Historic First: Arab Christian Woman Elected as Rector of University of Haifa

In a groundbreaking achievement, Professor Mouna Maroun has become the first Arab Christian woman to be elected as the rector of the University of Haifa, Israel. This milestone, announced on April 11, 2024, marks a historic first for the institution and the country, coming amidst tensions with Iran and anti-Israel protests at universities worldwide.

Why this matters: This election sends a powerful message about the possibility of success for minority groups in Israeli academia, and it could pave the way for greater representation and inclusion in the country's institutions of higher learning. Moreover, it highlights the importance of diversity and interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and understanding in a region marked by conflict.

Maroun, 54, was born in the small village of Isfiya, near Haifa, to parents who immigrated from Lebanon in the early 20th century. Despite her parents being semi-literate, they encouraged their four daughters to pursue higher education, believing it was key to their success in Israeli society. Maroun has become a renowned neuroscientist and expert in post-traumatic stress disorder, serving as a faculty member at the University of Haifa for over 20 years.

Maroun's election sends an important message to the Christian minority in Israel, demonstrating that they can succeed and thrive in the country's academic institutions. She believes that higher education is the key to the emancipation of the Arab minority in Israel, and her appointment is a testament to the possibility of achieving success without political influence. "My election is an important message that everything is possible in the Israeli academia,"Maroun statedin an interview with CNA.

As rector, Maroun will face the challenge of integrating the faculties of medicine and engineering into the university, which has historically focused on arts and humanities. Her second goal is to rank the University of Haifa as one of the top research universities in Israel and internationally. Maroun is proud of the university's diversity, with 45% of its 17,000 students coming from Arab society and 50% being first-generation students receiving higher education.

Maroun, a devout Christian who proudly wears a golden crucifix around her neck, believes that the University of Haifa's diverse student body, comprising 15-20 different religious denominations, is a "natural laboratory" for interfaith dialogue and coexistence. She also expressed her concerns about the recent trauma experienced by Israelis and the need for academia to promote peace and negotiation without taking sides in the conflict.

Professor Mouna Maroun's historic election as the first Arab Christian woman to serve as rector of the University of Haifa is a significant milestone for both the institution and Israel. Her achievement sends a powerful message of inclusivity and the potential for success in Israeli academia, regardless of one's background. As Maroun herself stated,"I think the lack of expectations from me to succeed was the secret of my success. No one expected me to succeed, being an Arab in Israel, a Christian, and on top of all of this, being a woman."

Key Takeaways

• Professor Mouna Maroun becomes 1st Arab Christian woman to lead University of Haifa, Israel.
• Maroun's election promotes diversity and inclusion in Israeli academia.
• She's a renowned neuroscientist and expert in post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Maroun aims to integrate faculties and rank University of Haifa as a top research university.
• She believes in promoting peace and interfaith dialogue through education.