About

The Institute for the History of Polish Jewry and Israel-Poland Relations was inaugurated in a meeting of a Tel Aviv University board of trustees in 2004. It is financed by a donation from the industrialist Mr. Rami Unger, and by designated funds which belonged to The Centre for the Study of the History and Heritage of Polish Jewry, at The Goldstein-Goren Diaspora Research Center.

The Institute’s mission is to develop and promote scientific research and teaching of everything connected to the history and culture of Polish Jewry at Tel Aviv University. In order to promote its mission, The Institute collaborates with various academic institutions and public organizations, in Israel and elsewhere. 

The Institute’s activities include, among others: the publication of academic studies and books; the publication of the periodical ‘Gal-Ed: On the History and Culture of Polish Jewry’ (since 1973); awarding scholarships and grants to young scholars and students; organizing or sponsoring academic conferences and lectures, and overseeing the teaching of Polish at Tel Aviv University.   

People and Governance

Head of Institute

Prof. Havi Dreifuss (2017-2026)

Founding Head of Institute

Prof. David Assaf (2004-2017)

Executive Board

Prof. David Assaf, Department of Jewish History, Tel Aviv University         

Prof. Havi Dreifuss, Department of Jewish History, Tel Aviv University

Ms. Lili Haber, Chair of the Association of Cracowians in Israel

Prof. Avner Holtzman, Department of Literature, Tel Aviv University

Prof. Maoz Kahana, Department of Jewish History, Tel Aviv University

Prof. Avraham Novershtern, Head of 'Beth Shalom Aleichem'

Prof. Roni Stauber, Department of Jewish History, Tel Aviv University

Prof. Scott Ury, Department of Jewish History, Tel Aviv University

Publications Committee                                         

Prof. Havi Dreifuss (Chair)                                        

Prof. David Assaf                                                       

Prof. David Engel, New York University                                                        

Prof. Avner Holtzman                                                 

Prof. Maoz Kahana                                                                                        

Prof. Avraham Novershtern

Prof. Scott Ury                                   

Fellowships and Grants Committee

Prof. Havi Dreifuss (Chair)

Prof. David Assaf

Prof. Avner Holtzman

Prof. Maoz Kahana

Prof. Scott Ury