Hebrew University launches world’s first research institute for study of hope

The Institute for the Study of Hope, Dignity and Wellbeing opened its doors at the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine, the first such research institute of its kind in the world. The institute is led by Professor Ben Corn, a veteran oncologist who has spent the past four decades developing a unique scientific model for cultivating hope – both in his work with cancer patients and through his organization, Life’s Door.

According to Prof. Corn, hope is a “muscle” that can be exercised with a little practice and, for Israelis especially, hope “is in our DNA.” He said that, especially now, as Israel faces its worst crisis, it is important to cultivate hope and said all it takes is practice.

"The beauty of it is that, while not everyone may intuitively know how to create hope, nearly everyone can learn to do so," Corn stressed in an interview with Ynet News. He cautioned not to confuse hope with optimism.

"Hope is something that is acquired and is also more practical than optimism, because it's tied to and based on goals that matter to me and that I can implement. That's a way-of-thinking, which is taught in our workshops – to connect your core values as a person with the goals you want to achieve for yourself or for your community," he said.

"In our opinion, the more hopeful someone is, the more people recognize it and want to be with that individual, just as we want to be in the company of people who are funny or who act generously,” Corn added.

The professor spoke about the importance of hope in Israel’s current crisis and how the institute will soon be launching a national survey to measure the levels of hope among the Israeli population.

"This will be a ‘Hope Index’ which will bear similarities to the World Happiness Index, where Israel consistently ranks among the leaders among nations. There is an overlap of circles in the Venn Diagram between happiness and hope. We Israelis are very hopeful and it is important that we reactivate this strength, especially in times of crisis. I’m convinced we have the grit and strength to manifest hope," Corn explained, adding that “even if you rank low on the hope scale at the outset, you can train and improve over time.”

Life’s Door, which Corn founded more than 20 years ago with his wife Dvora, a family therapist, has been practicing his methods of cultivating hope in patients and others with ever-growing success. Those very methods are now being academically recognized with the opening of the Institute for the Study of Hope at Hebrew University.

"Over time, our organization has addressed a wide spectrum of needs. Those suffering from cancer, dementia and other illnesses. Incarcerated individuals who are at risk for recidivism after they are released from the prisons and want to know how to find jobs and re-integrate with family,” Corn noted.

He added that the trauma experienced since the Oct. 7 attack underscores the urgency of the institute’s mission.

"And, of course, the many who have confronted the traumas (acute trauma as well as PTSD) after October 7. The time has come to introduce these precious concepts to a wider public. I feel like I was meant to do this.”