Page 15 / De iure September 2018 unattainable through voluntary exclusion and lack of academic opportunity , the burden on those who pay taxes will be much heavier .”
So the need for integration at this point is critical .
“ Exactly .” How was the program set up ?
“ I approached Prof . Ron Harris , Faculty Dean at that time , and he gave me the green light to proceed and recruit students for the program . I have many connections in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and sent out gentle feelers to gauge a response without creating too much of a buzz . I didn ’ t want to create tension in the community and risk alienating any of the Rabbis , since the issue of coeducational learning is sensitive in these circles . It was all very ‘ hush hush ’ to begin with . Eventually , we received a few applicants and Prof . Harris nominated Prof . Neta Ziv to head up admissions . We interviewed the applicants and made it very clear that it would be a mixed-class environment and that the academic standards are exceedingly high at Tel Aviv University . There would be considerable demands on their time . It was important to manage their expectations so that the applicants understood precisely what they were going into . There was also the financial aspect that required careful deliberation ; not so much the tuition fees , but the matter of providing for their families while they study here , since Haredi students tend to be older and have young families .”
It must have been difficult approaching a community that is essentially isolationist and resistant to change .
“ I realized the need to create a pilot program and work with a number of students who would be pioneers . The first TAU Law student we recruited was Daniel Cohen . Currently commencing his fourth year and excelling in his studies , Daniel ’ s participation was instrumental to the early success of the program . He studied at Hebron , one of the best yeshivas in Israel , and he is a well-known and respected member of the community . His success made it easier to recruit students after the pilot year . In the second year , we had three students . In the third , eight . In the current year we have 14 students – twelve LL . B . and two LL . M . students .”
So the program is gaining momentum . That ’ s fantastic .
“ It is . I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the University ’ s leadership for all the support and encouragement ; the Rector of Tel Aviv University Prof . Yaron Oz , former TAU Vice Rector Prof . Dina Prialnik , Vice President for Strategic Planning and Marketing Ehud Or , and Chairman of TAU Admissions Committee Prof . Abner Soffer . The professors at TAU Law have also been extremely supportive of the program and have remarked on the richness of opinion and diversity the Haredi students bring to the classroom . The students are exceptional . Some of them are excelling in their studies and one is a research assistant . Their achievements are tremendous and we ensure they have access to the support they need , whether it ’ s private tutors who can assist with study and paper writing skills , or psychologists who provide emotional support . It ’ s important to me to build a supportive and holistic community for them .”
What does that entail for you personally ?
“ First and foremost , I am there for them . I provide a comprehensive support net and ensure they have access to the resources available . I provide words of encouragement . Daily calls , messages , WhatsApp … assisting with deadline extensions , exam logistics , speaking to the professors . I am a passionate advocate for these students and care deeply about their successes and wellbeing … sometimes it ’ s the smallest things that can make a difference . Another thing I enjoy is organizing cultural evenings for them . For instance , last Hanukah we held a special evening for the students and their spouses . It is important to make their families feel welcome and an integral part of the process . It was an amazing night . Do you know the Israeli television series Shtisel ?”
Yes I do , it follows the storyline of a fictional ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jewish family living in present-day Jerusalem .
“ Exactly . So I brought the main actors
Photography : Yoram Reshef
Adv . Galia Givoly
of Shtisel to the evening , along with the producer and writer of the show . It was amazing . During the evening we screened a couple of memorable scenes and had interesting discussions around aspects of Haredi life , and the way it is portrayed in the show … it was unforgettable .”
When I watched the show I remember thinking that it ’ s interesting to watch a series about Haredim that isn ’ t about Haredi life . The characters just happen to be ultra-Orthodox , but it doesn ’ t define them . It makes no difference to the plot .
“ You ’ ve hit the nail on the head . That ’ s exactly why they like it so much .”
Lastly , it ’ s worth noting that the subject of your PhD also concerns the ultra- Orthodox Jewish Community . How did it come about ?
“ It was sheer coincidence . To begin with , it could have been any ethnic or cultural minority in Israel . I knew I wanted to study under the supervision of Prof . Yoram Margalioth , who taught me during my LL . M . studies , and when we met to discuss the options , a ten-minute meeting turned into a two-hour brainstorming session in which we deliberated and finetuned the subject . It feels like a mission to me ; I am deeply invested in the program . When I witness the monumental successes of these students , many of whom would probably not have gone to university , and certainly not a law school like TAU Law , I feel honored and humbled to be a part of their journey .” •