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Ono Academic College’s School of Humanities and Social Science recently published a newsletter dedicated to “Free Thought” featuring the following stories:
1. Introduction by Dr. Liat Shamri-Zeevi – “A Space for Repair” (p. 4)
Dr. Shamri-Zeevi reflects on the critical role of art therapy in times of national trauma, particularly following the war that began on October 7, 2023. She discusses the emotional toll on Israeli society—especially on children, soldiers, teachers, and health professionals—and highlights how graduates of Ono’s art therapy program are leading efforts to provide healing and emotional resilience. She calls for increased institutional support, more trained therapists, and broader emergency mental health infrastructure.
2. “Give Me Silence” – A Reservist’s War Diary (p. 6)
A powerful personal account by Noam, a student and active reservist, juggling his studies in education and society with repeated deployments to Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. He describes emotional exhaustion, trauma, family strain, and the difficulty of maintaining academic progress amid ongoing military service. He ends with a heartfelt plea: not for pity or recognition, but simply for quiet, stability, and a future without war.
3. Students Fighting Discrimination – Final Project Initiative (p. 9)
Three students—Sumia Alnakeeb, Braa Taya, and Adam Alatawna—used their final project in the course “Education and Society in the 21st Century” to address discrimination against Arab women in academia. They highlight systemic obstacles, share the story of “Rula”, a highly qualified Bedouin woman denied academic employment, and propose a program titled “Arab Women’s Voices in Academia” to empower Arab women, raise awareness, and create networks of support and visibility.
4. From High-Tech to Art Therapy – Meet the Student: Irit Sacks (p. 11)
Irit Sacks shares her journey from a successful tech career at Microsoft to becoming an art therapist. Her transition was sparked by a desire for deeper human connection and meaning. She describes how the academic program at Ono offered both professional training and personal growth. Today, she combines parent guidance and therapy with creativity, empathy, and commitment to continued learning.
5. Mainstream Education, Special Path – The Story of Yafit Malkin (p. 13)
Yafit Malkin, a graduate of Ono’s M.A. in Special Education, began as a kindergarten teacher and gradually specialized in working with children with autism and learning disabilities. Her studies helped her open a private clinic for individualized learning. She advocates for equipping all teachers with the tools to support inclusive classrooms, reflecting a national trend toward integration of special needs students in regular education.
6. Book Review – “The Light at the End: From Hurt and Revenge to Repair” (p. 14)
This newly released book by Prof. Tova Hartman and Yehuda Shochat addresses complex emotions such as anger, resentment, and revenge, especially in post-trauma Israeli society. Rather than dismissing these feelings, the authors argue they are moral indicators and call for honest engagement. They suggest that true healing comes not from forced forgiveness but through acknowledgment, responsibility, and active repair. The book blends psychological, social, and philosophical insights.
7. Learning from the Best – Music Masterclass with Bo Mitchell (p. 16)
Just before Israel’s military operation in Iran, Grammy-winning producer Lawrence “Bo” Mitchell visited Ono’s School of Music for a rare masterclass. He discussed his work with artists like Bruno Mars and U2, revealed behind-the-scenes production secrets of “Uptown Funk,” and reflected on the emotional and historical layers of Memphis soul music. The session was a memorable and inspiring experience for students, showing how culture and music can offer hope even in turbulent times.
