Prof. Mona Khoury

Dr. Mona Khoury-Kassabri, an Israeli national residing in Jerusalem, is a prominent figure in social sciences, particularly renowned for her research on child and youth welfare. She holds the position of Full Professor and serves as the Vice President for Strategy and Diversity at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her academic journey includes earning a Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Welfare from the prestigious Hebrew University, complemented by a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Chicago's Chapin Hall Center for Children.

Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of school violence, cyberbullying, and juvenile delinquency. Dr. Khoury-Kassabri's work explores how economic, social, and political factors influence children and youths' involvement in delinquent behaviours, both as victims and perpetrators. She integrates individual and societal-level factors to comprehensively analyse phenomena such as violence in schools, aiming to inform effective intervention strategies.

Dr. Khoury-Kassabri's contributions extend beyond academia, as she actively promotes diversity and inclusion at The Hebrew University. Recognised as one of Israel's top influential women by Globes magazine and a recipient of the Israel Presidential Medal of Honour Award, she continues to lead initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive academic environment. Her research not only expands theoretical frameworks but also guides practical interventions to mitigate youth violence and enhance child welfare globally.

Dr. Mona Khoury-Kassabri, an esteemed academic and researcher based in Jerusalem, Israel, has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding of child and youth welfare through her pioneering research in social sciences. As a Full Professor and the Vice President for Strategy and Diversity at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, she has made significant contributions to the fields of social work, social welfare, and education.

Dr. Khoury-Kassabri completed her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Welfare from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Her pursuit of knowledge extended further with a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago, where she deepened her expertise in the factors influencing children's development and behaviour.

Her research focuses primarily on understanding the complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors in shaping children and youths' involvement in delinquent behaviours. Dr. Khoury-Kassabri's work is pivotal in exploring issues such as school violence, cyberbullying, and juvenile delinquency, aiming to unravel the underlying causes and societal impacts of these phenomena. Her studies are particularly groundbreaking as they examine cross-cultural perspectives, including the influences of diverse cultural backgrounds on youth behaviour.

At The Hebrew University, Dr. Khoury-Kassabri holds the Frances and George Katz Family Chair at the Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare. Her leadership extends beyond her academic roles; she has been instrumental in shaping the university's strategic initiatives, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion. As Vice President for Strategy and Diversity, she spearheads efforts to create an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including ultra-Orthodox Jews, Arabs, Jews of Ethiopian descent, first-generation higher education students, and individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Khoury-Kassabri's impact transcends academia. She has been recognised as one of Israel's most influential women, receiving accolades such as the Israel Presidential Medal of Honour Award. Her dedication to enhancing child welfare through research and policy has earned her widespread acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field.

Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Khoury-Kassabri is actively involved in international collaborations and initiatives. She has collaborated with institutions like the University of Toronto, contributing to research on cyberbullying and youth violence across different cultural contexts. Her work not only informs academic discourse but also informs practical interventions and policies aimed at preventing and addressing youth violence globally.

Dr. Khoury-Kassabri's research publications are extensive and impactful, covering a range of topics from the role of family dynamics in adolescent behaviour to the effects of community factors on youth violence. Her studies provide crucial insights into the development of effective intervention strategies tailored to specific cultural and social contexts, bridging the gap between research and real-world application.

Professor Mona Khoury envisions a future where all children and youths, regardless of background or circumstance, have equal opportunities to thrive in safe and supportive environments. Her vision encompasses inclusive policies that foster diversity within academia, empowering marginalised communities such as ultra-Orthodox Jews, Arabs, Jews of Ethiopian descent, and individuals with disabilities. Through her research on youth violence and delinquency, she aims to inform effective interventions that promote positive development and societal well-being. Professor Khoury's commitment to advancing knowledge and championing inclusivity underscores her mission to create a more equitable and compassionate society for the next generation.