"My time spent at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem and Israel in general was nothing short of incredible. Although I had researched the course (‘Mishpatim’) and the university itself, I really was not sure of what to expect once I became a student. I had never travelled to Israel before and had a basic understanding of the current political climate. More importantly, I knew next to nothing about Israeli law. I knew the course would cover content regarding Israeli and International Law but I learnt so much more than I could have ever anticipated.
Personally, the best part of the program were all the field trips organised. We were able to attend the Supreme Court, Knesset (Parliament), Yad Vashem (Holocaust Muesum), Tel Aviv, Masada and the Dead Sea. These provided a greater insight into the context surrounding the legal and political spheres in Israel and made the content we had learnt in the classroom, real.
I would like to sincerely thank the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University for providing me with a scholarship to be a student in the Mishpatim program. If it were not for these funds, I would never have had the opportunity to experience such a thought-provoking, inspiring and fascinating program. I will be forever grateful."
Alexia Mihalopoulos
RECIPIENT OF SCHOLARSHIP FOR HEBREW UNIVERSITY MISHPATIM PROGRAM 2020
“Studying at HU gave me an opportunity to learn more about Israeli law and engage with some more controversial issues which was a really unique and valuable opportunity. I don’t know that my perception has changed however I do think I now have a more nuanced understanding of complex political, religious and social issues in Israel.
Everyone was very welcoming and friendly at HU. I didn’t learn any Hebrew but would love the opportunity to in the future. The campus was beautiful and offered some amazing views of Jerusalem.”
Phoebe Allan, 26 - Mishpatim
I knew how culturally rich Israel was prior to arriving, but seeing it for yourself is an incomparable experience. It filled in the gaps concerning how and why Israel was shaped, making me appreciate it even more.
Anastazia Pincevic (20) - BA Arts (Western Civilisation)/Law, unit: ARCH203 (in 2023).
HU has a very large Assyriology community and is one of the best places in the world to study. My supervisor, Prof. Wayne Horowitz, is a world-renowned expert in my particular sub-field of study, making it a unique opportunity to study under the best.
I enjoyed engaging with the academic community here and the vast range of opportunities it has brought. Many different scholars, all of whom are incredibly supportive and willing to share their skills, leading to spectacular chances for personal and academic growth.
Did your perception of Israel change after your study at HU?
Yes absolutely. Every day here is a learning experience and I've come to intimately know a country that I hardly knew anything about before. It's been really amazing.
David Gerald Hilder, 26 - MA in Assyriology, 2023.
Israel far surpassed my expectations. In the Western media, Israel/Jerusalem is often depicted as a warzone, but I found a wonderful country and an amazing city full of many different peoples and religions all living in relative harmony.
Israel, while a very different country, made me feel at home in many places. My study with HU allowed me to meet and talk to many Israelis and to understand them as individual people rather than as some strange group halfway across the world.
Hebrew? Have you kept in touch with people? etc)
HU allowed me to connect directly with an archaeological past which impacts not only modern Israel but the entire Western world. HU was the door through which that experience was possible. I will never forget this experience or the people who made it possible.
Martyn Poyitt, Age: 25 - Tel Lachish Excavation Program 2023