025. The unprecedented scale of the October 7 attack necessitated an accelerated timeline, with the center treating its first patients on January 1. In addition to providing treatment for individuals affected by PTSD, researchers at TAU are actively working on preventative measures for soldiers. They employ software designed to train soldiers in directing their attention to potential threats, a method proven to substantially decrease the risk of developing PTSD. Following the events of October 7, a team led by Prof. Bar-Haim developed a dedicated app, which was subsequently distributed to the mobile phones of all soldiers in active combat units.

Gender Dynamics in the Aftermath of October 7

Prof Daphna Hacker, an expert on women studies and member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, explored the gender aspect of the war. With Israel being the first and only country with mandatory military service for both men and women, 36% of TAU students called up for reserve duty are women, many of whom are engaged in active combat.

Notably, an all-female tank unit successfully repelled a Hamas attack on a kibbutz on October 7, fighting for an astounding 17 hours

At the same time, many Israeli women and girls became victims of sexual violence on October 7. The shock over mass casualties initially prioritized victim identification and burial over forensic evidence collection, complicating international acknowledgment of the violence. To compound the issue, irresponsible domestic discourse about the scope of sexual violence has caused significant moral panic in Israel. Another serious gender issue is the struggle to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Red Cross has not been allowed to visit hostages, making it impossible to establish their health condition and to properly prioritize those who need to be released first.

All hostages, irrespective of their gender, should be brought home.

The final aspect Prof Hacker highlighted is the absence of women at the decision-making level, with all the crucial decisions on the war, ceasefire, hostage release and so on made by men.

In Gaza, where at least 50% of women report domestic violence, the devastating humanitarian crisis is the outcome of men’s actions and women are overrepresented only on the victim side.

Women are active in the struggle for peace – two Tel Aviv University professors established The Day after the War multidisciplinary academic action forum that calls on the Israeli government to declare that it has no intention of occupying Gaza and to join an international coalition that would force Hamas to surrender. All those who live on this tiny piece of land on both sides of the disputed borders are traumatized by nationalism, militarism, religious fanaticism, and sexism.

Coping with Trauma: Captivity and Its Aftermath

Dr. Yael Lahav explored captivity trauma, emphasizing exposure to multiple stressors, including torture, sexual abuse, deprivation, and isolation. Homecoming for former hostages becomes a challenging transition, with difficulties in feeling safe and resuming normalcy amid destroyed homes and lost loved ones. The harsh realities faced by returning hostages contribute to long-term health issues, premature aging, and early mortality. Moreover, secondary traumatization affects the family and friends of hostages, manifesting as PTSD symptoms. Dr. Lahav underscored the need for comprehensive mental health support and societal understanding to facilitate the reintegration of former hostages into daily life.

Prof Karen Avraham, Dean of the TAU Faculty of Medicine; Prof Michael Kahana, Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Term Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania; Prof Milette Shamir, TAU VP International; Prof Itzhak Fried, Professor-in-Residence, Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles

Academic Collaborations and Concerns

Milette Shamir, in concluding discussions, expressed concern over the rising wave of academic boycotts, particularly in social sciences, law, and humanities. While acknowledging supportive gestures, such as the EU postponing grant application deadlines for Israeli researchers, she stressed the importance of countering academic boycotts. Members of the UPenn delegation expressed heartfelt support for their Israeli counterparts. They proposed ideas to expand research collaborations and study abroad opportunities for both American and Israeli students. Suggestions included summer programs, research internships, undergraduate scholarships, and joint projects, reflecting a commitment to strengthening academic ties amidst challenging times. In essence, the UPenn solidarity visit to TAU served not only as a gesture of support but also as a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on trauma, resilience, and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge.

As both institutions navigate the complex aftermath of October 7, the shared commitment to academic collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and understanding in times of adversity.

New Technology Interprets Archaeological Findings from Biblical Times

Written by AUFTAU on 4 January 2024. Posted in Newsroom.

A breakthrough achieved by researchers from four Israeli universities – Tel Aviv University, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Bar-Ilan University and Ariel University– will enable archaeologists to identify burnt materials discovered in excavations and estimate their firing temperatures. Applying their method to findings from ancient Gath (Tell es-Safi in central Israel), the researchers validated the Biblical account: “About this time Hazael King of Aram went up and attacked Gath and captured it. Then he turned to attack Jerusalem” (2 Kings 12, 18). They explain that unlike previous methods, the new technique can determine whether a certain item (such as a mud brick) underwent a firing event even at relatively low temperatures, from 200°C and up. This information can be crucial for correctly interpreting the findings.

The multidisciplinary study was led by Dr. Yoav Vaknin from the Sonia & Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology, Entin Faculty of Humanities, at Tel Aviv University, and the Palaeomagnetic Laboratory at The Hebrew University. Other contributors included: Prof. Ron Shaar from the Institute of Earth Sciences at The Hebrew University, Prof. Erez Ben-Yosef and Prof. Oded Lipschits from the Sonia & Marco Nadler Institute of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University, Prof. Aren Maeir from the Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University and Dr. Adi Eliyahu Behar from the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology and the Department of Chemical Sciences at Ariel University. The paper has been published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.

Prof. Lipschits: “Throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages the main building material in most parts of the Land of Israel was mud bricks. This cheap and readily available material was used to build walls in most buildings, sometimes on top of stone foundations. That’s why it’s so important to understand the technology used in making these bricks.”

Dr. Vaknin adds: “During the same era dwellers of other lands, such as Mesopotamia where stone was hard to come by, would fire mud bricks in kilns to increase their strength and durability. This technique is mentioned in the story of the Tower of Babel in the Book of Genesis: “They said one to another, Come, let us make bricks and fire them thoroughly. So they used brick for stone”(Genesis 11, 3). Most researchers, however, believe that this technology did not reach the Land of Israel until much later, with the Roman conquest. Until that time the inhabitants used sun-dried mud bricks. Thus, when bricks are found in an archaeological excavation, several questions must be asked: First, have the bricks been fired, and if so, were they fired in a kiln prior to construction or in situ, in a destructive conflagration event? Our method can provide conclusive answers.”

The new method relies on measuring the magnetic field recorded and ‘locked’ in the brick as it burned and cooled down. Dr. Vaknin: “The clay from which the bricks were made contains millions of ferromagnetic particles – minerals with magnetic properties that behave like so many tiny ‘compasses’ or magnets. In a sun-dried mud brick the orientation of these magnets is almost random, so that they cancel out one another. Therefore, the overall magnetic signal of the brick is weak and not uniform. Heating to 200°C or more, as happens in a fire, releases the magnetic signals of these magnetic particles and, statistically, they tend to align with the earth’s magnetic field at that specific time and place. When the brick cools down, these magnetic signals remain locked in their new position and the brick attains a strong and uniformly oriented magnetic field, which can be measured with a magnetometer. This is a clear indication that the brick has, in fact, been fired.

One of the studied burnt mudbricks (Photo credit: Dr. Yoav Vaknin)

In the second stage of the procedure, the researchers gradually ‘erase’ the brick’s magnetic field, using a process called thermal demagnetization. This involves heating the brick in a special oven in a palaeomagnetic laboratory that neutralizes the earth’s magnetic field. The heat releases the magnetic signals, which once again arrange themselves randomly, canceling each other out, and the total magnetic signal becomes weak and loses its orientation.

Dr. Vaknin: “We conduct the process gradually. At first, we heat the sample to a temperature of 100°C, which releases the signals of only a small percentage of the magnetic minerals. We then cool it down and measure the remaining magnetic signal. We then repeat the procedure at temperatures of 150°C, 200°C, and so on, proceeding in small steps, up to 700°C. In this way the brick’s magnetic field is gradually erased. The temperature at which the signal of each mineral is ‘unlocked’ is approximately the same as the temperature at which it was initially ‘locked’, and ultimately, the temperature at which the magnetic field is fully erased was reached during the original fire.”

The researchers tested the technique in the laboratory: they fired mud bricks under controlled conditions of temperature and magnetic field, measured each brick’s acquired magnetic field, then gradually erased it. They found that the bricks were completely demagnetized at the temperature at which they had been burned – proving that the method works.

Dr. Vaknin: “Our approach enables identifying burning which occurred at much lower temperatures than any other method. Most techniques used for identifying burnt bricks are based on actual changes in the minerals, which usually occur at temperatures higher than 500°C – when some minerals are converted into others.”

Dr. Eliyahu Behar: “One of the common methods for identifying mineralogical changes in clay (the main component of mud bricks) due to exposure to high temperatures is based on changes in the absorption of infrared radiation by the various minerals. In this study we used this method as an additional tool to verify the results of the magnetic method.” Dr. Vaknin: “Our method is much more sensitive than others because it targets changes in the intensity and orientation of the magnetic signal, which occur at much lower temperatures. We can begin to detect changes in the magnetic signal at temperatures as low as 100°C, and from 200°C and up the findings are conclusive.”

In addition, the method can determine the orientation in which the bricks cooled down. Dr. Vaknin: “When a brick is fired in a kiln before construction, it records the direction of the earth’s magnetic field at that specific time and place. In Israel this means north and downward. But when builders take bricks from a kiln and build a wall, they lay them in random orientations, thus randomizing the recorded signals. On the other hand, when a wall is burned in-situ, as might happen when it is destroyed by an enemy, the magnetic fields of all bricks are locked in the same orientation.”

After proving the method’s validity, the researchers applied it to a specific archaeological dispute: was a specific brick structure discovered at Tell es-Safi – identified as the Philistine city of Gath, home of Goliath – built of pre-fired bricks or burned on location? The prevalent hypothesis, based on the Old Testament, historical sources, and Carbon-14 dating attributes the destruction of the structure to the devastation of Gath by Hazael, King of Aram Damascus, around 830 BCE. However, a previous paper by researchers including Prof. Maeir, head of the Tell es-Safi excavations, proposed that the building had not burned down, but rather collapsed over decades, and that the fired bricks found in the structure had been fired in a kiln prior to construction. If this hypothesis were correct, this would be the earliest instance of brick-firing technology discovered in the Land of Israel.

To settle the dispute, the current research team applied the new method to samples from the wall at Tell es-Safi and the collapsed debris found beside it. The findings were conclusive: the magnetic fields of all bricks and collapsed debris displayed the same orientation – north and downwards. Dr. Vaknin: “Our findings signify that the bricks burned and cooled down in-situ, right where they were found, namely in a conflagration in the structure itself, which collapsed within a few hours. Had the bricks been fired in a kiln and then laid in the wall, their magnetic orientations would have been random. Moreover, had the structure collapsed over time, not in a single fire event, the collapsed debris would have displayed random magnetic orientations. We believe that the main reason for our colleagues’ mistaken interpretation was their inability to identify burning at temperatures below 500°C. Since heat rises, materials at the bottom of the building burned at relatively low temperatures, below 400°C, and consequently the former study did not identify them as burnt – leading to the conclusion that the building had not been destroyed by fire. At the same time, bricks in upper parts of the wall, where temperatures were much higher, underwent mineralogical changes and were therefore identified as burnt – leading the researchers to conclude that they had been fired in a kiln prior to construction. Our method allowed us to determine that all bricks in both the wall and debris had burned during the conflagration: those at the bottom burned at relatively low temperatures, and those that were found in higher layers or had fallen from the top –at temperatures higher than 600°C.”

Prof. Maeir: “Our findings are very important for deciphering the intensity of the fire and scope of destruction at Gath, the largest and most powerful city in the Land of Israel at the time, as well as understanding the building methods prevailing in that era. It’s important to review conclusions from previous studies, and sometimes even refute former interpretations, even if they came from your own school.” Prof. Ben-Yosef adds: “Beyond their historical and archaeological significance, ancient building methods also had substantial ecological implications. The brick firing technology requires vast quantities of combustive materials, and in ancient times this might have led to vast deforestation and even loss of tree species in the area. For example, certain species of trees and shrubs exploited by the ancient copper industry in the Timna Valley have not recovered to this day and the industry itself ultimately collapsed once it had used up its natural fuels. Our findings indicate that the brick firing technology was probably not practiced in the Land of Israel in the times of the Kings of Judah and Israel.”

Tel Aviv University Urgently Launches a National PTSD Clinic for Civilians and Soldiers

Written by AUFTAU on 25 December 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Tel Aviv University is launching a National PTSD Clinic in response to urgent needs. The Clinic serves as the therapeutic arm of TAU’s National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience, which combines research, training, and intervention in the field of post-trauma and related mental health disorders. In the coming year, the Clinic is expected to treat large numbers of civilians and reserve soldiers suffering from PTSD as a result of the war or other causes. The Clinic will receive patients referred by the Ministry of Defense and the National Insurance Institute, as well as private citizens seeking treatment. Therapists are top PTSD clinicians, whose cumulative experience adds up to hundreds of years.

Officials at TAU stress that the construction of the Miriam and Moshe Shuster Building for the Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience, including a Treatment Clinic, cutting-edge laboratories and the Sam and Agi Moss Wing, commenced a year ago, with the intention of opening it in 2025. However, due to the war, TAU decided to make the necessary adaptations and open the Clinic immediately in specially allocated temporary premises. The goal is to enable an immediate therapeutic response to as many patients as possible, thereby bolstering Israel’s depleted mental health system which, even before the war, was unable to meet the population’s real needs. Civilians privately seeking therapy will pay a nominal fee. The generosity of many donors in Israel and worldwide, with special thanks to Peter and Elaine Smaller, has enabled the Clinic’s establishment.

Prof. Yair Bar-Haim, Head of the Center: “Cautious estimates speak of 30,000 new cases of PTSD and related pathologies resulting from the war. We have harnessed TAU’s academic and therapeutic resources to provide an immediate response to as many sufferers as possible.”

In the first stage, the Clinic will provide treatments with proven efficacy for adults. Reserve soldiers referred by the Rehabilitation Department of the Ministry of Defense will also be treated. Later on, as the program for adults is consolidated, additional programs for children, teens, and families will be offered as well. The Clinic will be led by Dr. Ofir Levi, formerly Commander of the IDF’s Unit for PTSD, and currently teaching at TAU’s Bob Shapell School of Social Work. The National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience is headed by Prof. Yair Bar Haim of TAU’s School of Psychological Sciences.

TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat: “Until Oct. 6th, our plan was to open the Clinic of our National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience about two years from now. However, the events of Oct. 7 convinced us that the Clinic must be launched as soon as possible. Unfortunately, PTSD has become a nationwide affliction in Israel, and we as a university are aware of the needs of Israeli society, especially now, at one of the most difficult times we have known as a country and as a people. We intend to bring relief and new hope to thousands of soldiers and civilians emotionally impacted by the massacre and the war. I am certain that the Clinic will expand its activities in the coming years and make an important contribution to the State of Israel – thanks in great part to our bighearted and committed donors, and especially Peter and Elaine Smaller.

Prof. Yair Bar-Haim, Head of the Center: “Right after Oct. 7, when information about the extent of the trauma began to accumulate, we realized there would be large numbers of PTSD sufferers who require long-term professional treatment. Estimates speak of 30,000 new cases of PTSD and related pathologies resulting from the current war. So, we decided to undertake this national mission, harnessing TAU’s academic resources and vast professional knowledge on treating PTSD to provide reliable treatment for large numbers of people. Israel’s best PTSD therapists responded to our call and joined the Clinic’s permanent staff. The Clinic is expected to be the leading facility of its kind in Israel, focusing on the treatment of emotional trauma and related morbidity. The therapeutic team will support sufferers from initial diagnosis to the successful completion of treatments offered at the Clinic.”

Dr. Ofir Levi, Head of the Clinic: “I served in the IDF for 25 years, including almost a decade as Commander of the Unit for PTSD – during and after the Second Lebanon War and the ensuing operations Cast Lead, Pillar of Defense, and Protective Edge. Based on my experience, I know that a great professional challenge awaits us at the new Clinic. Our mission is founded upon our will and ability to provide the best and most effective care to those who seek our help. To this end we have recruited therapists specializing in PTSD with many years of experience in treating various kinds of trauma and implementing diverse methods of therapy. Together with senior clinicians from TAU’s Schools of Psychological Sciences and Social Work, we have formulated a treatment policy adapted to the various stages of trauma, to enable a response to different populations.”

Planning for Postwar Israel

Written by AUFTAU on 24 December 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

No one knows when Iron Swords will end, but it is clear that new ideas will be needed to deal with the damage caused to Israel and its citizens. Tel Aviv University students Amitai Mintzer and Nir Komem rose to the task. They conceived and implemented a hackathon, “HackTAU: The Day After,” together with Tel Aviv University’s Entrepreneurship Center. After months with no students on campus, about 230 arrived from 15 different academic institutions along with 70 academic and professional mentors to look for creative ways to solve the various crises facing Israel right now. The Big Idea Komem and Mintzer have been close friends since serving in the army together. Komem is an undergraduate student at the Buchmann Faculty of Law and the Interdisciplinary Humanities Program as well as a Rothschild Program Ambassador; Mintzer is an MA student in Anthropology and is in the Adi Lautman Interdisciplinary Program for Outstanding Students. “After October 7th, everyone wanted to do something to help right then and there. We thought, someone needs to plan for what’s next,” said Mintzer.

“As we see it, academia is the ideal venue for this task. The problems we’re facing as a society are huge and we need new ideas to solve them. Academia is in charge of creating new ideas and connecting people with ideas to each other.”

Komem expanded: “As we see it, academia is the ideal venue for this task. The problems we’re facing as a society are huge and we need new ideas to solve them. Academia is in charge of creating fresh ideas and connecting people with ideas to each other. And as students, we have to remind ourselves that we are qualified to help. If we’re good enough to fight in Gaza, and we’re good enough to help as volunteers, then our generation is good enough to plan for the future.”

Nir Komem (left) and Amitai Mintzer present their idea on day one HackTAU. (Photo: Yael Tzur) The first step was identifying the challenges that needed addressing, so the two contacted as many people from around the country as they could find to ask what problems were most pressing. Six main challenges arose: Housing and Community: Finding a solution for the hundreds of thousands of displaced citizens from the north and south of Israel, and the urgent need to restore the social ties in these communities. Education: Adapting educational institutions to the new needs of students and creating a safe space for children and youth. Agriculture: Leveraging the acute need to rehabilitate the agricultural sector in Israel as an opportunity to integrate innovative solutions in the industry. Mental health: Developing various programs addressing national trauma and engaging in mental health from a collective perspective. Jewish-Arab Relations: Creating a vision and plan for a sustainable Jewish-Arab partnership and peaceful co-existence on academic campuses. Humanities: Focusing on the moral and human crises developing during these times within the region and worldwide. Komem and Mintzer’s next step was to recruit students to head up each challenge along with academic and professional mentors to help bring ideas to fruition. “It’s like we had six hackathons at once,” says Mintzer. Thinking Together One of the exceptional features of the event was the large diversity of thinkers it brought together to innovate for Israel’s future. Students of all disciplines, communities, and backgrounds came from all over the country to form 50 teams. There was even a group of eighth graders who came to observe but in the end were welcomed to participate.

I was blown away by this event—the number of students, the quality of the work, the ideas people brought, and the groundbreaking new ways of thinking.”

“We had here something truly singular,” said Agricultural Challenge student head Itai Rozitzki, who is getting his BA at TAU in Philosophy and Law. He had been on reserve duty for two months and chose to spend three of his rare days off-base at the hackathon. “In every disaster, those who can see the opportunity to improve the world can benefit in the long run. I was blown away by this event—the number of students, the quality of the work, the ideas people brought, and the groundbreaking new ways of thinking.” Many students already had ideas upon arriving, some with teams already in place, while others came with simply a will to help their country. They were matched up based on ideas and interests with the help of mentors. Komem and Mintzer made sure each challenge had both an academic advisor who could help direct the ideation process, as well as a professional advisor who knew how to put the ideas into action.

One team develops their solution by listening to each other’s thoughts. (Photo: Yael Tzur) Each challenge had two or more teams cooking up different ideas and working in different ways. For example, in the Jewish-Arab Relations Challenge, one group focused on the urgent creation of solidarity in this time of division while the other attempted a more long-term program that could continue during calmer times for years to come. Said Elinor Shechter, the Hebrew University student head of the Jewish-Arab Relations Challenge, “it’s not uncommon to be a Jewish or Arab student and not talk to each other for the whole year. We wanted to try to mitigate that separation.” Entrepreneurial Support When Komem and Mintzer approached the TAU administration with their idea, they were connected with the University’s Entrepreneurship Center. It is considered one of the leading startup accelerators in Israel and has led to the establishment of 18 startups that have raised approximately $155 million. The Center hosts several hackathons a year, including one during the COVID-19 pandemic which culminated in a remote-exam solution that was picked up for commercialization.

“The purpose of the Entrepreneurship Center is to encourage creative thinking and bring students new tools for implementing innovative ideas and projects. All these were reflected in the hackathon.”

Said Founder and Managing Director Mr. Yair Sakov, “The purpose of the Entrepreneurship Center is to encourage creative thinking and give students new tools for implementing innovative ideas and projects. All these were reflected in the hackathon. On a personal note, I wanted to support this project because shortly after the war started, I volunteered for five weeks with the evacuees from southern Israel. The close interactions familiarized me with their challenges and needs intimately. “Strong communities like the kibbutzim are losing people who do not want to return to the Gaza border area. For those who want to return, it is not clear where they will go after their homes were destroyed. The residents of the south who were involved in activities to bring Arabs and Jews together completely lost trust in their neighbors who they helped and fostered friendships with for years. These are exactly the challenges identified for the hackathon. They are core issues for the residents of the south and the State of Israel in general,” Sakov said.

Yair Sakov speak at the HackTAU final presentation. (Photo: Yael Tzur) Another integral supporter of the event was Allon Ventures, founded by Dr. Ori Allon. Dr. Allon, who has founded and successfully sold multiple software-based businesses, strongly believes in the positive impact technology has on our world. He is thrilled to support the upcoming generation of innovators who are using their talents to address critical issues. Unique Solutions At the end of three intensive days, students from each challenge got up in front of their peers and presented fully-formed projects complete with goals, expected difficulties, and resource needs. “We’re hoping these projects will continue beyond the hackathon, and we’ll be setting up a website for the purpose of connecting professionals in the field as well as possible supporters to the student project creators,” said Komem. Added Mintzer, “as a humanities student I feel that academia is where we grapple with tough questions, and where we learn and think about value and meaning. Many people are interested in what will happen after the hackathon, but for me what’s important is that we’re making an academic space where students can take control of their lives and the future of their country. Even though we are all different, we can work together to create the country we want to see.” You can read about each project in Hebrew here.

Stand with Lone Soldiers on the Front Lines: Donate to Send Care Packages

Written by AUFTAU on 21 December 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

Help Our Reservist Students Fulfill Their True Calling

Written by AUFTAU on 21 December 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

When duty called, they came. Now, it’s up to us to help them fulfill their true calling. When the Hamas-Israel war broke out, Israel reenlisted its reservists. Over 6,000 of them are Tel Aviv University students. They already completed regular IDF duty and are now in a different chapter in their lives: the one where they study to make their dreams and goals a reality, and impact Israeli society for the better. This is where we come in: We must ensure that our students, our heroes, have the academic and financial assistance they need to succeed in their studies, worry-free. Help our students follow their calling to become the bright future of Israel. Support TAU’s Uniform to University Scholarship Fund.

Academic & Financial Assistance

It is our duty to free reservist students from anxieties about missed studies and work, and to ensure that they can smoothly and fully resume their lives once they return from combat. We must – with academic and financial assistance – guarantee their educational futures and careers. In previous military operations, this kind of help made all the difference for students who might have otherwise lost a semester or entire academic year. You can help currently serving reservists, and returning ones, in the following ways:

Combat soldier scholarships for students who serve as fighters and who can remain on the frontlines for several months straight. Lone soldiers are particularly vulnerable. Allocations will come in the form of partial or complete tuition, living stipends, and housing aid of up to $7K per student.
Funding for academic tutoring for returning soldiers who have missed important study material and who need help to complete courses, succeed in tests, and save the semester. Allocations begin at $1,500 per tutor.

Duty called and our courageous students dropped everything to fight for Israel’s defense. On the day after, though, we need to fight for them – to help our returning reservists fulfill their true calling!

New Findings About the Early Universe 50 Million Years After the Big Bang

Written by AUFTAU on 19 December 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

A new research study from Tel Aviv University has predicted for the first time the groundbreaking results that can be obtained from a lunar-based detection of radio waves. The study’s findings show that the measured radio signals can be used for a novel test of the standard cosmological model, and to determine the composition of the Universe as well as the weight of neutrino particles, and possibly help scientists gain another clue to the mystery of dark matter.

This study was led by Prof. Rennan Barkana’s research group, from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy at Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, including the postdoctoral fellow Dr. Rajesh Mondal. Their novel conclusions have been published in the prestigious journal Nature Astronomy.

The researchers note that the cosmic dark ages (the period just before the formation of the first stars) can be studied by detecting radio waves that were emitted from the hydrogen gas that filled the Universe at that time. While every car has an antenna that can detect radio waves, the specific waves from the early Universe are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. They can only be studied from space, particularly the moon, which offers a stable environment, free of any interference from an atmosphere or from radio communications. Of course, putting a telescope on the moon is no simple matter, but we are witness to an international space race in which many countries are trying to return to the moon with space probes and, eventually, astronauts. Space agencies in the U.S., Europe, China and India are searching for worthy scientific goals for lunar development, and the new research highlights the prospects for detecting radio waves from the cosmic dark ages.

Prof. Barkana explains: “NASA’s new James Webb space telescope discovered recently distant galaxies whose light we receive from the cosmic dawn, around 300 million years after the Big Bang. Our new research studies an even earlier and more mysterious era: the cosmic dark ages, only 50 million years after the Big Bang. Conditions in the early Universe were quite different from today. The new study combines current knowledge of cosmic history with various options for radio observations, in order to reveal what can be discovered. Specifically, we computed the intensity of radio waves as determined by the density and temperature of the hydrogen gas at various times, and then showed how the signals can be analyzed in order to extract from them the desired results.”

The researchers assess that the findings may be very significant for the scientific understanding of our cosmic history, so that with a single lunar antenna, the standard model of cosmology can be tested to see if it can explain the cosmic dark ages or if instead there was, for example, an unexpected disturbance in the expansion of the Universe that would point towards a new discovery. Furthermore, with a radio telescope consisting of an array of radio antennas, the composition of the Universe (specifically, the amount of hydrogen and of helium within it) can be accurately determined. Hydrogen is the original form of ordinary matter in the Universe, from which formed the stars, planets, and eventually we ourselves. A precise determination of the amount of Helium is also of great importance as it would probe the ancient period, around a minute after the Big Bang, in which Helium formed when the entire Universe was essentially a giant nuclear reactor. With an even larger array of lunar antennas, it will also be possible to measure the weight of cosmic neutrinos. These are tiny particles that are emitted in various nuclear reactions; their weight is a critical unknown parameter in developing physics beyond the established standard model of particle physics.

Prof. Barkana concludes: “When scientists open a new observational window, surprising discoveries usually result. With lunar observations, it may be possible to discover various properties of dark matter, the mysterious substance that we know constitutes most of the matter in the Universe, yet we do not know much about its nature and properties. Clearly, the cosmic dark ages are destined to shed new light on the Universe.”

Prof. Rennan Barkana from TAU’s Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy

“We Are Focusing on Ensuring Well-being and Safety”

Written by AUFTAU on 17 December 2023. Posted in Newsroom.

In an interview for the Lowy International Bulletin, Efrat Ambar, the head of the Student Life Team at The Lowy International School, talks about the adjustments to the student life calendar, challenges presented by the current war, and the overarching goals of her team.

—How would you say your role has shifted since October 7?

The day the war started was the same day that international students were scheduled to arrive at TAU, October 8. No one knew what was going on and we had to react very quickly.

We had a semester’s worth of scheduled activities and that all changed in a moment.

We’re still in reaction mode today, and we’re really focusing on ensuring wellbeing and safety. I’m more in touch personally with students than I usually am because I want to make sure they know who to call and come to if they need help. At the same time, we’re holding activities on campus as much as we can to provide that sense of belonging and community for our students.

—Student life on campus must be quite unique these days, given the war. Can you describe your experience with the current cohort of international TAU students?

We have a very diverse student body, but at the same time many of them have a special motive for choosing to stay on campus here with us. We have a number of Jewish students here who really feel a special connection with Israel right now; we have students from the Disaster Management program who say there’s no better time to be here to study; and we have a student from Denmark who said she would still rather be in Tel Aviv than in the snow. Also, there are a number of students who simply decided that coming and staying was the best choice for them. We’re really happy they’re all here with us; they are a very special group. This year’s cohort on campus also tends to be enthusiastic about joining events.

We’re holding gatherings in the dorms and on campus, events with special guests, yoga classes, movie nights, Shabbat dinners, picnics and tours — options that allow us to continue to be safe — and we almost always have a great turnout.

Even when we hold something like a trivia night, 25 students will come out. We really do have a great group of engaged students.

—What would you say has been the highlight of your job these past couple of months?

I was asked to create a WhatsApp group for lone soldiers who are studying in TAU’s international programs, and I decided to call each of them personally. I remember one student, in particular – he was just so positive and charming, and he made me laugh so much. He also said he was heading into Gaza the very next day. I can’t tell you how kind and happy he was, how he made my day.

—Do you have a holiday wish?

My wish is to see all the students back at TAU, and for all the soldiers to come back, and for all the hostages to come back, too. I’m not sure it’s possible to wish for anything else these days.

We really can’t wait to have all our students back with us; we’ve planned a lot for them, and we miss them here.

Author: AUFTAU

Tel Aviv University Marks 100 Days Since the Hamas Attack