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 are going to be launched this year.
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and the international community. We are in frequent contact with government agencies; our procedures and instructions align with wider governmental protocol and recommendations.
Should they be needed, there are many safe and secure areas across TAU, including in the campus dorms, including in the campus dorms, and TAU has robust campus security. We have a detailed safety protocol for any situation that might occur.
The 2025/26 academic year is set to begin on October 26, 2025, with the International Student Orientation starting on October 19.
You’re not alone—our support systems are here for you:
- A 24/7, English-language emotional support line (ERAN) is currently available at TAU: 076-884-4492.
- You can contact our Educational Counselor at lowycounsel@tauex.tau.ac.il.
- Confidential, AI-powered emotional support can be accessed via WhatsApp (free and available 24/7): +972-54-888-4855.
In addition to seeking support, we encourage you to practice self-care, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and connect with others.
Our community leaders are here to support you. Their contact information is given to you as part of orientation, though you can also find them on our Lowy International Team page.
Should you have health concerns, contact your healthcare provider as specified in your insurance policy. You can speak to the on-call doctor or nurse. Inform them of your condition, so that they can advise on next steps.
- For Leumit call center, dial *507
- For Clalit call center, dial *2700
- For Maccabi call center, dial *3555
Holders of PassportCard insurance policies can refer to any Clalit clinic close to TAU campus.
More information about health care services is available here.
If you require additional assitance, please contact your Lowy community leader directly about next steps.
Our protocols are built on years of practice and refinement. Students receive orientation briefings, printed materials and emergency contact access from day one. Campus-wide safety measures include 24/7 security staffing, controlled entry to dorms, mobile alert systems and secure zones throughout the university.
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 take in an emergency.
Just as importantly, we’ve proven that this system works. During the recent conflict, our staff, students and researchers came together with care and resilience. We’re proud of how our international community responded, and we remain here for you.
Sirens are part of the “Iron Dome” system in Israel, which alert and protect us at any given time.
TAU’s secure areas are clearly marked across campus, including reinforced rooms and shelters in each residence building. For example:
- Broshim Dorms have a secure apartment (starting with 01) on every floor
- Einstein Dorms have a protected area between Buildings A and B
We recommend downloading the Home Front Command app, which sends location-specific alerts in English. You will never be left on your own.
Please follow Home Front Command’s most up-to-date instructions on how to respond to sirens. When a siren is heard, make your way directly to a secure area. Typically, in Tel Aviv and at Tel Aviv University, you will have 1.5 minutes to make your way to a protected area. Depending on the circumstances, instructions can change, including for different levels of shelter protection that are required
Once you are in a protected area, please remain there until you receive an update from Home Front Command via their website or app.
You can refer to the list of shelters here.
If you are feeling lonely, please reach out to our community leaders—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.
Absolutely. Resilience isn’t just a word at TAU, it’s a system of care. Should the situation shift, our community will be contacted directly with clear instructions. We remain in constant coordination with national authorities and will continue to prioritize student wellbeing, academic continuity and emotional support. Our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our students and 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.
At the same time, we are genuinely hopeful about what lies ahead. This moment holds incredible potential for renewal, and we’re ready to lead through it.
In the event of any emergency, The Lowy International School will activate its internal protocols and reach out directly to every student and researcher. We maintain dedicated WhatsApp groups, an emergency mobile number and a buddy system for additional care—our school requires that all students carry a working mobile phone with an Israeli number.
Additionally, key emergency and mental health contacts can be found on our Safety, Health and Security webpage.
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
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University Campus Security |
03-6405555 |
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Police |
100 |
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Ambulance (and First Responders) |
101 |
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Fire Department |
102 |
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Electric Company |
103 |
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City Municipality (Tel Aviv) |
106 |
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Health Insurance Helpline |
*2000 |
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Ichilov Hospital/Sourasky Medical Center (Weizman St. between Arlozorov and David Hamelech) |
03-697-4444 |
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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.
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André Chusyd, Brazil and Latin America Outreach Coordinator |
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Konstantin Platonov, Asia Engagement Director |
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Sharon Ziv Kafri, International Development Director |
