Multiculturalism and Diversity

As a leading academic institution in Israel and a part of the art, design and architecture world in its broad sense, Bezalel strives to follow a vision that fosters dialogue and mutuality between the academic community and the diverse communities surrounding it, acting as a catalyst for change and a creative home that turns energy into matter, and imagination – into reality. 

The shifts in Israeli society, Bezalel's geographical location in Jerusalem and the steps taken by the academia in recent years, have made it into a heterogenetic institution that combines great diversity of population and opportunities for exchange, academic dialogues, action and social, cultural and artistic influence.  This diversity lends itself to rich and vast opportunities for encounters, activity, as well as social and cultural influence, alongside many challenges.

The Unit of Multiculturalism and Diversity at the Dean of Students Office was established following the Israeli Hope in Academia initiative launched by the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, and the Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education. The unit works in collaboration with the center for art and design studies to promote numerous goals: 

• Promoting the ability to carry on a dialogue from different and diversified viewpoints, interpretations and narratives in an open and honoring manner.
• Encourage a pluralistic, diversified and open dialogue and provide resources for activity in the different Bezalel frameworks on topics of culture and identity, variance and partnership
• Promoting as vast a representation and diversity as possible on all levels of the institution - Bezalel students, professors and employees.
• Promoting "Bezalel comradery" – a sense of belonging amongst the different students and employees, and creating a common, inclusive foundation.

The unit addresses the students' difficulties based on their religious, cultural and group affiliation as well as identity, striving to mediate and represent these needs. Concurrently, the unit works with the center for art and design studies to formulate modes of operation, guidelines and academic curriculum for studying in a diversified, multicultural campus.

The unit's areas of operation include:

• Promoting a common space – a tri-lingual policy, an academic calendar accommodating the different religions, marking holidays and events in the space
• Study groups for the administrative and academic staff
• Promoting diversified employment of the administrative and academic staff
• Activities to encourage expansion, enrichment and adaptation of part of the curriculum to the reality of a diversified academia, and representing the students' cultural world
• Content events – open lectures, concerts and content events for all students by guest lecturers and artists from a variety of disciplines who create nonmainstream cultural content in Israel
• Social and educational programs to increase the diversity of Bezalel students in the future
• Promoting the connection between the Ultraorthodox extension and Mt. Scopus campus.