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Bar-Ilan University
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Anna & Max Webb and Family Psychology Building at the Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel

Key Information

Bar-Ilan University (BIU, Hebrew: אוניברסיטת בר-אילן, Universitat Bar-Ilan) is a public research university in the Tel Aviv District city of Ramat Gan, Israel. Established in 1955, Bar Ilan is Israel's second-largest academic university institution. It has 20,000 students and 1,350 faculty members.[1]

Bar-Ilan's mission is to "blend Jewish tradition with modern technologies and scholarship and the university endeavors to ... teach the Jewish heritage to all its students while providing [an] academic education."[2] The university is among the best in the Middle East in the fields of computer science, engineering, engineering physics and applied physics.[3][4] In 2024, the university was donated $260 million, one of the biggest donations to a university in Israeli history, for investment in science. The donor wished to remain anonymous.[5]

History

[edit]
Bar-Ilan's first graduation ceremony in 1959
Wengrowsky Family Lookout and Visitors' Center a.k.a. Lev HaCampus (lit. heart of the campus)
Bar-Ilan Faculty of engineering
HaMachon HaGavoah LeTorah campus bet midrash and midrasha

Bar-Ilan University has Jewish-American roots: It was conceived in Atlanta in a meeting of the American Mizrahi organization in 1950, and was founded by Professor Pinkhos Churgin, an American Orthodox rabbi and educator, who was president from 1955 to 1957 where he was succeeded by Joseph H. Lookstein who was president from 1957 to 1967.[6] When it was opened in 1955, it was described by The New York Times "as Cultural Link Between the [Israeli] Republic and America".[7] Presidents who followed were Max Jammer (1967–77), Emanuel Rackman (1977–86), Michael Albeck (1986–89), Ernest Krausz (1989), Zvi Arad (1989–92), and Shlomo Eckstein (1992–96).[6]

The university was named for Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan (originally Meir Berlin), a Religious Zionist leader who served as the inspiration for its establishment. Although he was trained in Orthodox seminaries in Berlin, he believed there was a need for an institution providing a dual curriculum of secular academic studies and religious Torah studies.

BIU's student population is diverse and includes both Jewish and non-Jewish students.

Jewish students must take at least five courses in Jewish studies in order to graduate; non-Jewish students can choose general courses instead.[8] These are available as academic Jewish studies courses, as well as through more traditional Torah study, offered primarily by the Machon HaGavoah LeTorah, established in the 1970s. The "Machon" operates a Kollel / Bet midrash for men,[9] and a Midrasha for women.[10] The Kollel offers traditional yeshiva studies with an emphasis on Talmud and Halakha (Jewish law), while the midrasha offers courses in "Tanakh" (The Bible), practical Halakha, and Machshavah (Jewish philosophy). The Midrasha is the largest in Israel. These programs are open to all students free of charge.

Yitzhak Rabin's convicted assassin, Yigal Amir, was a student of law and computer science at Bar-Ilan, prompting charges that the university had become a hotbed of political extremism. One of the steps taken by the university following the 1995 assassination was to encourage dialogue between left-wing and right-wing students.[11][12]

Under university president Moshe Kaveh (1996–2013), Bar-Ilan underwent a major expansion, with new buildings added on the northern side of the campus. New science programs have been introduced, including a multidisciplinary brain research center [13] and a center for nanotechnology.[14] The university has placed archaeology as one of its priorities, and this includes excavations such as the Tell es-Safi/Gath archaeological excavations[15] and the recently opened Bar-Ilan University/Weizmann Institute of Science joint program in Archaeological Sciences.[16]

Bar-Ilan's Faculty of Law made headlines in 2008 by achieving the highest average Israeli bar exam grade of 81.9 by its graduates.[17] Daniel Hershkowitz was university president from 2013 to 2017.[6]

Arie Zaban was elected as the president of the university in 2017.[6]

In June 2024, the university received a $260 million donation from the estate of an anonymous American donor, the largest bequest in the university's history and the second largest ever to an Israeli university. The donation is earmarked for science and technology, specifically to recruit researchers, build laboratories, and create partnerships.[18]

Academics

[edit]

Bar-Ilan University has nine faculties: Exact Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Education, Humanities, Jewish Studies, Medicine, Engineering, and Law. There is also a special Unit of Interdisciplinary Studies. At the undergraduate level, as mentioned, ten courses in Jewish studies related subjects are required from all students.

Bar-Ilan offers several special programs, including its international B.A. program,[19] taught entirely in English, and is the first university in Israel to offer a full undergraduate program taught entirely in English. Currently, students can choose between a B.A. degree in interdisciplinary social sciences,[20] where students can choose between a macro track in economics, political sciences, and sociology,[21] or the Micro Track in Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology,[21] or a major in communications,[22] with a minor in either English literature or political science. The degrees are internationally recognized, and are open to students from all over the world.[23]

In addition, Bar-Ilan offers a preparatory program that readies new immigrants for Israeli colleges. The university also runs a one-year overseas program called Torah Im Derech Eretz Program, which combines traditional Kollel Torah studies in the morning, separate for men and women, as well as co-ed general university studies and Jewish history classes in the afternoon. Many American students enrolled in regular programs of study in the university also take these Jewish history classes to fulfill their Jewish studies requirements.

Bar-Ilan also houses several research institutions, such as the above-mentioned Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, focused on neuroscience, which may have their own requirements.

Awards and recognition

[edit]
University rankings
Global – Overall
ARWU World[24]401-500 (2024)
QS World[25]=660 (2025)
THE World[26]601-800 (2025)
USNWR Global[27]802 (2025)

The Bar Ilan Responsa Project was awarded the Israel Prize in 2007.[28] The university's Bible project, in danger of being eliminated by continued budget cuts, was saved at the last minute by an anonymous donor.[29]

In its capacity as a business school, Bar-Ilan was placed as the fourth best business school in Africa and the Middle East in the 2010 QS Global 200 Business Schools Report.[30]

Notable alumni

[edit]
See also: Category:Bar-Ilan University alumni
Tzipi Hotovely
Tzipi Livni
Gila Gamliel
Revital Swid
Michal Waldiger

Notable faculty

[edit]
See also: Category:Academic staff of Bar-Ilan University
[edit]
  • Faculty of engineering
    Faculty of engineering
  • Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center
    Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center
  • Centre for the study of philosophy, ethics and Jewish thought
    Centre for the study of philosophy, ethics and Jewish thought
  • Nanotechnology building
    Nanotechnology building
  • Bar-Ilan Faculty of Medicine
    Bar-Ilan Faculty of Medicine
  • Bar-Ilan Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
    Bar-Ilan Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bar-Ilan University

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from Grokipedia
Bar-Ilan University is a public research university located in , , established in 1955 and named after Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan, a prominent Zionist leader. It serves as Israel's second-largest university by enrollment, with approximately 18,800 students and 700 senior faculty members as of recent records, distinguishing itself by mandating alongside secular disciplines to foster an environment accessible to both religious and non-religious students. The institution originated from initiatives by the American Mizrahi movement to create a modern academic center integrating scholarship with general higher education. Encompassing nine faculties including sciences, , , , and , Bar-Ilan emphasizes interdisciplinary , with notable strengths in areas such as , brain research, and Jewish thought. It ranks highly in global assessments for and , placing in the top 2% of universities worldwide and demonstrating rapid growth since its with the first graduating class in 1959. Faculty achievements include leading scientists like Doron Aurbach, recognized among the world's top researchers in fields such as . The university has maintained a commitment to amid controversies, such as resisting external pressures to dismiss faculty for politically sensitive publications or statements.

History

Founding and Early Years (1955–1967)

Bar-Ilan University was established in 1955, named in honor of Rabbi Meir Bar-Ilan, a leading religious Zionist figure and head of the Mizrachi movement. The initiative originated from a 1950 meeting of the American Mizrachi organization in , aiming to create an institution that integrated with secular academic disciplines to serve Israel's national-religious community. Professor Pinkhos Churgin, an American Orthodox rabbi, educator, and former associate at , was appointed as the founding president. The university opened its doors that year with 90 students enrolled in 34 courses across eight classrooms and two laboratories, housed in provisional buildings on the campus, supported by 23 staff members. Initial departments included , Natural Sciences and , Social Sciences, and Languages and Literature, with forming an integral part of the for all students. In its inaugural years, the university faced logistical challenges typical of a nascent in a young state, including limited facilities and faculty recruitment difficulties. By 1956, enrollment grew to 175 students, and the first permanent campus buildings were completed amid national events like the Sinai Campaign, in which faculty and students participated. President Churgin, who emphasized bridging religious and scientific , passed away in 1957, but the institution continued expanding under subsequent leadership. The early 1960s marked academic maturation, with the first 27 bachelor's degrees awarded in 1959, followed by five master's degrees in 1961 and the inaugural PhD in 1963. By 1965, student numbers exceeded 2,000, supported by over 300 lecturers and 22 buildings on the main campus, while courses commenced at a branch in Ashkelon. In 1967, amid the Six-Day War, students and staff contributed to national defense efforts; the year also saw the launch of the Responsa Project for computerized Talmudic research, formal recognition of the Ashkelon branch, and inauguration of the Gustav Wurzweiler Library. These developments underscored Bar-Ilan University's role as one of Israel's pioneering comprehensive research universities, blending empirical scholarship with religious commitment.

Expansion Amid National Challenges (1967–1990s)

Following the of June 1967, in which Bar-Ilan University students and staff actively contributed to national defense efforts, the institution initiated several key developments to bolster its academic infrastructure and outreach. That year, it launched the Responsa Project, a pioneering computerized database of literature that became a cornerstone of research. Concurrently, the Ashkelon regional college was recognized as an academic branch, and the Gustav Wurzweiler Central Library was inaugurated, enhancing resources for expanding scholarly pursuits. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, amid ongoing security tensions including the , Bar-Ilan extended its programs geographically by introducing study courses in Zemach and in 1968, aiming to serve peripheral communities. The university received formal recognition from the Israel Council for Higher Education in 1969, solidifying its status. By 1971, the Faculty of Law was established, followed in 1972 by the opening of the Ludwig and Erica Jesselson Institute for Advanced Studies, which focused on integrating religious scholarship with advanced academic training. These steps reflected steady institutional maturation despite national resource strains from military preparedness. The and 1980s saw accelerated program diversification and enrollment growth, even as faced the of 1973 and severe economic inflation peaking at over 400% annually in the mid-1980s. In 1977, the Midrasha program for female students enrolled its first cohort of 44, promoting gender-inclusive religious higher education. By 1979, new degree offerings included BA programs in , alongside MAs in , , and , and PhDs in Social Sciences, , and ; research institutes for and Jewish law were also founded. The university's publishing house, established in the , further supported dissemination of scholarly works. Into the 1980s and early 1990s, Bar-Ilan consolidated into five core faculties—, , Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and —while recognizing additional regional colleges in , , the , Ariel, and Western to address educational disparities in outlying areas. Enrollment surged to 10,640 students by the mid-1990s, augmented by the absorption of approximately 100 immigrant scientists from the former following the 1990s wave, which doubled the overall student population and spurred new departmental launches. Research initiatives in cancer detection and underscored applied contributions amid persistent geopolitical instability, including the from 1987. This era marked Bar-Ilan's transition from a nascent institution to a major academic hub, prioritizing resilience through expanded access and interdisciplinary integration.

Modern Developments and Growth Surge (2000–Present)

Since the early 2000s, Bar-Ilan University has undergone substantial expansion, particularly under the long-serving presidency of Moshe Kaveh (1996–2013), who prioritized graduate program growth by admitting over 600 new PhD candidates since 2000 and substantially increasing funding for doctoral studies. This period marked a shift toward enhanced research capacity, with the establishment of numerous specialized institutes and a focus on interdisciplinary initiatives combining with scientific inquiry. Enrollment surged notably in the subsequent decade, rising from 11,300 students in 2010 to 19,678 by 2020—a 74.1% increase—driven by new academic tracks and infrastructure investments. By the mid-2020s, the university enrolled approximately 21,200 students in academic degrees across 444 study tracks, positioning it as Israel's fastest-growing institution over the prior seven years and elevating it to the second-largest by 2025. Structural developments included the 2011 upgrade of the School of Engineering to full faculty status and the addition of another faculty, bringing the total to eight at that time; this was followed by the creation of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed, which expanded significantly by 2020 with plans for further development over the ensuing decade to address regional healthcare needs. The university now comprises ten faculties, including engineering, medicine, exact sciences, and Jewish studies, alongside over 70 research institutes and 119 research centers emphasizing fields like nanotechnology, AI, and personalized medicine. Under presidents Arie Zaban (2017 onward) and later Daniel Haimovitz, recruitment efforts intensified, with plans in 2024 to hire nearly 100 new faculty members and secure 75 million NIS in competitive National Science Foundation grants for 63 researchers in 2025. Research funding and output have paralleled this growth, with 706 active grants and 101 international collaborations reported in recent years, culminating in a landmark $260 million donation in the to bolster deep-tech ventures. Infrastructure upgrades, including over 50 million NIS invested in 2025 for research, teaching, and accessibility enhancements—such as a new gate to accommodate rising student numbers—have supported this trajectory. Despite stable national rankings around sixth place, the emphasis on scale and applied innovation has enabled Bar-Ilan to outpace peers in enrollment and institutional size, reflecting strategic investments in STEM and health sciences amid Israel's competitive higher education landscape.

Academic Programs and Structure

Faculties and Disciplines

Bar-Ilan University maintains ten faculties spanning traditional and modern scientific, professional, and humanities disciplines. These include the Faculty of , Faculty of , Faculty of Life Sciences, Faculty of , Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Humanities, and Faculty of Business Administration. The Faculty of Jewish Studies, the university's largest, houses departments dedicated to , Talmudic research, , and Semitic linguistics, , and contemporary Jewry, fostering integration of religious texts with scholarly analysis. The Faculty of Exact Sciences covers mathematics, , physics, and chemistry, with emphasis on both theoretical advancements and applied innovations, including computational methods and . The Faculty of Life Sciences focuses on , , , and , supporting interdisciplinary research in cellular and molecular mechanisms. The Alexander Kofkin Faculty of Engineering offers programs in electrical, mechanical, chemical, and materials engineering, alongside emerging fields like and , prioritizing practical applications and technological development. The Faculty of Medicine, established in 2011 through collaboration with Galilee Medical Center, provides training integrated with clinical practice and biomedical . The Faculty of Law emphasizes Israeli, international, and comparative legal studies, with in constitutional, criminal, and economic law. The Faculty of Social Sciences includes departments of , , and , political studies, and communication, examining societal structures, behavioral dynamics, and policy impacts through empirical methodologies. The Faculty of Education addresses , , and teacher training, incorporating and . The Faculty of Humanities encompasses , , , , , and , promoting critical analysis of cultural and intellectual traditions. The Faculty of Business Administration delivers curricula in , , , , and operations, aligned with global business practices and ethical frameworks. Bar-Ilan University has demonstrated robust enrollment growth, positioning it as Israel's fastest-growing university over the past seven years. Approximately 21,200 students pursue academic degrees at the institution, complemented by around 6,200 in programs. Between 2018 and 2025, overall student enrollment expanded by 30%, driven by surges in demand for programs in , , , and cybersecurity. Undergraduate enrollment specifically rose by 38% in the 2020/21 , reflecting broader national trends in higher education access amid economic and demographic shifts. The university's appeal to international and immigrant students has also intensified, with enrollment of new immigrants (olim) doubling since the period preceding the 2023-2024 conflicts. The university structures its offerings across nine faculties: Exact Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Business Administration, Engineering, Medicine, Jewish Studies, and Humanities. Degree programs encompass bachelor's (BSc/BA), master's (MSc/MA), and doctoral (PhD) levels, alongside professional qualifications in medicine (MD) and law (LLB/LLM). Undergraduate tracks emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, such as BSc programs in life sciences with specializations in biology, biotechnology, and ecology. The Faculty of Jewish Studies, the largest of its kind globally, provides extensive undergraduate and graduate courses in Talmud, Bible, Jewish history, and philosophy, often integrating religious textual study with modern scholarship. Several programs cater to international students through English instruction, including six undergraduate degrees in fields like communication, , English literature, , and . Graduate options in English include an international MBA focused on and strategy, an MA in emphasizing Middle Eastern religion and politics, and MSc degrees in , , and . Doctoral programs across faculties support advanced , with PhD tracks in areas like , , and Jewish thought. Enrollment in these English-taught programs has contributed to the university's diversification, attracting over 700 foreign students by 2010 and sustaining growth thereafter.

Integration of Religious and Secular Studies

Bar-Ilan University embodies the Torah u-Madda philosophy, which seeks to harmonize traditional Jewish learning with secular academic disciplines, a principle central to its founding in 1955 by religious Zionist leaders aiming to produce scholars versed in both and modern knowledge. The institution's charter emphasizes blending Jewish heritage with contemporary scholarship, requiring undergraduate Jewish students to complete approximately eight credits in Basic courses, covering topics such as , , and Jewish thought, unless exempted by prior Bar-Ilan degrees. Non-Jewish students are exempt from these requirements, allowing focus on secular majors while fostering an environment of mutual respect between religious and secular cohorts. This integration manifests in structured programs like the Basic Jewish Studies track, where students from diverse backgrounds—Orthodox, secular, and international—engage with foundational Jewish texts alongside their primary fields, such as or sciences. Religious observance is supported through synagogues, kosher facilities, and optional advanced seminars, but without mandating personal piety beyond coursework; for instance, in 2019, the university eliminated prior requirements for modest dress or head coverings in Judaism-related classes to broaden . The approach extends to interdisciplinary initiatives, including awards like the Professor David Mirsky Memorial Award for , recognizing faculty contributions to synthesizing religious and secular inquiry. Empirical outcomes include a student body reflecting Israel's societal spectrum, with religious students comprising a significant portion—often pursuing dual emphases—while secular peers benefit from exposure to informing professional fields. This model contrasts with fully secular Israeli universities by institutionalizing religious components, yet prioritizes academic rigor, as evidenced by Bar-Ilan's research output in both domains without subordinating one to the other.

Research and Innovation

Key Research Institutes and Centers

Bar-Ilan University hosts over 70 research centers and institutes, encompassing disciplines from to and applied , with an emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches to address societal challenges. These facilities support around 700 senior researchers and thousands of students, fostering collaborations with industry and international partners. The Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), established in 2007 and housed in the Gonda Nanotechnology Triplex, stands as one of Israel's largest nanotechnology research hubs, comprising nearly 70 research groups and 64 laboratories. BINA focuses on applications in energy storage, magnetism, optics, clean technologies, robotics, and biomedicine, including advancements in electric vehicle batteries and targeted medical nanoparticles. It maintains partnerships with multinational firms such as Merck, General Motors, and IBM, yielding high outputs in peer-reviewed publications, patents, grants, and spin-off startups. The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center integrates researchers from , , physics, and to investigate function across scales, from behavioral to cellular mechanisms. Established to promote collaborative , it operates 37 laboratories and offers specialized MSc and PhD programs in brain sciences, emphasizing empirical studies of information processing and neural disorders. The center's work has contributed to international advancements in cognitive and models. Among the university's Impact Centers, the Israel National Research Center for Electrochemical Propulsion (INREP) targets solutions through and chemistry, developing advanced batteries and fuel cells for systems. Similarly, the Personalized Medicine Mega Impact Center coordinates in , , , and genetic disease mechanisms, drawing on interdisciplinary expertise to translate findings into clinical applications. These centers align with Bar-Ilan's "Impact beyond Excellence" initiative, prioritizing practical outcomes in global challenges like and health innovation. ![Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center](./assets/%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%96_%D7%9C%D7%97%D7%A7%D7%A8_%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%97_%D7%A2%22%D7%A9_%D7%9C%D7%A1%D7%9C%D7%99_%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%96%D7%90%D7%9F_%D7%92%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%93%D7%94_(%D7%92%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%93%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%93_(11795483624)

Major Scientific and Technological Contributions

Bar-Ilan University's Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (BINA), established as a flagship research hub, has pioneered applications of nanomaterials in biomedicine and diagnostics, including gold nanoparticles designed for targeted treatment of cancer and arteriosclerosis by enabling early detection and precise drug delivery. Researchers at BINA have also contributed to advancements in nanoscale imaging and energy-efficient materials, positioning the institute as one of Israel's premier nanotechnology centers with over a decade of interdisciplinary output. In quantum technologies, Bar-Ilan faculty have developed innovative algorithms and hardware prototypes to address computational bottlenecks in quantum processing, including error-corrected quantum simulations for and applications. These efforts, supported by dedicated impact centers, focus on scalable quantum systems that outperform classical methods in solving optimization problems central to technological challenges like and . Complementing this, breakthroughs in battery technology include a novel magnesium-based design that enhances and recharge cycles, earning international recognition for its potential in storage. Biomedical innovations from Bar-Ilan encompass targeted cancer therapies integrating with biological agents to selectively destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue, as well as noninvasive skin-based treatments using nanodiamonds for penetration and proteinopathies reversal. In immunotherapy, collaborations have yielded CAR-T cell therapies against in , achieving high response rates in clinical trials. The university's technology transfer arm, BIRAD, has secured numerous patents, such as those for allergenic polypeptide de-epitoping methods and delta receptor agonists, facilitating commercialization of these discoveries. Recent initiatives, including the Adelson-funded Institute for —the first in dedicated to adaptive and responsive materials—aim to drive innovations in , , and through self-healing polymers and shape-memory alloys. Green energy research has yielded efficiencies in photovoltaic materials and catalysts, addressing 's needs. These contributions, bolstered by ERC Proof-of-Concept grants for quantum and biomedical projects, underscore Bar-Ilan's role in translating fundamental into practical technologies amid substantial investments exceeding NIS 1 billion since 2024.

Patents, Funding, and Collaborations

Bar-Ilan University's research innovations are commercialized through its dedicated entity, BIRAD (Bar-Ilan R&D Company Ltd.), established to protect and license inventions to industry. BIRAD manages patent filings across disciplines, including , , and , with examples such as US Patent 8,486,534 B2 for modified polymer nanoparticles from the Department of Chemistry and US 20210309672A1 for from the Institute for and (BINA). The Faculty of has produced patents in areas like and , including one assigned jointly with in 2017. Research funding at Bar-Ilan has grown substantially, with the university securing 75 million NIS in competitive grants from Israel's (ISF) awarded to 63 researchers in August 2025, supporting projects across sciences and humanities. In July 2025, two (ERC) grants were obtained for pioneering work in and AI policy analysis in life sciences. Earlier cycles include 23 million NIS from ISF for 2023-2024, alongside startup grants like the ISF awards to four early-career researchers in September 2025. These funds, primarily from national bodies like ISF and international sources such as ERC and Fulbright, underscore Bar-Ilan's emphasis on applied research in , , and . Collaborations span industry, medical centers, and global academia, facilitated by BIRAD for tech transfer and direct university partnerships. In March 2025, BIRAD partnered with Arieli Group to accelerate pharmaceutical commercialization from Bar-Ilan labs, targeting life sciences ventures. Key alliances include the September 2025 launch of a biomedical research institute with for health tech and a January 2025 agreement with Pluri Inc. to develop placental-derived cells for cocaine treatment. The National Energy Storage Institute, established in March 2025 with philanthropic support, prototypes fuel cells and batteries in partnership with industry stakeholders. Internationally, agreements post-Abraham Accords include one with , though some European ties, such as with , were suspended in June 2025 amid geopolitical tensions. These efforts have enabled licensing deals and joint R&D, converting academic outputs into marketable technologies.

Campus, Facilities, and Student Life

Physical Campus and Infrastructure


Bar-Ilan University's main campus is located in Ramat Gan, in the Tel Aviv District of Israel, spanning approximately 140 acres of landscaped gardens and greenery. Situated in the heart of the Gush Dan metropolitan area, it lies about 20 minutes by car from central Tel Aviv and 45 minutes from Jerusalem, facilitating easy access via public transportation and highways. The campus features a mix of older structures and modern expansions, particularly on its northern side, with cultivated areas irrigated by an efficient smart system to promote sustainability. It has been recognized as Israel's most beautiful academic campus due to its architectural integration with natural surroundings. Key infrastructure includes upgraded research laboratories and teaching facilities, with investments exceeding NIS 50 million in 2025 for enhancements in equipment, , and features, including a newly launched gate. In 2022, approximately ILS 15 million was allocated for physical and digital upgrades, encompassing structural improvements to 30 labs and the installation of hybrid learning systems in 80 . Notable buildings house specialized centers such as the Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center and the Institute for , alongside faculties for , (with a separate in ), psychology, and mathematics. The also incorporates religious study halls like the HaMachon HaGavoah LeTorah complex. Student housing and support facilities are complemented by adjacent commercial areas, including the Ramat-Ilan Commercial Center for dining and services. The layout emphasizes a living laboratory environment, with green spaces like serving recreational purposes amid academic buildings. Ongoing developments focus on expanding high-tech infrastructure to accommodate growing enrollment and research demands.

Student Demographics and Campus Policies

Bar-Ilan University enrolls approximately 18,000 students, with a recorded 30% increase in total enrollment across all degree levels between 2018 and 2025. The student body features a ratio of 41% to 59% female. The demographics reflect Israeli society's diversity, dominated by Jewish students spanning secular, traditional, modern Orthodox (religious Zionist), and ultra-Orthodox affiliations. Approximately 1,500 students, about 85% Muslim and the remainder mostly Christian or , constitute roughly 8% of the population, alongside smaller cohorts of international and other non-Jewish students. All undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 10 credits in Basic as a core requirement, with over 21,000 students annually fulfilling this curriculum designed to integrate learning with secular academics. Campus facilities support religious observance through kosher dining halls and multiple synagogues, with prayer or meeting rooms provided upon request for non-Jewish students. Classes operate on a co-educational basis, though gender-segregated sections exist in programs tailored for ultra-Orthodox students to accommodate observance norms. In 2019, the university discontinued mandates for modest dress or kippot among male students attending courses, prioritizing academic access over strict attire enforcement. Security considerations have led to restrictions, such as barring entry to students wearing niqabs, while dormitory assignments have prompted advisories about potential mixed religious-ethnic pairings.

Extracurricular and Religious Activities

Bar-Ilan University maintains a robust framework for religious activities, coordinated primarily by the Campus Rabbi's office, which facilitates spiritual engagement for observant students. Weekly Shabbat prayers occur at the Ludwig and Erica Jesselson Institute synagogue, followed by Kiddush and a lesson on the Torah portion. Monthly Shabbat events include guest lectures, prayers, and dinners, while Thursday Kabbalat Shabbat gatherings on the main lawn feature music, a D'var Torah, and homemade cholent. High holiday observances encompass Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayers, Hanukkah candle-lighting, Purim Megillah readings, and Passover matzah baking. Weekday Torah study sessions, known as Limmud Torah, draw hundreds of participants to on-campus cafes, the Beit Midrash, and the women's Midrasha program. An annual Hoshana Rabbah Limmud night attracts over 3,000 attendees for lectures and a concert of prayers and songs. Student residences host additional Torah classes, lectures, and Shabbat programs in collaboration with the Campus Rabbi. Extracurricular offerings emphasize and pluralism, with events organized by students, faculty, the student committee, and administrative offices. Campus-wide "Fun Days" provide outdoor performances and activities during class breaks, complemented by faculty- and student-led shows. Weekly fairs and holiday-themed gatherings, such as tastings for , foster community. Residence halls feature sing-alongs, parties, group Seuda Shlishit meals, and performances, announced via resident networks. Student organizations include the Bar-Ilan & Career Club, which builds professional skills through workshops and networking. The Ambassadors' Club, geared toward international students, educates on and Middle East security issues. The student union coordinates parties, excursions, and cultural events. Dialogue initiatives promote intercultural exchange, reflecting the university's diverse demographics. The Hidabrut program facilitates discussions in religious-secular and Arab-Jewish groups, including music-based conflict moderation training. The Interfaith Encounter Association organizes events bridging Jewish, Muslim, and Christian students. These activities align with Bar-Ilan's commitment to Jewish heritage while accommodating varied observance levels.

Religious and Ideological Foundations

Torah u-Madda Philosophy

The Torah u-Madda philosophy, emphasizing the complementary relationship between traditional Jewish study and secular knowledge (madda), underpins Bar-Ilan University's academic and religious framework. Founded in 1955 by Professor Pinkhos Churgin under the auspices of the Mizrachi Religious Zionist movement, the institution was established to enable observant to pursue higher education in sciences, , and social sciences while maintaining rigorous engagement with Jewish texts and values, addressing a gap in Israel's secular-dominated universities. This synthesis draws from Religious Zionist ideals, positing that Torah provides ethical and transcendent insights, while empirical disciplines enhance practical understanding of creation, without one domain negating the other. The university's emblem—a Torah scroll juxtaposed with a microscope—visually encapsulates this integration, signifying the pursuit of divine revelation alongside scientific exploration. Operationally, Torah u-Madda manifests in the mandatory Basic Jewish Studies requirements for all bachelor's degree students, comprising at least 8 credits in core areas such as Bible, Jewish philosophy, history, and introductory Talmud, which must be fulfilled alongside major-specific coursework. Advanced options include enrollment in the Ludwig and Erica Jesselson Institute for men or the Midrasha Le'Nashim for women, where students can pursue intensive Torah study equivalent to yeshiva-level scholarship concurrently with university degrees. Bar-Ilan honors exemplars of this philosophy through distinctions like the Professor David Mirsky Memorial Award for , recognizing faculty who exemplify the fusion of religious and academic excellence. Influenced by thinkers such as , a key architect of modern Torah u-Madda, the approach at Bar-Ilan promotes and evidence-based reasoning in scholarly work, tempered by halakhic observance, fostering graduates equipped for both religious leadership and professional innovation. This model has sustained the university's growth to over 18,000 students by 2020, with faculties spanning to .

Role in Religious Zionism

Bar-Ilan University was established on February 23, 1955, by the American Mizrachi movement, a foundational organization in , to create an institution of that synthesizes with secular disciplines, thereby operationalizing the Religious Zionist commitment to national revival through religious observance and modern scholarship. The university bears the name of Bar-Ilan (formerly Meir Berlin), who served as Mizrachi's leader from 1913 until his death in 1949 and advocated for Religious Zionism's integration into broader Zionist efforts, including settlement and state-building in ; his vision of combining spiritual leadership with practical activism directly inspired the institution's founding ethos. As a pillar of , Bar-Ilan has functioned as an intellectual and educational base for the movement's adherents, particularly those aligned with the Mizrachi and its successor, the (NRP), by training generations of rabbis, educators, and public figures who advance Religious Zionist priorities such as education in state institutions, settlement expansion, and the infusion of Jewish law into . The university's compulsory core curriculum in —encompassing , , literature, and —ensures that all undergraduates, regardless of background, engage with foundational texts, reinforcing 's emphasis on a unified that bridges religious observance and civic participation in Israel. This model has produced alumni who hold influential positions in Religious Zionist yeshivot, programs (combining with ), and political bodies, thereby sustaining the movement's demographic and ideological growth amid Israel's evolving society. Bar-Ilan further cements its role through dedicated research entities, such as the Dr. Zerah Warhaftig Institute for Research on , established to examine the movement's historical development, doctrinal evolution, and interplay with secular , drawing on archival materials and interdisciplinary analysis to inform contemporary debates within the community. Publications from the , including volumes on Religious Zionist and , disseminate scholarship that critiques and refines the movement's foundational principles, such as Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook's synthesis of redemption and statehood, while addressing challenges like secular-religious tensions in Israeli . By hosting conferences and fostering faculty expertise in areas like Jewish thought and Zionist , Bar-Ilan positions itself as a counterweight to more insular Haredi educational models, promoting Religious Zionism's activist orientation toward national defense, technological innovation, and halakhic adaptation to modern state needs.

Policies on Observance and Inclusivity

Bar-Ilan University maintains a environment aligned with Orthodox Jewish standards, including kosher food services and closures during major such as and , with classes resuming according to a published schedule. Non-Jewish students receive accommodations for their religious holidays, permitting absences and alternative exam scheduling as outlined in faculty procedures. In 2019, the university removed mandatory modest dress codes and requirements for male students attending Judaism-related classes, reflecting a shift toward less prescriptive observance. The institution explicitly states it does not promote religious observance, accommodating a range of Jewish affiliations from ultra-Orthodox to among its predominantly Jewish student body. Regarding inclusivity, Bar-Ilan admits students regardless of religious background, including non-religious and international applicants from over 90 countries, though all undergraduates must complete foundational courses in Jewish heritage. students, comprising a small but supported population, receive integration assistance through dedicated programs, and the Department of Arabic includes both Arab and Jewish participants. The university enforces a prohibiting face coverings like the for security and identification purposes, leading to a 2025 campus entry ban for a Muslim who violated it. segregation applies exclusively to specialized ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) programs, featuring separate entrances and facilities to enable participation, while the main remains mixed-gender. Broader initiatives include a Equity resource for faculty and students, family-friendly policies for female researchers and mothers, inter-faith dialogues in the Faculty of , and a Committee supporting disabilities. The university emphasizes intercultural excellence and community outreach, though some observers note the religious environment may challenge secular or non-Orthodox students.

Controversies and Criticisms

Political Extremism and Rabin Assassination Aftermath (1995)

Yigal Amir, the assassin of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on November 4, 1995, was enrolled as a law student at Bar-Ilan University, where he pursued a demanding program combining legal studies, Jewish philosophy, and computer science since 1993. Amir, an Orthodox Jew from a Yemenite immigrant family and active in right-wing settler youth movements, opposed Rabin's Oslo Accords as a betrayal of Jewish territorial claims in the West Bank and Gaza, viewing the concessions as endangering Israel's security and biblical heritage. The , carried out with a at a rally in , triggered widespread condemnation across Israeli society, including from religious Zionist leaders associated with Bar-Ilan, but intensified scrutiny of the university as a perceived incubator for radical opposition to territorial compromise. Critics, including left-leaning politicians and media outlets, accused Bar-Ilan of harboring "extremist" elements within its religious-nationalist student body, with some labeling it a "greenhouse" for fundamentalist groups that blended with militant anti-Oslo activism. This backlash stemmed from reports of campus protests against , where students invoked din rodef (a halakhic concept permitting preemptive action against perceived mortal threats), though such rhetoric was not unique to Bar-Ilan and reflected broader tensions in religious Zionist circles amid the 1993-1995 . In the immediate aftermath, Bar-Ilan University condemned the murder unequivocally, with its leadership emphasizing the incompatibility of with and the institution's Torah u-Madda ethos of integrating and democratic pluralism. Police investigations revealed materials in Amir's possession, including writings by a former Bar-Ilan faculty member critiquing Rabin's military record, but no evidence linked the university's or administration directly to . Enrollment data from the period showed Bar-Ilan hosting over 15,000 students, predominantly religious Zionists, yet surveys indicated that while a minority of religious (around 27% in one poll of teens) retrospectively justified the act, the vast majority rejected it as a perversion of . The episode prompted internal reforms at Bar-Ilan to curb overt political activism on campus, including stricter oversight of student groups and enhanced dialogue programs between religious and secular , positioning the university as a "bridge" amid national polarization. Long-term, the assassination's shadow lingered in debates over religious Zionism's role in Israeli , with Bar-Ilan facing intermittent boycotts and funding threats from left-wing critics, though empirical reviews found no systemic comparable to secular or Arab-Israeli radical fringes.

Ties to Settlement Institutions and Boycotts

Bar-Ilan University established a branch institution, the College of Judea and Samaria, in the Ariel settlement in the in 1982 to provide higher education in the region. This campus operated under Bar-Ilan's academic supervision, awarding degrees for approximately 15 years until the university began severing formal ties around 2005 amid international pressure. The institution later achieved independence as in 2012. The university has also conducted archaeological excavations in sites, including Tel Tibnah near in 2022 and Khirbet Tibnah adjacent to Nabi Saleh village. These activities, coordinated with authorities, have drawn criticism from organizations like Emek Shaveh and for potentially supporting territorial claims in disputed areas, though Bar-Ilan frames them as scholarly pursuits advancing historical knowledge. These connections have fueled academic campaigns against Bar-Ilan. On April 22, 2005, the British Association of University Teachers (AUT) voted to sever ties with the university, citing its oversight of programs in Ariel as evidence of complicity in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The boycott was reversed in June 2005 following an internal AUT that highlighted procedural flaws and free speech concerns. The (BDS) movement, which views Israeli settlements as violations of , continues to target Bar-Ilan for its historical role in Ariel and alleged collaborations with Israeli security services. BDS advocates, drawing from Palestinian academic unions, argue such ties undermine Palestinian rights, though the movement's broader anti-Israel stance has been critiqued for selective application and bias against Israeli institutions regardless of individual dissent. In response, Bar-Ilan established a Senate-approved Committee to Combat Academic Boycotts in 2024, led by figures like Prof. Gideon Freudenthal, to counter delegitimization efforts through advocacy and partnerships. Despite these pressures, the university maintains collaborations with international peers, emphasizing its research contributions over political affiliations.

Internal Debates on Academic Freedom and Politics

Bar-Ilan University, as an institution rooted in , has experienced internal tensions between upholding and maintaining ideological coherence, particularly regarding expressions perceived as diverging from national consensus on security and . These debates often arise during periods of conflict or political upheaval, where expressions on Israel-Palestine issues prompt scrutiny from administrators and groups. The maintains guidelines allowing lecturers to voice political views in private or course-related contexts but prohibits their use in official capacities that could imply institutional endorsement. A notable controversy emerged in 2011 when the university lifted a long-standing ban on political activity, instituted after the 1995 assassination of by a Bar-Ilan . The policy reversal, advocated by right-wing groups like the Forum for the , reignited debates over campus politicization. Left-leaning faculty, including Menachem Klein and , alleged that promotion denials were politically motivated due to their critical stances on Israeli policies in the territories. Approximately 70 prominent Israeli academics protested, accusing the administration of "political persecution" and ideological conformity enforcement. The university rejected these claims, asserting decisions were merit-based, though an appeals committee recommended re-evaluating Klein's case. Further highlighting these frictions, in July 2014, law faculty member Hanoch Sheinman faced rebuke from Dean Shahar Lifshitz and the administration after emailing students sympathy for victims on both sides of the Gaza conflict, including Palestinian civilians. The university deemed the message an inappropriate politicization of an academic platform, arguing it exceeded personal expression bounds and risked student discomfort. Sheinman defended it as a humane gesture aligned with philosophical inquiry, prompting external criticism from groups like the Association for Civil Rights in , who viewed the response as infringing on free speech. The incident fueled broader discourse on whether Bar-Ilan's religious-national ethos implicitly limits dissent, with detractors labeling the rebuke "McCarthyist." This scrutiny extended into 2015–2016, when Sheinman underwent a newly implemented mid-term review for untenured faculty, resulting in a negative evaluation despite prior positive assessments. Critics, including the Studies Association's Committee on , raised alarms over the process's retroactive application, abbreviated timelines (e.g., one-to-two weeks for submissions), and lack of handbook guidelines, suggesting retaliation for his 2014 email. Bar-Ilan defended the review as standard procedural rigor, but the episode underscored ongoing internal and external concerns about procedural fairness potentially masking ideological pressures. Empirical studies on Israeli campuses, including Bar-Ilan, indicate faculty generally favor broader political expression than students, who often prefer restrictions during wartime to preserve campus unity. These debates reflect the university's efforts to navigate its u-Madda framework amid polarized politics, with administrators emphasizing institutional neutrality while critics argue for stronger protections against perceived conservative biases.

Achievements and Recognition

National and International Rankings

Bar-Ilan University consistently ranks among Israel's leading research institutions, placing sixth nationally in comprehensive assessments that evaluate research output, citations, and academic reputation. This position reflects its strong performance relative to peers like the and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, with metrics emphasizing productivity in fields such as physics, chemistry, and . Internationally, the university appears in the mid-tier of global rankings, with placements driven by research quality and rather than or internationalization scores. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, it is positioned in the 601-800 band, scoring 52.6 out of 100 for research quality but lower in (33.8) and international outlook (32.8). The 2026 ranks it at 660th overall, with strengths in citations per faculty (48.1) but weaker employer reputation (6.1). ShanghaiRanking's 2025 places it in the 501-600 range, an improvement from 401-500 in 2023, based on factors like highly cited researchers and publications in top journals. U.S. News Best Global Universities ranks it 802nd, incorporating bibliometric data across 13 indicators.
Ranking BodyYearGlobal PositionKey Metrics
(World)2026601-800Research Quality: 52.6; Industry: 65.9
2026660Citations per Faculty: 48.1
ARWU2025501-600Publications and Citations Focus
U.S. News GlobalLatest802 Across Disciplines
These rankings highlight Bar-Ilan's research emphasis, particularly in sciences and , though it trails 's top institutions like Weizmann Institute in overall global standings due to smaller scale and narrower international engagement.

Awards, Breakthroughs, and Societal Impact

Bar-Ilan University faculty members have received multiple Israel Prizes, the state's highest civilian honor for scientific and scholarly contributions. In 2024, Professor Nathan Keller from the Department of Mathematics won the , awarded by the and the Mathematical Programming Society for outstanding papers in . The university also secured 75 million NIS in competitive grants from 's in 2025, distributed to 63 researchers across various fields. In recognition of its support for student reservists during , Bar-Ilan received the Israeli Minister of Defense's Award of Recognition in 2025. Research breakthroughs at Bar-Ilan include advancements in selective cancer therapies combining machine learning with biology to target malignant cells while sparing healthy ones. In September 2025, the university partnered with Sheba Medical Center to establish a biomedical research institute with a joint investment exceeding 400 million NIS, focusing on cancer therapies, 3D organ printing, AI-driven medical data analysis, robotics, and genetic engineering. A 2024 donation of $260 million, one of Israel's largest to higher education, supports deep-tech initiatives in medical treatments and sustainable energy solutions. Faculty such as Eli Barkai in physics have earned the Alexander von Humboldt Research Award for collaborative work with German scientists. Societal contributions encompass programs aiding marginalized communities, including peripheral residents, the elderly, and violence survivors, through university-backed social impact projects. A $20 million from the Haron Dahan Foundation in 2025 expands STEM for Israeli teens, aiming to bolster technological skills nationwide. Over 100,000 contribute across Israeli sectors, from technology to , enhancing economic and social resilience. Impact centers address technological, medical, and cultural challenges, supported by major gifts like a 1 billion anonymous in 2024 for research infrastructure.

Resistance to External Pressures

Bar-Ilan University has encountered external pressures primarily through academic boycotts initiated by the (BDS) movement, which cites the institution's historical involvement in establishing in the and collaborations with Israeli security agencies such as the as grounds for exclusion from international partnerships. These efforts intensified following the 2005 launch of BDS and have included targeted resolutions, such as the short-lived boycott by the British Association of University Teachers (AUT) against Bar-Ilan and Haifa University, which was overturned within weeks amid widespread criticism for undermining . More recent instances involve European institutions severing ties, including the University of Antwerp's 2024 decision to halt a cooperation agreement with Bar-Ilan's law faculty over Israel's policies in Gaza. In response to escalating anti-Israel campaigns on global campuses, Bar-Ilan established the Committee to Combat Academic Boycotts in via a Senate decision, focusing on systematic, apolitical countermeasures rather than direct political . The committee develops response protocols, compiles databases of incidents, and coordinates with international allies including academic bodies in , the , , and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities to sustain research collaborations. It has supported faculty through workshops on countering delegitimization efforts abroad and issued dozens of protest letters to institutions in and , assisting in dozens of individual cases where researchers faced exclusion from conferences, grants, or exchanges. These initiatives have bolstered Bar-Ilan's resilience, enabling continued global engagement despite persistent BDS advocacy; for instance, the university's Center for International Communication provides training for faculty and students on rebutting boycott narratives, emphasizing the institution's contributions to scientific advancement over politicized critiques. By prioritizing data-driven strategies and networks of supportive scholars, Bar-Ilan has mitigated the impact of covert s, such as selective rejections of joint projects, while maintaining its research output and international partnerships amid broader geopolitical tensions. This approach underscores a commitment to academic merit over ideological pressures, with the committee fostering proactive defenses that have prevented several proposed severances from materializing into formal policies.

Notable Individuals

Prominent Alumni

Bar-Ilan University alumni have achieved prominence in Israeli politics, security services, and academia. In politics, earned an LL.B. from the university in 1985 and later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2009, Minister of Justice from 2013 to 2014, and party. studied business administration there during a military sabbatical in 1976 and went on to become of the Israel Defense Forces from 1998 to 2002 and Minister of Defense from 2002 to 2006. graduated from the Faculty of Law and held positions including Minister of from 2013 to 2015 and to the from 2020 to 2024. obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in law, serving as Deputy Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2019 and Israel's Ambassador to the from 2020 to 2025. received an LL.M. and has been Minister of Intelligence from 2022 onward, as well as Minister for Social Equality from 2015 to 2022. In national security, Yossi Cohen completed a B.A. in social sciences summa cum laude and directed the from 2016 to 2021, overseeing operations against Iran's nuclear program. obtained a B.A. in social sciences in 1986 and headed the from 2000 to 2005 before serving as Minister of Internal Security. contributions extend to science and technology, including Roi Aharoni, a graduate who works as a research scientist at Israel, focusing on algorithms and advancements. The university's emphasis on integrating with secular disciplines has produced leaders balancing religious observance with , as evidenced by the Orthodox backgrounds of many listed figures.

Influential Faculty Members

Prof. Doron Aurbach of the Department of Chemistry is a leading researcher in , particularly in lithium-ion batteries and systems, with contributions including foundational work on solutions and materials that have advanced technology. He received the Israel Chemical Society Gold Medal in 2020, the Award in 2025 for innovations in , and the $1 million Ermenegildo Green Vision Award in 2018 for alternative fuels research, marking the first such honor for an i scientist. Aurbach has been named a Highly Cited Researcher multiple times and holds an exceeding 100, reflecting his extensive influence in the field. Prof. Eytan Gilboa, founder and former director of the School of Communication and the Center for , has shaped and in through research on and U.S.- relations. In 2024, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Israel Association of for his global impact on scholarship. Gilboa's establishment of key academic programs has positioned Bar-Ilan as a hub for media and studies. Prof. Judit Bar-Ilan, formerly of the Department of , pioneered advancements in informetrics, , and metrics, including early analyses of results and citation patterns. She earned the ASIS&T in Information Science Award in 2018 and the Medal for contributions to . Her work, cited over 13,000 times, remains foundational despite her passing in 2019. Prof. Beena Kalisky in the Department of Physics specializes in , , and nanoscale magnetic imaging using superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), enabling precise studies of electronic behavior in . She received the Na'amat Centennial Prize in 2022 for groundbreaking research by women scientists and was elected to the Young Israeli Academy of Sciences for her innovations in . Kalisky's interdisciplinary approach has implications for and . Prof. Charles Liebman, a , influenced studies of , , and in through empirical analyses of and secular-religious tensions. He was awarded the in Political Science in 2003 for his rigorous scholarship bridging sociology and politics. Liebman's books, such as Religion, Democracy and Israeli Society, provided data-driven insights into Israel's cultural divides.

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