By A.M. Goldstein

HAIFA—The University of Haifa faculty and support staff continued their 'normal' working routine today along with frequent siren warnings and trips to the bomb shelters and secured spaces.

We are sad to announce that Shimon Glikbelik, may his memory be blessed, was on his way home from work yesterday when a rocket shrapnel landed on his car killing him. Shimon immigrated to Israel , from Moscow , 15 years ago with his wife and daughter, Julia. Today, Julia is 22 years old and a student at the University of Haifa 's School of Social Work . The University of Haifa shares in the Glikbelik family's sorrow and sends out its heartfelt condolences.    

Item: Manfred Lahnstein, Chairman of University’s Board of Governors, in an Interview for German Television

Professor Manfred Lahnstein, Chairman of the University of Haifa 's Board of Governors, cut short his summer holiday in order to participate in a prime time German television show. The show, one of the most popular political talk shows on German television, is hosted by Ms. Sabine Christiansen a member of the University Of Haifa Board of Governors . 

"It pains me to see the bomb attacks on Haifa, a city that is so unique and unlike others, it has always been a symbol of coexistence between the Arabs and Jews" said Professor Lahnstein when praising the University of Haifa for standing brave during this dramatic situation and having the capability to give professional and personal support to its many faculty, staff and students.

Among those participating in the television interview, via satellite were Shimon Peres, Israeli Vice-Prime Minister, and Tommy Lapid, former Israeli Justice Minister. Professor Lahnstein admonished the terrorist activities of Hezbollah and Hamas and stressed the ultimate goal of these groups is to wipe out Israel .  

"It is clear that Israel must answer to the provocations of Hezbollah and Hamas, this military action is one that Israel must take in order to ensure her survival" added Professor Lahnstein. The Chairman also added that the fighting against Hezbollah terrorist targets in Lebanon is consciously aimed to protect the civilian population, in Israel , against rocket attacks and terrorist activity.

Sharing the stage with these honorable guests was also. Ellen Ihrig, a student at the University of Haifa , who was flown to Germany as a result of the initiative of Mrs. Sonia Lahstein, President of the German Friends of the University of Haifa .  Ihrig told of the difficult and traumatic experiences facing the people of Haifa these past weeks and stood up for Israeli policy in the face of comments made by students from Beirut . Many positive responses regarding both Lahnstein and Ihrig participation were received at the station.

Item: The interdisciplinary Psychological Treatment Center Opens Its Doors for Those in Need

The Interdisciplinary Psychological Treatment Center , at the University of Haifa and directed by Dr. Rivka Yahav, has opened a HOT LINE for the residents of Haifa. The line will be manned 24 hours a day with staff from the Center – Psychologists, Social Workers, Art therapists and other trained staff. Support will be given to those in the community experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, fear, depression, post traumatic syndrome and problems that may arise with children during these difficult days.

As the line opened many calls were received – questions from adults and from parents with children. In addition to the support given by the HOT LINE, concrete help is also being offered, to the elderly, in the way of a home visit by a volunteer team and coordination with authorities in the City.

Item: Faces at the University-Back to Work

Raya Zachar – Budget Coordinator for the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Haifa

"I brought my son to work with me today because I just could not bear to leave him and thought he would be safer with me" said Zachar. With schools being closed, during the attacks on the North, many families have had to deal with finding safe alternatives for their children.

With the University returning to work today, Zachar gladly came and not only did she bring her eleven year old son with her she also brought the daughter of a friend, who had no baby sitting solution, along with her. During the alarms many parents, with children, were seen making their way down to the bomb shelters.

Zachar lives in Ramat Almog, and from the security room in their apartment they could see the bombs dropping on Haifa . "On Thursday we went to Holon to get away from the attacks and sirens, but our hearts remained with Haifa , we still have many family members who live in the City and stayed" she said.

Her older children are managing at home by themselves – one is a student and the other a volunteer with the Magen David Adom (emergency ambulance service). As a worried mother there was no way that Zachar felt comfortable leaving her young son at home without her supervision during the sirens and falling bombs. "I am getting on with my work and he is helping me – this way he is occupied and has little time to think about the hard reality we are experiencing" she said.

Alma Bar – Library Advisor

"I was relived to return to work at the Library at the University of Haifa , at least here there are bomb shelters" said Bar,  an advisor at the Library. "At home we do not even have a security room, it really is not safe just to sit inside and hope for the best" she added. Bar, lives with her elderly mother on the French Carmel right next door to Stella Marius – the site of last week's direct bomb attack. They did not leave their home for a week she explained: "where we live has become a target and that is another reason I was so glad to come to the University.". She also said that the boredom of being in a closed up apartment all week was taking its toll.

Not having a security room is not Bar's only fear; she says that helicopters fly and fighter planes fly over all day and night and that the shrill sound of the siren is horrendous. "Nobody gets any rest or can forget the situation with all that going on" she said. Leaving Haifa for the center of Israel was not an option as they have family in the City and they need to support each other. Working in the Library, despite visiting the bomb shelter four times, was a blessing – between the sirens the Library was peaceful and the work with students took Bar's mind off the conflict on our border.

 
 A.M. Goldstein is the English language editor for the University of Haifa's Department of External Affairs.