Born and raised in Jerusalem, Yafit Sherer holds a B.A. in Chemistry and an M.A. in Public Policy, both earned at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Ms. Sherer comes to RIS with 18 years of professional service to the Hebrew University– beginning at the Magid Institute for Continuing Education, then as Assistant to Hebrew University’s Director General, followed by the management of the Scopus Student Village Dormitories, and most recently as Associate Dean of the School of Business Administration. The Hebrew University has played a significant and constant role in Ms. Sherer’s life, from the very beginnings of her academic pursuits and throughout her professional career. As such, she has valued every opportunity to contribute to its collective success, in each arena within which she has served.
Ms. Sherer is thrilled to join the Rothberg International School as its incoming Vice Provost, bringing with her a vision to position the School as a platform of excellence, upon which international students may access the highest level of academia and enhance their knowledge and expertise in any field. Moreover, Ms. Sherer views Jerusalem as a core component of this vision, where students can witness the juxtaposition of ancient and modern, experience Israel’s vibrant democracy, and immerse themselves in its cultural diversity, while feeling welcome, safe and secure.
“RIS is a unique school, a gateway for non-Hebrew speakers who seek to delve deeper into subjects such as Judaism, Israel Studies, Arab Culture and Society, the Middle East, Conflict Resolution, Hebrew and Arabic Study, and so much more. It is my hope to grow the numbers of Jewish and non-Jewish students studying at the Hebrew University, by creating a unique environment that will link them to Jerusalem and Israel, and will serve as a hub from which new ideas and great connections can be born.�?
In her spare time, Ms. Sherer enjoys crafting furniture from recycled cardboard, the evidence of which is immediately apparent to all who visit her office. When she is not designing furniture, she can be found baking artisan cakes in her kitchen, or volunteering in years past in her neighborhood community center as Head of the Educational, Youth and Recycling Committees. Most of all, Ms. Sherer enjoys Jerusalem life along with her partner, Yossi, and her two daughters, Yael and Neta.