Security in Israel FAQ
We are fully committed to continuing our tradition of academic excellence at Tel Aviv University and The Lowy International School and have exciting new programs and projects that we will announce in due time.
A ceasefire with Hezbollah came into effect on November 27, 2024, and a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect on January 19, 2025. Many countries and organizations have reduced their travel advisory warnings, and life, for the most part, feels back to normal.
At the same time, our top priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of our students and international community. We always follow the government safety recommendations for those in Tel Aviv, stay in frequent contact with government safety agencies, and vigilantly monitor any changes in circumstances within the country. Should they be needed, there are many safe and secure areas across TAU, including in the campus dorms, and TAU has robust campus security. We have a detailed safety protocol for any situation that might occur, which we share as part of orientation.
Day-to-day life in Tel Aviv feels very much back to normal. The beaches are busy, the cafés are full, and people are mostly going about their lives in the way they always have.
Of course, October 7 is very much alive in our cultural memory. We want nothing more than to have all hostages home with us again and hopefully, one day, a region marked by peace.
Our community leaders are here to assist you. Their contact information is given to you as part of orientation, though you can also find them on our Lowy International Team page.
If your matter is urgent, you can contact our emergency hotline at +972-52-534-6188. We are available 24/7 to provide information and support.
In preparation for an emergency situation, all students receive safety training during orientation, a welcome kit with safety information, as well as regular communications. TAU maintains 24/7 security and staffing on campus and in the dormitories. For security reasons, anyone entering campus is required to show a student ID card or other form of ID and have their bags searched. Additionally, no one is permitted to enter a dormitory without a clearance chip (FOB).
Regarding any circumstance in Israel, we always follow the government safety instructions for those in Tel Aviv. Should they be needed, there are many safe and secure areas across TAU, including in the campus dorms. The Lowy International School maintains contact with government security agencies to stay informed of any potential risks.
Should an emergency situation arise, our priority is contacting everyone promptly. Our school requires that all students carry a working mobile phone with an Israeli number, and we maintain student social-media groups such as a WhatsApp group. We also employ a buddy system. The steps we take depend on the type of emergency; our Safety, Security, Health and Wellness Guidelines and our Security Guidelines provide greater details on approaches we would take should there be an emergency.
Sirens are part of the “Iron Dome” system in Israel, which alert and protect us at any given time.
When a siren is heard in Tel Aviv (where Tel Aviv University is located), you have approximately 1.5 minutes to make your way to a secure area. Once the siren stops, you should spend 10 additional minutes within the secure area. We also recommend that all members of our international community download the Home Front Command app, which will send push notifications in case a siren goes off around your location.
There are secure areas across TAU’s campus and in the dorms. In the Einstein dorms, there is a secure area between Buildings A and B; in the Broshim complex, there is a secure apartment (whose number starts with 01) on each floor of each building.
You can refer to the list of shelters here.
We want to emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength. It takes courage to acknowledge when you are struggling and to ask for help. We are here to provide you with the resources you need to prioritize your mental health. If you are struggling, please contact our Educational Counselor.
There is also a TAU mental health support line available 24/7. In the morning hours, you can contact TAU's Psychological Services at 03-6408505, or leave a short WhatsApp message with your name and number at +972-50-278037 and a psychotherapist will contact you.
In addition to seeking support, we encourage you to practice self-care, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and connect with others.
We understand the need to be with people, and our community leaders organize gatherings to help students build friendships and connections.
Please reach out—their contact information is given to you as part of orientation, though you can also find them on our Lowy International Team page. Remember that you are not alone.
Our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our students and international community. Should circumstances in Israel change and should there be a need for a change in protocol, we will communicate this to our international community.
News updates regarding how the current situation in Israel is impacting The Lowy International School can be found on the Important Updates in Light of the Security Situation webpage.
While we will always reach out to our international students and researchers directly, subscribing to our newsletter is a good way to receive any updates on The Lowy International School and Tel Aviv University.
All excursions organized by The Lowy International School are cleared by the Israeli National Security Center and the Ministry of Education and coordinated with appropriate authorities (including Israeli police and army). We do not allow trips to any areas prohibited or deemed unsafe (e.g., Gaza or settlements in the West Bank). We continue to be committed to running trips for students to enhance their educational experience and time in Israel.
In the case of an emergency, The Lowy International School will be in direct contact with international students about next steps. Additionally, key emergency and mental health contacts can be found on our Safety, Health and Security webpage.
When an emergency situation arises, our priority is contacting everyone promptly; our school requires that all students carry a working mobile phone with an Israeli number, and we maintain student social-media groups such as a WhatsApp group. We also employ a buddy system. The steps we take depend on the type of emergency. Our Security Guidelines provide greater details on approaches we would take should there be an emergency.
In preparation for an emergency, all students receive safety training during orientation, a welcome kit with safety information, as well as regular communications.
Should an emergency happen, to ensure we can contact everyone promptly, our school requires that all students carry a working mobile phone with an Israeli number, and we maintain student social media groups such as a WhatsApp group. We also employ a buddy system. The steps we would take depend on the type of emergency; our Safety, Security, Health, and Wellness Guidelines and our Security Guidelines provide greater details on approaches we would take should there be an emergency.
Key emergency and mental wellness contacts (including our 24/7 student life emergency line) can be found on our Safety, Health and Wellness page.
Other Emergency Contacts
|
University Campus Security |
03-6405555 |
|
Police |
100 |
|
Ambulance (and First Responders) |
101 |
|
Fire Department |
102 |
|
Electric Company |
103 |
|
City Municipality (Tel Aviv) |
106 |
|
Health Insurance Helpline |
*2000 |
|
Ichilov Hospital/Sourasky Medical Center (Weizman St. between Arlozorov and David Hamelech) |
03-697-4444 |
|
Association of Rape Crisis Center |
Women: 1202 Men: 1203 |
You are always welcome to contact us with more questions. Depending on your location, please consider reaching out to one of the individuals listed below.
|
André Chusyd, Brazil and Latin America Outreach Coordinator |
|
|
Roy Robinson, North America Office Director |
rrobinson@telavivuniv.org |
|
Konstantin Platonov, Asia Engagement Director |
|
|
Sharon Ziv Kafri, International Development Director |
