I am a faculty member at the Ben-Gurion Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism, where I head the Laboratory for the Study of Human–Society–Environment Relations at the Midreshet Ben-Gurion. My academic background brings together diverse fields of knowledge. I hold a PhD in Geography from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, which I completed as a Wexner Foundation Fellow, and bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Law from Tel Aviv University.
2. What does your research focus on?
My research focuses on the intersections between history, law, space, and society. I study the reciprocal relationships between people and space: how people shape space, and how policy and regulation, in turn, shape the ways in which people use it.
I examine issues of land rights, land use, and relationships to land among different groups, including for the development of solar energy. I am also interested in issues related to landscape preservation and tourism and recreation, with an emphasis on hiking trails, such as the Israel National Trail. Alongside these areas, I study the role of museums and collections in social processes.
3. How does your research connect to environmental science and the climate crisis?
Addressing climate challenges requires an understanding of historical and human processes. A technological solution that is integrated with the characteristics of a society and its heritage is more likely to be successfully implemented. The reverse is also true: understanding the social context helps shape the technological solution itself.
For example, in an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF), conducted in collaboration with Prof. Sabourai and Prof. Fischhendler, we study the implementation and adoption of renewable energy and green technologies among Bedouin communities in the Negev that are not connected to the electricity grid (off-grid).
4. What is the Center for Climate Science and Cultural Heritage (CSCH), and how does your research contribute to the Center’s activities?
The Center was established together with my colleagues, Prof. Ariel Kushmaro, Dr. Noga Ravad, and Dr. Irit Nir, in response to growing concerns in Israel and around the world about the resilience of cultural heritage sites in the face of climate change.
Israel is home to heritage sites of exceptional international significance, such as Masada and ancient Caesarea, as well as hundreds of structures of national value. Yet, until now, there has been no dedicated body focused on studying climate risks to these sites or the long-term impacts of climate change on them. The Center is intended to bring together researchers from diverse fields of knowledge in order to advance research that can help formulate policies to address these challenges.
My role at the Center is to establish the legal and historical-geographical foundations for this work. For example, Israel’s Antiquities Law primarily protects sites dating to before the year 1700. Later structures with historical value—such as railway bridges dating from the Ottoman period—remain exposed to climate-related hazards and are still awaiting national assessment and a comprehensive protection plan.
5. Who inspires you?
Since October 7, I have regarded our students who serve in the military, both in the reserves and in permanent service, as well as their families, as a source of inspiration. It is only thanks to them that we are able to continue researching.
I am also inspired by our colleagues around the world who openly express their support for the State of Israel in the face of waves of hostility and antisemitism during this challenging period.
6. Something people might not know about you...
Academia was a late love for me. Before pursuing an academic career, I spent twenty years working at the Ministry of Justice. In my last position, I served as Deputy State Attorney for the Southern District (Civil Affairs), where I also headed the Real Estate Department in southern Israel.
During those years, I acquired tools that help me better understand the difficulties organizations face in recognizing the need for change and implementing it—particularly in light of the costs and consequences that such change can entail for those involved.