Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies
Religion as a resource for civic life
Research, education, and sustained partnerships that strengthen religious leadership and cooperation across communities.
The laboratory
Scholarship translated into relationships and action
Founded at the University of Haifa in 2020, HLRS brings together scholars, students, religious leaders, educators, public institutions, and civil-society organizations.
Its work begins from a practical conviction: religious traditions and communities can deepen division, but they can also provide authority, language, and networks for social responsibility and civic cooperation.
Interfaith Ambassadors
Religious leadership in practice
The Interfaith Ambassadors M.A. Program combines graduate study, sustained interreligious encounter, and practical civic initiatives. Its participants come from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Ahmadi communities.
Areas of work
Local partnerships
Religious civic leadership
Equipping religious leaders with academic knowledge, practical skills, and cross-community networks.
Local leadership forums
Sustained cooperation among religious and civic leaders in Haifa, Ramle, and Acre.
Schools and educators
Programs that introduce religious diversity, shared society, and respectful encounter in educational settings.
Research and collaboration
Conferences, workshops, and international partnerships on religion, pluralism, law, and social change.
Selected initiatives
A growing infrastructure for religious cooperation
Graduate education
Interfaith Ambassadors M.A.
An interdisciplinary program combining academic study, dialogue, field encounters, and participant-led civic projects.
Mixed cities
Multi-Faith Forums
Long-term forums that enable local religious leaders to address civic challenges and develop joint initiatives.
Graduate initiatives
Alumni initiatives
Practical projects designed by graduates and rooted in the needs of their communities and institutions.
Explore the Laboratory’s work
Programs, events, research, partnerships, and opportunities are available on the official HLRS website.