Haifa Center for German & European Studies - HCGES

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The Haifa Center for German and European Studies (HCGES) is a joint project of the University of Haifa and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The Haifa Center for German and European Studies (HCGES) is a joint project of the University of Haifa and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) aimed to expose students, researchers, and the broader community to modern Germany. Founded in 2007, the mission of the HCGES is to expose students, researchers, and the broader community to modern Germany. In order to achieve this goal the Center engages in intensified Germany-related teaching activities and supports relevant research projects. The Center emphasizes the social, political, legal, economic, and cultural developments and tendencies in Germany since 1945. The HCGES is an interdisciplinary center. It is anchored in the Research Authority of the University of Haifa and cooperates with the university's faculties of the humanities, social sciences, and law. The Center also supports relevant activities of other faculties and institutions at the University of Haifa.

14/10/2026

A new shop is opening at the Hecht Museum!

Looking for a unique gift or a special souvenir from Haifa? Come celebrate the opening of the new Hecht Museum Shop at the University of Haifa!

Discover a wonderful selection of original gifts, jewellery, home accessories and souvenirs inspired by archaeology, art and the museum’s collections. Find something special for yourself or a thoughtful gift for someone you love. 🎁

📅 Thursday, 15 October
🕙 10:00–14:00
📍 Hecht Museum, University of Haifa
199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Haifa

Come explore the new shop, discover something unexpected and take a little piece of history home with you!

We look forward to welcoming you! 🧡

12/10/2026

⚽ What does football have to do with the Cold War and Israel's relationship with Europe? Quite a lot, actually!**

A new article in Der Spiegel looks at the history of Israel's place in international football — from political boycotts and isolation in Asia to its eventual admission to UEFA.

The article draws extensively on the research of HCGES's Dr. Daniel Mahla, who was interviewed about the Cold War politics behind Israel's long journey into European football.

It's a story that goes well beyond the football pitch, raising questions about politics, international relations, and Israel's place in Europe.

⚽ **What does football have to do with the Cold War and Israel's relationship with Europe? Quite a lot, actually!**

A new article in **Der Spiegel** looks at the history of Israel's place in international football — from political boycotts and isolation in Asia to its eventual admission to UEFA.

The article draws extensively on the research of **HCGES's Dr. Daniel Mahla**, who was interviewed about the Cold War politics behind Israel's long journey into European football.

It's a story that goes well beyond the football pitch, raising questions about politics, international relations, and Israel's place in Europe.

11/10/2026

Celebrate the European Day of Languages!

🗓️ 15 October
📍 Tel Aviv

How many European languages have you always wanted to try? Now is your chance!

For the third consecutive year, the EU Delegation to Israel, together with the embassies and cultural institutes of EU member states, invites everyone to celebrate the European Day of Languages—a day dedicated to linguistic diversity, cultural exchange, and multilingualism.

The program includes:

🎤 A special lecture (in Hebrew) by historian and language expert Elon Gilad, exploring the fascinating world of languages and their histories.

🌍 Speak-Dating Language Stands, where visitors can discover the richness of Europe's languages and cultures through short, interactive conversations with native speakers.

🇦🇹 Curious about German? Stop by the Austrian stand and practice your German—with a genuine Austrian twist! You'll have the chance to hear and learn authentic Austrian dialects while discovering more about Austria's unique linguistic and cultural heritage.

Whether you're a language enthusiast, planning to learn a new language, or simply curious about Europe's cultural diversity, this event offers a fun and engaging way to connect with languages from across the continent.

Which language will you try first?

01/10/2026

Haifa International Film Festival 2026 is in full swing!

One of Israel's biggest cultural events has once again transformed Haifa into a meeting place for world cinema. This year's program brings together award-winning directors, international premieres, documentaries, and Israeli productions—offering something for every film lover. The festival runs through 3 October, with screenings taking place across the city's cinemas.

Here are three films worth adding to your watchlist:

🍷 Burgundy (Michael Dweck & Gregory Kershaw)
A visually stunning documentary that takes viewers into the heart of France's legendary w**e region. More than a story about w**e, it explores tradition, craftsmanship, and a new generation trying to preserve—and redefine—a centuries-old way of life.

🥖 Farewell to Dough (Shimon Shai)
An Israeli Film Competition entry that tells an intimate story through the everyday world of bread and baking. The film explores family, identity, and change, showing how ordinary routines can carry extraordinary emotional weight.

🏛️ The Wizard of the Kremlin (Olivier Assayas)
One of the festival's most anticipated political dramas, based on Giuliano da Empoli's bestselling novel. Starring Jude Law alongside Paul Dano and Alicia Vikander, the film offers a fictional look at power, politics, and the inner workings of the Kremlin in post-Soviet Russia.

Whether you're interested in political thrillers, thought-provoking documentaries, or contemporary Israeli cinema, this year's Haifa International Film Festival promises an unforgettable cinematic experience.

30/09/2026

The 2026 state elections have reinforced a three-pole model of German politics:

The right-wing pole — AfD, which has become the dominant political force in several eastern federal states.

The political center — CDU/CSU and SPD, which continue to govern at the federal level but are facing declining public support.

The left-progressive pole — Die Linke and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, with particularly strong support in Berlin and other major urban centers.

This evolving political landscape makes coalition-building increasingly complex and highlights growing political polarization as well as widening regional differences in voting patterns across Germany.

22/09/2026

Looking for research inspiration?

Did you know that HCGES students' academic work can be found through the University of Haifa Library and the University's Research Portal?

Explore a wide range of Master's theses and research projects on history, political science, German studies, European studies, and many other topics.

Browse the catalogue to:

📚 discover what our students have researched,
💡 find topics that have already been explored,
🔍 identify new questions waiting to be investigated,
✨ or simply get inspired for your own academic journey.

Find a link in a first comment.

Happy exploring!

20/09/2026

📜 A hidden piece of history: "The End of Forty Years in the Desert" (1936)📜
When Lolla Feinberg made Aliyah to the Land of Israel in 1937, she brought with her a truly remarkable archival treasure.
This beautiful item is "The End of Forty Years in the Desert" / "Das Ende der Wanderung" (סוף ארבעים שנה במדבר), a special tale written in 1936 in both Hebrew and German, dedicated to Tisha B'Av and Yom Kippur.
While we often associate Yom Kippur with solemn introspection, this unique text offers a beautiful perspective—portraying Yom Kippur as an uplifting day, celebrating the moment God forgives the sins of the Jewish people.
✨ On this meaningful note, the Yekkes Archive wishes everyone a Gmar Chatima Tova and an easy fast.
📖 📖 To discover more details about the Lolla Feinberg estate, you are welcome to explore our archive catalog: https://www.nli.org.il/he/archives/NNL_ARCHIVE_AL997012800303205171/NLI

18/09/2026

The Israeli Association for the Study of European Integration (IASEI) invites submissions for its Annual Conference, taking place at Bar-Ilan University on 24 December 2026.

This year's conference, "European Integration in an Age of Geopolitical and Technological Transformation: Europe, the World and EU–Israel Relations," will bring together scholars to discuss key challenges facing Europe today—from security, enlargement, and EU–Israel relations to AI regulation, migration, democracy, and the future of European integration.

Researchers from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to submit individual papers or panel proposals. Contributions from early-career researchers and doctoral candidates are especially welcome.

📝Proposals should be submitted by October 15, 2026

📅 Conference date: 24 December 2026

📍 Location: Bar-Ilan University

We encourage you to submit your proposal and join the discussion on the future of Europe and its role in a rapidly changing world.

16/09/2026

Opening Concert of the 2026/2027 Season at the Hecht Museum

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Hot Balkan Music! Experience the vibrant rhythms, captivating melodies, and rich musical traditions of the Balkans in a dynamic live performance led by Gergely Barcza.

📅 Saturday, 10 October 2026
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Hecht Museum Auditorium, University of Haifa

Whether you're passionate about folk traditions or simply looking for an inspiring musical experience, this concert promises a memorable start to the new season.

14/09/2026

🇩🇪 Why did almost 44% of voters in Saxony-Anhalt choose the AfD?

The recent state elections marked a historic result for the AfD, which became the strongest political force in the state.

But what is behind this result?

If you want to understand what motivates voters in eastern Germany, why support for the AfD is particularly strong in the region, and what issues shape their political choices, watch the recording of our recent webinar with Marcel Lewandowsky.

The discussion goes beyond the election results to explore AfD voters, political attitudes in eastern Germany, and the changing German political landscape.

Find the link in a comment.

Address

Aba Khoushey Avenue
Haifa
31905

Telephone

+97248288159

Website

http://hcges.haifa.ac.il/

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