HLS Gives Blum Tenure

Gabriella Blum, an expert in the laws of war and conflict resolution, has been given tenure and promoted from assistant professor to professor. A former lawyer in the Israeli Defense Forces, Blum teaches international law at the Law School.

Blum earned both her undergraduate and law degrees at Tel-Aviv University. Later, she earned two degrees from HLS—a terminal degree in law and a master of law degree—before becoming an assistant professor.

Blum writes, researches, and teaches primarily in the laws of war, terrorism, public international law, and negotiation.

Law School Professor Alan M. Dershowitz said he first met Blum when she was a major in the Israeli Defense Forces, where he said she was regarded as one of the force’s most brilliant young lawyers. Dershowitz said that the faculty voted to give Blum tenure with “wide-spread consensus.”

“She has an unparalleled knowledge of the laws of war in the books and in practice,” Dershowitz said.

Dershowitz added that, through a combination of practical experience and theory, Blum has a knowledge of the laws of war “unmatched in our faculty.”

Law School Professor Philip B. Heymann, who co-wrote a book and has taught courses with Blum, said that Blum’s background make her a unique addition to the senior faculty.

“She has seen situations that other people haven’t seen, and she’s taken actions and seen people take actions that others have only had to think about,” Heymann said. “Having that kind of experience seems to me to be extremely valuable.”

Heymann said that Blum was an “excellent and obvious” choice for tenure because of her ability to think freely, her imaginative writing, and her ability to challenge students on their preconceived notions about war.

“She thinks for herself and doesn’t accept what are widely accepted patterns of belief about war or terrorism,” Heymann said.

Dershowitz said Blum’s promotion is “the most natural ascension in my 47 years” at HLS, calling her a “tremendous addition” to the staff.

“Harvard Law School has been my home away from home,” Blum said in a statement released by the Law School. “I’m delighted and honored to be part of this singularly great community of scholars, students, and staff.”

­­—Staff writer Caroline M. McKay can be reached at carolinemckay@college.harvard.edu