March 7, 2021

Dear members of the Hebrew University community,

The Hebrew University continues to operate with the aim of fulfilling its mission in the areas of teaching, research, administrative activity and public contribution, while protecting the health of all members of the University community and taking the initiative and leadership required to achieve our goals. We wish to reiterate that vaccination is a primary civic responsibility incumbent upon all of us; vaccination is necessary in order to protect the health of individuals and others, and to return to normalcy and the lifting of restrictions that have disrupted our activities over the past year.

We would like to share with you the University’s updated policy that is expected to be in place for the coming weeks, with reference to two periods:

The first period begins on Sunday, March 14, 2021, the opening date of the second semester of the 2020/2021 academic year, and ends with the Passover holiday. During this period, entry into the University's campuses will continue to be made in accordance with the “Purple Badge” restrictions, the highlights of which are a health declaration or presentation of the “green pass” when entering the campus, and maintaining the Ministry of Health directives, including social distancing and wearing a mask. During this period, teaching in “regular” courses will be done remotely, similar to teaching that was carried out in the first semester. At the same time, two new arrangements will come into force:

1. Activity in research and interdepartmental equipment laboratories: As of March 14, 2021, physical presence in these laboratories will be allowed only to those who have a “green pass” issued by the Ministry of Health (app or documents issued to persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from COVID-19), or persons who received a recent negative result on a COVID-19 test (conducted no more than 72 hours before entry into campus).

2. Activity in teaching laboratories, practical training and clinical studies: Participation in these activities will be conditional on the presentation of a green pass or a recent negative result, subject to the regulations set by the institution in which the trainings and clinical activity are being conducted.

We will send a detailed notice pertaining to the work format for administrative staff during this period, in the coming days.

 

The second period begins on Sunday, April 4, 2021, with the end of the Passover holiday. By this time, teaching will resume in classrooms on campus, and therefore more extensive restrictions will be required. From this date, entry to all University campuses will be conditional on the presentation of a green pass or, subject to the applicable regulation, a recent negative result. Those who for medical reasons cannot be vaccinated may receive a special entry permit.

At this time, we will renew teaching in campus classrooms. According to the current guidelines, up to 300 people will be able to be present in the classroom, leaving an empty seat between any two occupied chairs and up to 75% of the hall’s maximum occupancy (during normal times) will be permitted. Those who do not have a green pass will participate remotely. Details regarding how each course will be taught will be sent in the next few days.

This notice is being sent now, four weeks before the University's “green campus” policy becomes forced, to allow those members of the University community who have not yet been vaccinated to prepare for the fact that as of April 4, they will not be able to enter campus.

Please refer your questions to the Head of your Department or Unit.

Wishing you good health,

Prof. Asher Cohen, President

Prof. Barak Medina, Rector

Mr. Yishai Fraenkel, Vice-President and Director General