“We Stand Strong and Keep Our Sights on a Better Future”

June 26, 2025

Message from Tel Aviv University

After nearly two weeks of uncertainty and disruption, Tel Aviv University has reopened its campus following the Israel-Iran ceasefire. The abrupt end to the semester was challenging for everyone in our community—students, faculty, and staff alike—but today, we are grateful for a return to quiet, to calm, and to one another.

While we are attending to those who have been deeply impacted by the war, our spirit is strong. Our students are preparing for final exams, our labs and libraries are coming back to life, and our flowering campus is once again filled with possibility.

We’re glad to be back—and even more grateful for the resilience, compassion, and determination that define our university community.

June 24, 2025

Message from Prof Mark Shtaif, Rector, Tel Aviv University

Dear Students, Faculty Members, and Academic Staff,

In light of the ongoing hostilities with Iran and the resulting restrictions, and out of consideration for the pressure and distress experienced by many students and faculty members, we have decided—together with the Student Union—to postpone the start of the exam period by one week. The exam period is now scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 13. The possibility of a further one-week postponement will be considered as the situation develops.

At the same time, we have instructed the academic units to explore the option of replacing some exams with alternative assignments, where necessary and academically appropriate.

The combination of this postponement of the exam period and the shortening of the semester by one week provides two important additional weeks for both students and teaching staff to prepare, and is intended to ease the overall process.

I wish all students success in their end-of-semester exams, and to all of us—calmer and safer days ahead.

Sincerely,
Prof. Mark Shtaif
Rector, Tel Aviv University

June 22, 2025

While a rocket recently fell near Tel Aviv University, the campus’ property damage is limited and most importantly no one at TAU was physically harmed. As President Ariel Porat emphasizes, carefully following the safety measures from Home Front Command saves lives. Let’s all work together to ensure safety instructions are followed.

Find the message from the University President, Prof Ariel Porat here: 

Security FAQ

June 17, 2025

Dear Lowy International Community,

We hope this message finds you safe and well. Thank you for your ongoing support and concern; it continues to mean a great deal to our team, as well as to our international students and researchers, whose safety and wellbeing remain our priority. 

Today, we write with some key updates:

University Status

Tel Aviv University’s academic year will end one week early on Wednesday, June 25. Course materials will be reduced accordingly.

Remaining instruction will take place remotely via Zoom for the remainder of the week and until further notice. All classes will be recorded and uploaded to course websites. Attendance is not mandatory.

In-person instruction, laboratory work and training sessions will only resume once deemed safe by Home Front Command. All campus shelters are open and accessible.

Possibilities for Leaving

Foreign nationals wishing to leave and who haven’t yet done so should contact their embassies in Israel. Real time status updates on Ben Gurion Airport are available via the Israel Airports Authority. 

The Lowy School has received inquiries about leaving Israel via land border crossings. We are currently looking into effective options for leaving that prioritize safety.

Secure Areas/Shelters

Our Lowy community leaders remain in close contact day and night with international students and researchers, including during times when sheltering is required. Being in a protected space saves lives. During a siren, leave the shelter door open briefly so others can enter quickly. Once the siren alert ends, close the door(s) and/or window(s) to keep the shelter secure. Please wait in the protected space until you receive further notice from Home Front Command.

Anyone in our community living off campus and worried about their secure area options should email housing@tauex.tau.ac.il. We will do our best to find a solution.

Public Transportation

If essential, there are some train and bus services available. Those in our international community should contact their Lowy community leader for more information.

Health and Wellbeing Services

Health services are available. Should your loved ones have health concerns, please have them contact their Lowy community leader directly about next steps.

• A 24/7, English-language emotional support line (ERAN) is currently available: 076-884-4492.
• Our Lowy Educational Counselor is also available for personal support, for anyone feeling overwhelmed or anxious: lowycounsel@tauex.tau.ac.il.
• Confidential, AI-powered emotional support can be accessed via WhatsApp (free and available 24/7): +972-54-888-4855.

Find the full Security FAQ here 

Lowy Quarterly Bulletin 19

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June 14, 2025

Dear Lowy community,

Our current priority is the safety and wellbeing of our international students and researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU), with whom we are in direct contact. We are following the security and safety protocols in place, as set out both by TAU and The Lowy International School and in coordination with the Home Front Command. We are also vigilantly monitoring all circumstances and are in frequent contact with government agencies. 

As we work directly with our international community, please keep the following in mind: 

⁠For students and visitors in campus dorms

The Home Front Command defines required levels of protection based on circumstances; we are in complete alignment with their recommendations. The MAMAK (protected space) on each floor of the dormitories and the staircases are considered the most protected areas. Please use them as instructed.

For students and visitors residing off-campus

Home Front Command requires that residential buildings have a secure area that meets safety specifications. Should you be concerned about your safety options, please reach out to housing@tauex.tau.ac.il.

For everyone

Please remember that once you enter a protected area, you must remain there until you receive an official notification from the Home Front Command that it is safe to exit. Do not leave based on the assumption that it’s safe after 10 minutes.

If you are feeling anxious or worried because of the events, please contact our Educational Counselor at lowycounsel@tauex.tau.ac.il.

Cybersecurity alert

Please be aware of fraudulent phone calls impersonating the Home Front Command from the number 073-3103014, urging people to prepare emergency kits or visit a website. Do not click on any links or visit websites mentioned in such calls. The Home Front Command does not make unsolicited phone calls with instructions or links. Rely only on official sources such as their website and app.

Regarding classes and exams

Instructions about studies and upcoming exams will be shared by the Rector’s Office on Saturday evening, based on the situation assessment and the Home Front Command’s instructions at that time. 

We will continue to provide regular updates in the coming days.