Ono’s School of Humanities Journal “Free Thought” – Strengthening Israeli Society
Ono Academic College’s School of Humanities and Social Science published its 14th department newsletter. The issue is built around a single theme: using education, culture, and professional training to strengthen Israeli society—through community responsibility, resilience, language access, therapy, and leadership.
- Opening / “Stopping the epidemic” — Dr. Sharbel Shukair argues that the surge of violence in Arab society is not something to observe from the side; it is already touching the campus and demands action. He frames the academy’s role as moving beyond “data and diagnosis” toward support, partnership, and practical steps that protect students and strengthen society.
- Lecture / “Real courage isn’t only under fire” — Lieutenant Colonel Or Ben-Yehuda reflects on courage as responsibility expressed in daily discipline: small actions, consistency, and inner strength—especially in difficult national moments. The piece connects leadership, mindset, and the ability to keep functioning and guiding others.
- Performance / “Sounds of repair” — A deeply emotional campus event featuring former-hostage and violinist Alon Ohel performing (including alongside his brother), designed as a communal experience of healing through music. The production was created by Assaf Nagel as part of the music-therapy world, highlighting music as a tool for connection, expression, and restoration.
- Sports / “From the court to the classroom” — A feature on professional women basketball players Mai Ruach, Eden Rotberg, Noor Kiyu, and Tzlil Vaturi, who are also students at Ono Academic College. It focuses on the real-life grind of balancing training, games, and studies, plus a clear message: education matters because sports careers end. It also speaks directly about the unequal visibility and respect women’s sports still face, and the players’ determination to push forward anyway.
- Student profile / “Completing the puzzle” — Yoel Namliel, after many years leading the local council in Gedera, decides to finish his first degree at Ono. The story is about lifelong learning, humility, and leadership that’s willing to keep growing—while already holding a senior public role.
- Conference / “When music heals” — A music-therapy conference hosted by the program led by Dr. Gabi Frank. It emphasizes the bridge between academic learning and clinical practice, with lectures, panels, and workshops (many connected to trauma, resilience, and therapeutic tools), ending with a shared musical moment that turns professional knowledge into lived community experience.
- Social initiative / “Hebrew for life” — A student-driven project responding to a serious barrier: Hebrew proficiency gaps that block many Arabic-speaking students from reaching higher education. The initiative proposes practical solutions—teacher training, modern methods, technology tools, and supportive learning environments—aimed at turning Hebrew from “a gatekeeper” into a usable, confidence-building skill for academic and professional life.
- Program spotlight / “When art meets social change” — Promotes an M.A. track combining arts, society, and community leadership, including training in group facilitation with a focus on trauma and resilience—positioning graduates as people who can lead meaningful change through practical community work, cultural tools, and structured group processes.
The full journal can be read at: https://www.ono.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/מונגש-ניוזלטר-14-סופי.pdf
