Migratory birds in times of war.

Israel, a stopover for over 500 million migratory birds heading to warmer lands, has been at war on multiple fronts for a year. As these birds migrate south, they face not only the usual dangers but also added risks from fighter jets, missiles, and UAVs along their northern arrival routes and southern destinations.

Prof. Yossi Leshem from the School of Zoology at the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences has studied birds, especially migratory ones, for over 50 years. He began tracking their flight paths in Israel 40 years ago using a glider, observing their spring migration from Egypt to Lebanon and autumn route southward. This work allowed him to map their arrival times, flight altitudes, and the effects of weather on their behavior.

Flying with the Birds (Photo: Eyal Bartov).

In the 1980s, he pioneered radar use in Israel to study bird migration, working with the Israeli Air Force to reduce mid-air collisions between military aircraft and birds. We asked him how the current conflict impacts migratory birds and whether solutions exist to protect both human and avian lives.

Can Radar Distinguish Between Birds and Aircraft?

“A radar is an electronic device that sends out electromagnetic waves. If there’s something in the air, the waves bounce back, indicating distance and azimuth. The larger the bird, the stronger the radar signal. Large birds like raptors, pelicans, storks, or cranes are at greater risk, posing the most significant danger to Air Force planes”, explains Prof. Leshem.

Doing everything to prevent an air collision with them. Pelicans in tight formation during their autumn migration (Photo: Aharon Shimshon).

“Today, it’s understood that larger birds generally fly over land to use thermals (warm air rising from the ground). Based on their speed, we can often identify flocks of birds. We can track migratory birds on radar up to 80-90 kilometers away”, says Prof. Leshem. However, since the war began and UAVs from Lebanon started appearing, distinguishing birds from hostile aircraft has become more challenging.

“During autumn, migration comes through Europe, Turkey, Lebanon, and down through Israel—the same route used by missiles and UAVs. They come from the same direction, height, and azimuth”. According to Prof. Leshem, this has led to four main challenges: additional pressure on air defense and the air force, which must quickly decide if there is a true threat or if cranes are merely passing by; stress for civilians prompted by alert systems when stork flocks fly overhead; harm to wildlife entering Israeli airspace; and substantial financial costs of interception missiles and air force resources”. Nonetheless, Prof. Leshem reveals that efforts are underway to develop a system that can differentiate between birds and UAVs, which will save countless bird lives.

Protecting Israel’s Residents, Endangering Its Birds: The Iron Dome System.

How is the War Affecting Local Birds?

It’s not just migratory birds suffering from the consequences of war. Prof. Leshem leads a project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Society for the Protection of Nature, using barn owls and kestrels for natural rodent control in agricultural areas to reduce pesticide use. There are about 5,000 nesting boxes nationwide, supported by hundreds of farmers who receive professional assistance. The project now includes ten Middle Eastern countries and has recently welcomed Georgia, Ukraine, and Germany, fostering cross-border cooperation.

Prof. Leshem explains that barn owls typically lay between 5 to 12 eggs annually, depending on food availability. “However, the war has significantly reduced nesting and egg-laying in conflict zones in the north and south, where burned fields have impacted rodent populations. Fewer chicks this year will lead to a smaller barn owl population next year, resulting in long-term effects”.

A Death Trap for Rodents – A Cut in Food Supply for Birds of Prey: Burned Fields in the Gaza Border Area.

Will the Impact on Birds Affect the Entire Ecological Balance?

“Absolutely, the impact on birds is affecting the entire ecological balance in several ways. From small songbirds to larger migratory birds like storks, each species plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. For example, the black-headed bunting migrates from this region to Africa in the fall, crossing the Sahara Desert, and depends on the insects in our fields and surroundings to build up enough fat reserves for the journey. If these fields aren’t providing enough food, the bunting may seek other locations, leading to an increase in insects in our agricultural areas, which can harm local crops”.

“Additionally, storks, which arrive here in large numbers and help control rodent populations by preying on voles in flooded fields, are essential for maintaining this balance. If these storks don’t arrive, farmers may face increased rodent populations, which can damage crops. So, if birds don’t receive the ecological support they need here, the local balance will likely shift significantly, bringing widespread environmental consequences for agriculture, species diversity, and our overall environmental health”, he explains.

On its way to Africa, stopping to refuel in Israel: the Black-headed Bunting.

Will Migration Patterns Shift Due to War?

“Migration has been occurring for hundreds of thousands of years, and it won’t change quickly,” assures Professor Leshem. “However, it could impact survival chances. In a typical winter, about 50,000 cranes spend the season in the Hula Valley, but last year only 15,000 arrived. Some birds, like storks, birds of prey, and pelicans, stop here for just a night or two to ‘refuel’ before continuing their journey. If they can’t land in their usual spots due to burned fields or are scared off by gunfire, they may need to find other locations. This search could decrease their chances of successfully reaching their destination, affecting the larger migration cycle”.

Perhaps there will still be beautiful days ahead. Thousands of cranes in the Hula Lake (Photo: Shiraz Pashinsky).

Kristoffer Brugada is now in his second year of the international MFA in Documentary Cinema at Tel Aviv University. Currently working on his final project, a documentary on gay conversion therapy in the Philippines, Brugada reflects on his time in the program and the valuable lessons he’s gained.

Choosing TAU

In 2022, Brugada was searching for a master’s program that would help him grow as a filmmaker. “I applied to several universities, but Tel Aviv University’s program stood out. When I compared the curriculum, it felt more comprehensive in terms of what they teach and the topics discussed in class,” he says. A scholarship from TAU was another deciding factor in his choice.

MFA class

The diversity of the class and the collaborative nature of the program were also a strong draw. “Our class was a mix of ages and backgrounds, from filmmakers to urban planners. We had heated discussions, especially in the ethics class, but we learned so much from each other. 

“Documentary filmmaking may be a solitary job, but making a film is a collaborative effort, and I loved that we supported each other.”

In addition, Brugada appreciates the progressive outlook of Tel Aviv University.

Refining Technique and Debating Ethics

As a filmmaker with 20 years of experience in TV production and independent documentaries, Brugada wasn’t new to the world of film. Yet, the program’s hands-on directing courses taught by top Israeli practitioners allowed him to experiment with new techniques and refine his craft. “I’ve done documentaries before, but the program pushed me to further develop my style. The directing courses gave me the freedom to experiment and find my voice,” he says. 

Throughout the program, Brugada did several creative assignments that allowed him to apply what he was learning. These projects involved shooting, editing, and directing his own films. One of his notable assignments was a documentary on the Filipino community in Tel Aviv. 

“I introduced my classmates to my culture through the Filipino workers here in Israel.” 

His project on the annual beauty pageants for caregivers, a beloved tradition from the Philippines that has made its way to Israel, was a hit with his classmates. “They found it fascinating how these caregivers, despite their hard work, still found joy in community events.”

Brugada’s short on beauty pageants in Israel 

The university provided equipment, including Sony FS5 cameras and editing suites, but Kristoffer brought his own gear, which allowed him to film more flexibly. 

“The equipment at the university is great. As a teacher back in the Philippines, I really appreciated the quality of the resources available at TAU.” 

As for the theoretical courses, the one on ethics in documentary filming stood out the most. The course focused on the responsibilities filmmakers have when dealing with real people: “We have to assess what we can show and how it impacts both the audience and the subjects. I really loved those discussions,” he recalls. The program’s emphasis on ethical considerations helped him navigate sensitive topics, like the subject of his final film, with care and respect.

On top of that, getting to know more about the Israeli cinema landscape and learning about new theories of documentary filmmaking was something Brugada liked a lot.

Bringing the Vision to Life

During the second year, students work on their final project, a documentary film that they create individually or in teams. Brugada’s project, Going Straight, tackles a sensitive topic of gay conversion therapy in the Philippines.

“I wanted the film to be a venue for discussion about extreme fundamentalism and giving grace, love, and understanding instead of judgment.”

During Pride March shoot in Tel Aviv

The topic has been on his mind since 2017, but it was at TAU that he found the support and resources to bring the project to life. 

“The university’s Blavatnik Fund gave me financial support to finish the film.”

TAU professors, including Ran Tal and Netalie Braun, provided guidance on how to shape the narrative and decide which scenes to include. “We had to present sample scenes to the final film committee, who then gave us advice on which direction to take. Their feedback was crucial in helping me refine the story,” he says.

Brugada (right) with fellow students during Cinematography class

Now in post-production stage, Brugada plans to submit Going Straight to international festivals, with hopes of premiering it at a top-tier event. 

“I want to show it to the world. It’s a story that needs to be told, and I’m grateful to TAU for giving me the support to tell it.”

Filmmaking, Teaching, and New Career Milestones

Brugada’s journey as a filmmaker doesn’t stop at the completion of his final project. In fact, he’s already sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of filmmakers. 

“I’ve been teaching documentary production, screenwriting, and television production for a while now.”

After finishing his MFA, he hopes to continue teaching, potentially at the master’s level, and is even considering pursuing a PhD.

In addition, Brugada has also been invited to serve on the jury at the prestigious Japan Prize, a festival focused on educational media. “It’s a great opportunity to engage with filmmakers from around the world and see the incredible work being done in the field of educational film and television,” he says.

With his film nearing completion, his teaching responsibilities growing, and exciting opportunities like the Japan Prize ahead, Kristoffer’s career as a filmmaker and educator shows no signs of slowing down. 

“I have other films that I shelved before that I would want to go back to and work on.” 

Brugada remains dedicated to his craft and passionate about the stories he tells, grateful for the experiences and support he’s found at Tel Aviv University.

TAU commemorates the victims and fallen of October 7th.

TAU marked one year since the October 7 tragedy and the Iron Swords War.

TAU international graduate thrust into the heart of national drama while working on Israeli TV.

Dheekshi Arvind, a graduate of Tel Aviv University’s MA in Security and Diplomacy program, began working as an associate producer at i24, an Israeli English-language TV channel, in September 2023, right after completing her degree. She initially took the job “to be politics-adjacent and cover news and politics in Israel and the Middle East,” as she put it, not knowing that just a month later, she would be covering one of the most significant events in recent Israeli history: the outbreak of war in October 2023.

“I was off work that morning, and I clearly remember hearing a loud boom. I thought it was just construction outside my apartment,” she recalls.

“Then my roommate banged on my door, telling me to get out because of the sirens. I couldn’t piece it together—it was so early in the morning.”

Upon realizing that Tel Aviv was under rocket attack, Arvind rushed to work. “We had a group chat at i24 where we got news before it’s broadcast. Suddenly, I was seeing updates about rockets from Gaza hitting Tel Aviv. I got a notification from the group chat: ‘We need you to come in now because we need to cover this.’”

Dheekshi Arvind at the TAU graduation ceremony in 2023

At first, Arvind was hesitant, questioning whether it was safe to go to work. “I remember asking people if they were staying at the job or leaving,” she says. “But my producer told me, ‘We’re journalists. We have to tell people to stay at home, but we come in for work. This is our job—covering the news is what we do.’”

And cover it they did. “That shift was a frenzy. Everyone was doing everything. Social media was blowing up, and we had so much content to post and share with the world.”

Personal and Professional Challenges

Covering the war proved to be not just a professional challenge but also a deeply personal one. Some of the October 7 victims were younger than Arvind and some of her friends were actually at the NOVA festival and had just left that morning to go somewhere else before Hamas came in. 

Arvind admits that it was difficult to process the raw footage and the information that came into the newsroom. “Seeing the footage that doesn’t make it to TV and knowing what’s actually happening on the ground—it’s hard to detach and just look at it from a research perspective.”

“There were so many times where I would sit with my producer—I just couldn’t handle or digest what was happening or my reaction to what I was seeing.”

The experience highlighted the complexity of the conflict she had studied during her degree at TAU and the challenge of conveying its nuances to a global audience, much of which viewed the situation through a polarized lens. What frustrated her most was the delayed international response. “People had access to the information, but no one said anything. It wasn’t until Israel retaliated that people started posting on Twitter and social media.”

She also felt disheartened by the oversimplified narratives that dominated discussions. In response, she wrote a blog post challenging the reductionist views she encountered. “People assumed I was taking a political side, but all I was trying to do was present a more nuanced perspective. Hamas is a terrorist organization, and I wanted to make that clear while also urging people to see the broader context.”

A Commitment Through Chaos

Working six to seven days a week, often from early morning until late at night, Arvind found the pace exhausting. But despite the pressure, she remained committed.

Arvind worked at i24 for nearly a year before returning to California, where she had previously completed her BA in political science at UCLA. As Israel’s only English-language news channel, i24 played a crucial role during the conflict. With many producers called up to serve in the Israeli army, the remaining team faced mounting demands.

 

“I knew I had to stay. We needed all hands on deck,” Arvind recalls. “People who had worked there for years were suddenly gone.”

“I’d made a commitment to myself, to the team and the channel, and I wanted to see it through.”

Her experience working with a diverse team of colleagues, including Palestinians, added another layer of complexity. “I worked with Palestinians when the war broke out, and it was fascinating to see that the common denominator wasn’t ethnicity or religion—it was people’s experiences and perspectives. The narrative isn’t as black and white as people make it out to be.”

“I don’t know how I got through it, but I did. And looking back, I’m glad I did.”