The Herzl Institute was founded as an academic research center at the University of Haifa in 1987 at the initiative and with the support of Dr. Reuben Hecht. Since its establishment the institute has initiated, assisted and directed historical research projects on Herzlian Zionism and the political, cultural and social history of the Return to Zion and the State of Israel. Additionally, the Institute explores issues pertaining to the dynamics of modern nationalism in general and Israel's national identity in particular.

At present, the Herzl Institute 

• Promotes and initiates research and discussion on Israel’s position in the international arena. It recognizes the myriad political dynamics that inform Israel’s standing, including the new anti-Semitism and its place within contemporary anti-Zionism.
• Supports doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Its research fellows include promising scholars from Israel and abroad, whose important academic contributions advance research and nurture the connections between the Herzl Institute and academic institutions within Israel and abroad.
• Cultivates cooperation with organizations and institutions in Israel and abroad that explore diverse aspects of Zionism as a political idea, historical process, and national identity grounded in various social, ideological and cultural contexts.
• Holds seminars, conferences and workshops attended by scholars from within Israel and abroad.
• Publishes its findings through books, monographs, articles and documents via the Institute’s digital platform