Security in Israel FAQ
TAU is currently planning for the 2024-25 academic year as scheduled. This includes all academic programming, fellowships, calls for collaboration and more.
We are fully committed to continuing the tradition of academic excellence at our University and have exciting new programs and projects that we will announce in due time.
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and the international community. We vigilantly monitor any changes in circumstances within the country and are in frequent contact with government agencies; our procedures and instructions align with wider governmental protocol and recommendations.
For those of you at TAU or who will be joining us, our focus is on taking care of you, keeping you safe and getting you the support you need. We are following the government safety recommendations for those in Tel Aviv, which currently involves ensuring proximity to a secure area. There are many safe and secure areas across TAU, including in the campus dorms. In the Einstein dorms, there is a secure area between building A and B; in the Broshim complex, there is a secure apartment (whose number starts with 01) on each floor of each building.
While we are limiting extracurricular activities and focusing on safety, we are also doing our best to support the wellbeing of our students on campus. For any students joining us, housing options in the dormitories remain unchanged, and students have 24/7 access to the Student Life Team to help with any questions or adjustments to day-to-day life. There are also mental health supports available.
We are currently organizing small gathering opportunities in accordance with current official guidelines and protocol. The second semester for international students began on March 4, 2024, and the second semester for TAU students will begin on May 26, 2024 (for programs following Israeli academic calendar).
While Israel has experienced an unprecedented tragedy, we are also all very touched by the ways in which the TAU community has rallied together to support each other and Israel. Now is a time for care and kindness, and this sentiment is also very much felt on campus.
The Student Life Team is on call 24/7 and is here to assist regarding all day-to-day matters. The team can be contacted at 052-5346188.
The Lowy International School maintains frequent contact with government security agencies to stay informed of any potential escalations or risks on the horizon. In preparation for an emergency situation, all students receive safety training during orientation, a welcome kit with safety information, as well as regular communications. TAU maintains 24/7 security and staffing on campus and in the dormitories. For security reasons, anyone entering campus is required to show a student ID card or other form of ID and have their bags searched. Additionally, no one is permitted to enter a dormitory without a clearance chip (FOB).
Regarding the current circumstance in Israel, we are following the government safety instructions for those in Tel Aviv, which includes ensuring proximity to a secure area. There are many safe and secure areas across TAU, including in the campus dorms.
When an emergency situation arises, our priority is on contacting everyone promptly; our school requires that all students carry a working mobile phone with an Israeli number, and we maintain student social-media groups such as a WhatsApp group. We also employ a buddy system. The steps we take depend on the type of emergency; our Safety, Security, Health and Wellness Guidelines and our Security Guidelines provide greater details on approaches we would take should there be an emergency.
Sirens are part of the “Iron Dome” system in Israel, which alert and protect us at any given time.
When a siren is heard in Tel Aviv (where the University is located), you have approximately 1.5 minutes to make your way to a secure area. Once the siren stops, you should spend 10 additional minutes within the secure area. We also recommend that all members of our international community download the Home Front Command app, which will send push notifications in case a siren goes off around your location.
There are secure areas across TAU’s campus and in the dorms. In the Einstein dorms, there is a secure area between building A and B; in the Broshim complex, there is a secure apartment (whose number starts with 01) on each floor of each building.
You can refer to the list of shelters here.
We want to emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge when you are struggling and to ask for help. We are here to provide you with the resources you need to prioritize your mental health. If you are struggling, please contact the Student Life Team at 052-5346188. They are on call 24/7.
There is also a TAU mental health support line available 24/7. In the morning hours, you can contact psychological services at 03-6408505, or leave a short WhatsApp message with your name and number at +972-50-278037 and a psychotherapist will contact you.
In addition to seeking support, we encourage you to practice self-care, maintain a healthy lifestyle and connect with others. We recognize this may be a difficult time and we are here to help you.
We understand the need to be with people at this time, and the Student Life Team is organizing small gatherings in secure areas, in accordance with guidelines. Please reach out to the Student Life Team at 052-5346188. You are not alone.
Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students and international community. We are vigilantly monitoring any changes to the circumstances in the country and are in frequent contact with government agencies. Should circumstances in Israel escalate and should there be a need for a change in protocol, we will communicate this to our international community.
News updates regarding how the current situation in Israel is impacting The Lowy International School can be found on the Important Updates in Light of the Security Situation webpage.
While we will always reach out to our international students and researchers directly, subscribing to our newsletter is otherwise one of the best ways to receive any updates on changes in protocol for The Lowy International School.
All excursions organized by The Lowy International School are cleared by the Israeli National Security Center and the Ministry of Education and coordinated with appropriate authorities (including Israeli police and army). We do not allow trips to any areas prohibited or deemed unsafe (e.g., Gaza or settlements in the West Bank). We continue to be committed to running trips for students to enhance their educational experience and time in Israel.
In the case of an emergency, The Lowy International School will be in direct contact with international students about next steps. Additionally, key emergency and mental health contacts can be found on our Safety, Health and Security webpage.
When an emergency situation arises, our priority is contacting everyone promptly; our school requires that all students carry a working mobile phone with an Israeli number, and we maintain student social-media groups such as a WhatsApp group. We also employ a buddy system. The steps we take depend on the type of emergency. Our Security Guidelines provide greater details on approaches we would take should there be an emergency.
The Lowy International School maintains frequent contact with government security agencies to stay informed of any potential escalations or risks on the horizon. In preparation for an emergency situation, all students receive safety training during orientation, a welcome kit with safety information, as well as regular communications.
Should an emergency situation happen, to ensure we can contact everyone promptly, our school requires that all students carry a working mobile phone with an Israeli number, and we maintain student social-media groups such as a WhatsApp group. We also employ a buddy system. The steps we would take depend on the type of emergency; our Safety, Security, Health and Wellness Guidelines and our Security Guidelines provide greater details on approaches we would take should there be an emergency.
Key emergency and mental wellness contacts (including our 24/7 student life emergency line) can be found on our Safety, Health and Wellness page.
Other Emergency Contacts
|
University Campus Security |
03-6405555 |
|
Police |
100 |
|
Ambulance (and First Responders) |
101 |
|
Fire Department |
102 |
|
Electric Company |
103 |
|
City Municipality (Tel Aviv) |
106 |
|
Health Insurance Helpline |
*2000 |
|
Ichilov Hospital/Sourasky Medical Center (Weizman St. between Arlozorov and David Hamelech) |
03-697-4444 |
|
Association of Rape Crisis Center |
Women: 1202 Men: 1203 |
You are always welcome to contact us with more questions. Depending on your location, please consider reaching out to one of the individuals listed below.
|
André Chusyd, Brazil and Latin America Outreach Coordinator |
|
|
Roy Robinson, North America Office Director |
rrobinson@telavivuniv.org |
|
Konstantin Platonov, Asia Engagement Director |
|
|
Sharon Ziv Kafri, International Development Director |
