The Haifa History Society

The Haifa History Society (Hebrew: העמותה לתולדות חיפה) is an Israeli voluntary association based in Haifa, dedicated to documenting and narrating the history of the city. It was founded in 1997 on the initiative of Dr. Aviva Barnea and a group of volunteers, with the aim of strengthening the bond between residents and their city and encouraging their participation in this historical work. The Society operates as a non-profit organization and is registered in Israel's GuideStar Israel database. The Society publishes a journal titled "Haifa" (חיפה), which features articles by various researchers on the history of Haifa. The editor is Yaakov Schorer. Contributors have included Dr. Tamir Goren of the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University, Yaakov Schorer, Professor Emeritus Gilbert Herbert of the Technion, Eli Nachmias, and others. In cooperation with the Haifa Municipality, the Society has also published two additional volumes: "Haifa in 1948 – 1948: A Collection of Articles on the 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel" and "Haifa City Hall – 65 Years Since the Building's Construction, 1942–2007." From 2001 to 2019, David Handel served as chairman of the Society. Since 2019, Professor Aliza Shenhar has held the position. The Society organizes conferences in collaboration with Haifa Museums, Madatech (the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space), and others, covering various aspects of Haifa's history. Examples include the conference "Sweet Dreams" – 100 Years Since Architect Alexander Baerwald's First Visit to Haifa, held at Madatech, and "In His Majesty's Service – The Story of Mandatory Haifa, 1918–1947," held at the Haifa Museum of Art following an exhibition of the same name at the Haifa City Museum. Historians who lecture at these conferences include Professor Yossi Ben-Artzi, Professor Motti Golani of the Department of Land of Israel Studies at the University of Haifa, Dr. Tamir Goren, and Walid Karkabi, director of the Unit for Preservation of Buildings and Sites at the Haifa Municipality. The Society also organizes events such as the ceremony marking the conquest of Haifa in World War I by Indian soldiers, held in cooperation with the Indian Embassy in Israel and the Israel Defense Forces. This event was first held in September 2010 and is planned to take place annually on the anniversary of the conquest. As part of its activities to expand knowledge and awareness of Haifa, the Society organizes a monthly tour of Haifa neighborhoods, each tour focusing on a different neighborhood or topic. Additionally, a monthly lecture on Haifa and its history is held at the Society's offices. The Society is a member of the "Historical Signage Committee" established by the mayor to select and mark historic houses in Haifa. The Society maintains one of the largest libraries on Haifa-related subjects, a collection of photographs and documents, and approximately 300 recorded interviews with residents about Haifa. All materials are available to researchers and students working on Haifa-related topics. Articles written by various Haifa researchers are also uploaded to the Society's website and are available to the public.

The Haifa History Society was founded in 1997 on the initiative of Dr. Aviva Barnea and a group of volunteers. Its goal was to document and tell the history of Haifa, strengthen the connection between residents and their city, and involve them in this work. The Society operates as a voluntary association in Haifa and is registered as a non-profit organization. From 2001 to 2019, David Handel served as chairman of the Society. Since 2019, Professor Aliza Shenhar has been the chairperson. The Society publishes a journal titled "Haifa" (חיפה), edited by Yaakov Schorer, featuring articles by researchers such as Dr. Tamir Goren, Yaakov Schorer, Professor Emeritus Gilbert Herbert, and Eli Nachmias. In cooperation with the Haifa Municipality, it has also published two additional volumes: "Haifa in 1948 – 1948: A Collection of Articles on the 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel" and "Haifa City Hall – 65 Years Since the Building's Construction, 1942–2007." The Society organizes conferences in collaboration with Haifa Museums, Madatech, and others. Notable conferences include "Sweet Dreams" – 100 Years Since Architect Alexander Baerwald's First Visit to Haifa, held at Madatech, and "In His Majesty's Service – The Story of Mandatory Haifa, 1918–1947," held at the Haifa Museum of Art. Lecturers have included Professor Yossi Ben-Artzi, Professor Motti Golani, Dr. Tamir Goren, and Walid Karkabi. The Society also organizes the annual memorial ceremony for the Indian soldiers who conquered Haifa in World War I, first held in September 2010 in cooperation with the Indian Embassy in Israel and the Israel Defense Forces. Additionally, it organizes monthly tours of Haifa neighborhoods and monthly lectures at its offices. The Society is a member of the "Historical Signage Committee" established by the mayor to select and mark historic houses in Haifa. The Society maintains one of the largest libraries on Haifa-related subjects, a collection of photographs and documents, and approximately 300 recorded interviews with residents about Haifa. All materials are available to researchers and students. Articles written by various Haifa researchers are also uploaded to the Society's website and are available to the public.

• 2019

  Professor Aliza Shenhar becomes chairperson of the Society.

• 2010

  The first annual memorial ceremony for the Indian soldiers who conquered Haifa in World War I is held in September.

• 2001

  David Handel becomes chairman of the Society, serving until 2019.

• 1997

  The Haifa History Society is founded on the initiative of Dr. Aviva Barnea and a group of volunteers.

Non-profit historical society dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Haifa.

• Journal "Haifa"

  A journal featuring articles by various researchers on the history of Haifa. Editor: Yaakov Schorer.

• "Haifa in 1948 – 1948: A Collection of Articles on the 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel"

  Published in cooperation with the Haifa Municipality.

• "Haifa City Hall – 65 Years Since the Building's Construction, 1942–2007"

  Published in cooperation with the Haifa Municipality.

1. 1העמותה לתולדות חיפה - Official Websitehaifa.org.il
2. 2The Haifa History Society - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3העמותה לתולדות חיפה - Hebrew Wikipediahe.wikipedia.org