AFHU News Fall 2014

AFHUnews AFHU news Volume 16 | Number 16 | Fall 2014

M I L E S TO N E S

A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION

2014 AFHU NATIONAL LEADERSHIP B oARd

oF

d IREcToRS o FFIcERS

daniel I. Schlessinger President

Michael S. Kurtz chairman of the Board

Lawrence E. Glick Mark R. Gordon Frances R. Katz Richard S. Ziman Vice chairmen of the Board Michael J. Freed Executive committee chair Ernest Bogen Rita Bogen charles H. Goodman Kenneth L. Stein Ronald M. Zimmerman Vice Presidents

Pamela N. Emmerich National campaign chair Joshua M. olshin Treasurer

Frances R. Katz Assistant Treasurer

Pamela N. Emmerich Secretary Richard d. Weinberg Assistant Secretary

B oARd oF d IREcToRS H oNoRARy P RESIdENTS & c HAIRS Stanley M. Bogen Martin E. Karlinsky Harvey M. Krueger Barbara A. Mandel Keith L. Sachs George A. Schieren Ira Lee Sorkin Honorary Presidents

Stanley M. Bogen Harvey M. Krueger Keith L. Sachs George A. Schieren Ira Lee Sorkin Honorary chairmen of the Board

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Daniel i. SchleSSinger

T

he current issue of AFHU News is themed “Milestones” and heralds three anniversaries in 2015: the 90th anniversary of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the 50th anniversary of the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Each of these anniversaries deserves a celebration in its own right, and the confluence of all three makes 2015 a wonderful moment in history for The Hebrew University and its proud American Friends.

The Hebrew University’s growth—from 140 students in 1925 to a current student body of 23,000—is a remarkable achievement. And when we consider other benchmarks such as seven Nobel Prizes for alumni and faculty in just one decade, or registering 8,300 patents for more than 2,300 HU inventions, we become even more impressed by the productivity and imagination of our university’s faculty and students.

In addition to the university’s outstanding reputation in the fields of humanities and Jewish Studies, a status enhanced by the creation of the Mandel School for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, HU is Israel’s top-ranked university in large part due to its prowess in basic and applied sciences.

AFHU News offers just a sampling of these myriad innovations.

The 50th anniversary of the Truman Research Institute reflects another vital dimension of Hebrew University and highlights its commitment to multiculturalism and pluralism. In “Expanding Horizons of Hope,” Professor Menahem Blondheim, director of the Truman Institute, reminds us that pursuing peaceful coexistence in the Middle East and other parts of the world is integral to the university’s sense of mission.

Albert Einstein, a founder of The Hebrew University, advocated vigorously and raised funds in support of the university’s establishment. A Zionist, Einstein wanted to provide an academic haven for scientists and scholars fleeing anti-Semitism in Europe. In these pages, we learn about Einstein’s legacy from Professor Hanoch Gutfreund, whose podcast about the 100th anniversary of the Theory of Relativity is available on AFHU’s website (www.afhu.org).

In multiple ways, Einstein embodies the spirit of the university and its pursuit of miracles, whether in the realm of physics, cancer research or peaceful coexistence among peoples and nations.

Please enjoy AFHU News, and I hope you will consider joining me and my wife Marcy for AFHU’s President’s Mission to Greece, Bulgaria and Israel this coming spring. We have major anniversaries to celebrate in Jerusalem. I promise you won’t want to miss our “miraculous year” when Hebrew University’s achievements and AFHU’s contributions to this world-class institution will be on full display.

AFHU National President

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NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN Beth aSnien Mccoy

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his is my first column in AFHU News as national executive director of our organization. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to our entire AFHU–Hebrew University family from coast to coast. your commitment continues to inspire my desire to make AFHU the best organization it can be in the service of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

I have been with AFHU for 12 years, during which time I have developed a broad perspective on the needs of the university and the goals AFHU must achieve in order to fulfill crucial fundraising priorities and foster new generations of leaders and philanthropists.

This past summer tested our organization’s need to be resilient and resourceful in light of the conflict in Gaza and the enormous challenges facing Israel. Partnering with our friends in Jerusalem, AFHU organized HU operation Protective Edge in support of the students, especially the 1,000 young women and men called to active duty in the Israel defense Forces. We are continuing to raise scholarship funds to propel their educations.

When the sirens sounded due to Hamas-fired missiles, we raised funds for protective shelters for our Rehovot campus, home to the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Simultaneously, our dedicated staff and lay leaders pursued our goal of obtaining funding to assist Hebrew University’s recruitment of outstanding young faculty. We received vital forms of support for exciting medical research projects.

We developed an alumni program that will enable us to reach out to thousands of Hebrew University and Rothberg International School graduates throughout the United States.

Having spoken with our board members and supporters, I know that we all want AFHU to contribute to Jewish continuity and Israel’s strength. Together, we represent the values and ideals so many of us associate with our Jewish heritage and upbringing. We are determined to help Hebrew University expand its record of cutting-edge research, work that will turn the world’s eyes to Israel with admiration.

AFHU News offers a glimpse of the regional events, educational programs and missions that we organized this year to keep American Friends informed, entertained and connected to The Hebrew University. We constitute a vibrant community of leaders and supporters.

Please accept my thanks for your participation in AFHU’s mission and for the philanthropic engagement that makes American Friends so very special.

Contents EXECUTIVE COLUMNS . . . . . . . . 2 THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY 77TH BOARD OF GOVERNORS . . . 4 PLANNED GIVING . . . . . . . . . 10 CELEBRATING 90 YEARS IN 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 EXPANDING THE HORIZONS OF HOPE: THE HARRY S. TRUMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE . . . . . . . 16 AN EINSTEIN CENTENNIAL . . . . 19 HEBREW UNIVERSITY: RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS . . . . . 20 ACCOLADES AND HONORS . . . . 22 AFHU EVENTS: HONORING OUR OWN . . . . 24-30 EDUCATIONAL FORUMS . . . . . 31 ALUMNI NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . 32 IN REMEMBRANCE . . . . . . . . . 33 AFHU PRESIDENT’S MISSION . 34 UPCOMING EVENTS . . . . . . . . 35

AFHU National Executive director www.afhu.org

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H

The 77 th Annual

EBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM International Board of Governors Meeting

honorary Doctorate anD Benefactor Patricia l. glaSer

Patricia L. Glaser, a national Scopus Award recipient, has been a champion of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem for more than three decades. She is a governor of the university’s International Board of Governors and received an Honorary Fellowship from Hebrew University in 2008. dedicated to AFHU’s mission, Patricia Glaser provides exemplary leadership, currently serving on AFHU’s national board and as vice chairman of the Western Region board.

chair of the litigation department of Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro LLP, Patricia Glaser is among the short list of preeminent business trial attorneys in the United States. She also provides general legal counsel to publicly and privately held companies in a variety of areas, including real estate, contracts, antitrust, entertainment, banking and securities.

Born in charleston, West Virginia, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The American University

Patricia l. glaSer accepts her honorary Doctorate from hU PreSiDent, ProfeSSor MenaheM Ben-SaSSon and rector, ProfeSSor aSher cohen

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and her Juris doctorate from Rutgers University.

Esteemed within the legal community, Patricia Glaser has earned numerous accolades. chambers and Partners describes her as a “trial icon” and gives her top california rankings in both General commercial Litigation and Media & Entertainment Litigation.

Widely honored by the Jewish community, she is the recipient of AFHU’s Harvey L. Silbert Torch of Learning Award and the Bruce I. Hochman Maimonides Torch of Justice Award from The Jewish Federation of

Patricia l. glaSer and SaM MUDie at the Benefactors Wall

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Greater Los Angeles’ Legal division. devoted to many causes, Patricia Glaser serves on the UcLA Israel Studies Program Advisory Board, the Board of Trustees for The National Judicial college and the Board of directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ Legal division. She produces local plays in the california community where she resides with her husband Sam Mudie, an entrepreneur, and serves on the Board of directors of the Los Angeles Music center Theatre Group and the Geffen Theater.

AFHU NEWS | 5

The 77th Annual Hebrew University International Board of Governors Morton l. ManDel

The 2014 Samuel Rothberg Prize for Jewish Education

Leading businessman and philanthropist Morton L. Mandel received the 2014 Samuel Rothberg Prize for Jewish Education during The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s 77th International Board of Governors. The Samuel Rothberg Prize was awarded in recognition of Morton Mandel’s unparalleled contributions to education as exemplified by the recent establishment of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at The Hebrew University.

The Mandel School will spearhead a revival of the humanities across Israel and at The Hebrew University in particular, where it will anchor the Faculty of Humanities’ efforts to strengthen its five new disciplinary schools of History, Philosophy and Religion, Literature, Arts and Language Sciences.

The Mandel School will be located on the northern edge of the Mount Scopus campus, proximate to the yitzhak Rabin Building, which houses the Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies.

A transformative gift from the Mandel Foundation made the Mandel School possible, and is among the largest gifts in support of the humanities worldwide.

afhU honorary PreSiDent, BarBara ManDel, became an honorary chairMan of the hebrew University Board of governors at its 77th annual Meeting.

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honorary felloWShiPS lUcille aMSter

arthUr gUtterMan

lUcille J. aMSter and PreSiDent, ProfeSSor MenaheM Ben-SaSSon

arthUr gUtterMan and PreSiDent, ProfeSSor MenaheM Ben-SaSSon

Lucille Amster of Fort Lee, New Jersey, has been a lifelong champion of Israel and Jewish concerns worldwide. An active member of AFHU’s national Board of Regents, she serves as an associate governor of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Lucille, along with her beloved husband of 56 years, daniel (z”l), a successful attorney and real estate developer, participated in AFHU missions to Israel. The philanthropic couple fostered medical research and quality healthcare at Hebrew University and have provided unwavering support for university students.

HU Benefactors, the Amsters have generously provided support for animal welfare at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This year, Lucille graciously chaired the AFHU New Jersey Region’s scholarship luncheon to benefit students at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine.

A graduate of the New york University School of Education, Lucille Amster is an enthusiastic community leader and supports many causes in New Jersey and Florida.

Arthur Gutterman was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at the 77th Annual Board of Governors.

To read more, visit page 10.

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AFHU NEWS | 7

The 77th Annual Hebrew University International Board of Governors honorary felloWShiPS

Wall of life

Mark S. ViDergaUz and PreSiDent, ProfeSSor MenaheM Ben-SaSSon

SteVe and Bari gooD at the Wall of life

Mark S. Vidergauz, a prominent investment banker and private equity investor, is an avid supporter of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an engaged AFHU leader whose efforts have advanced AFHU’s mission on the West coast. Mark has provided distinguished leadership to AFHU, previously serving as president of the Western Region and currently serving as a member of the national Board of directors and the campaign committee.

A governor of The Hebrew University International Board of Governors, Mark is a university Guardian and national AFHU Scopus Award recipient along with his wife, dr. Sharon Hirschowitz, a professor of pathology at the david Geffen School of Medicine at UcLA. Mark and Sharon have long shared a commitment to philanthropy, the State of Israel and to Jewish communities worldwide.

The founder and chief Executive officer of The Sage Group, a Los Angeles-based investment bank, Mark Vidergauz advises private and public companies on merger and acquisition and corporate finance transactions in branded consumer industries. A member of the State Bar of california and the American Bar Association, he received B.A. and L.L.B. degrees, as well as degrees in tax and business administration, from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and an L.L.M. degree from the London School of Economics.

Bari and Steve Good are dear friends of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and driving forces in AFHU’s Western Region. In tribute to their philanthropic leadership and support for Hebrew University scholarship students, Steve and Bari received AFHU’s Humanitarian Torch of Learning Award during the Western Region’s Bel Air Affaire.

Steve Good is a member of AFHU’s national Board of directors and helped develop the Western Region’s planned giving campaign. A certified public accountant and financial professional, he is a consultant to, and retired senior partner of, cohn-Reznick LLc. Steve Good is the founding president of the Santa Monica Synagogue. He is a director and past president of The Guardians of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging, the founding director of the ALS Association and a member of the chancellor's circle of UcLA, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and attended graduate school.

Bari Good is the former president of the National council of Jewish Women (NcJW), Los Angeles section, and previously served as an NcJW volunteer, counseling women and working with children to overcome learning disabilities. Bari’s dedication to the Jewish community was instilled in her by her parents, Minnie and Julian crystal (z”l ). Bari Good has shared her passion for painting with elementary school children, volunteering as an art teacher at schools without an art program.

Mark S. ViDergaUz

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Bari

anD

SteVen gooD

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Wall of life rUth reSnikoff

foUnDer

Dr. allen h. Bezner

in MeMory of hiS granDfather

rUBin greenSPan (z”l)

rUth reSnikoff at the Wall of life

Ruth Resnikoff of Princeton, New Jersey, has lived in England, South Africa and in the United States during the past five decades, throughout which time her commitment to the Jewish community and to Israel has been steadfast. An enthusiastic Hebrew University supporter, Ruth received the Guardian Award from AFHU in November 2013.

Ruth was born in London to a South African mother and British father. In 1941, during the German Blitz on London, Ruth and her mother sailed for South Africa and Ruth completed her schooling in Johannesburg and cape Town. Upon returning to London, Ruth studied at the Royal Academy of dramatic Art (RAdA) and became a professional actor and drama teacher.

Upon returning to South Africa as a RAdA graduate, Ruth met and married Edward Feit. Edward’s father, Leo Feit (z”l ), was a major philanthropist who helped to shape Ruth’s perspectives on Jewish communal leadership and social responsibility. Ruth subsequently married Sam Resnikoff (z”l), with whom she lived in coconut creek and Boca Raton, Florida for 30 years, until Sam’s passing.

Ruth has visited Israel on many occasions and feels a deep connection to the Jewish community worldwide.

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Dr. allen h. Bezner at the founders Wall

dr. Allen H. Bezner, a prominent Palm Beach, Florida neurologist, is a member of AFHU’s Southeast Region Board and has supported numerous Palm Beach Scopus Award galas. dedicated to Israel, he participated in AFHU’s 2012 national President’s Mission and attended The Hebrew University of Jerusalem 75th International Board of Governors. dr. Bezner dedicated his Founders recognition in loving memory of his grandfather, Rubin Greenspan (z”l ), who greatly influenced his grandson’s life. In further tribute to Rubin Greenspan, dr. Bezner has provided generous scholarship support for Hebrew University students. dr. Bezner has maintained his private practice in Palm Beach since 1984. He earned his medical degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He received his undergraduate degree from New york University.

In addition to being active within the medical community, dr. Bezner is involved in Boca Raton’s Jewish communal sphere as a member of chabad.

AFHU NEWS | 9

PLANNED CharitableGIVING Giving

Arthur Gutterman Making a Difference

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ome philanthropists develop longstanding relationships with a particular organization or institution over a span of decades. others fall in love with a charitable cause virtually “at first sight,” and become supporters and leaders almost immediately.

Such is the case with Arthur Gutterman, who received an Honorary Fellowship during June 2014 and is a Benefactor of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an associate governor of the International Board of Governors. arthUr gUtterMan and Jeannie kohen at the Benefactors Wall in 2013 Arthur, a chicagoan who recently relocated to Florida, was introduced family, along with Arthur’s dear friend Jeannie Kohen, to AFHU through a mailing in 2003. After meeting attended the Wall of Life ceremony commemorating professional staff and lay leaders, he became involved this benevolent gift. Arthur has provided support in AFHU’s mission. Arthur joined the national board for HU Professor Eran Meshorer’s laboratory. Professor and traveled on AFHU missions to Israel. Firsthand Meshorer is an outstanding young member of the exposure to the university’s brain trust led Arthur Edmond and Lily Safra center for Brain Sciences and is to fund pioneering medical research and scholarships conducting pioneering kidney research. for medical students.

Beth Asnien Mccoy, AFHU National Executive director, “Leadership is rewarding. It feels good to be involved stated: “Arthur brings business acumen to his role and go beyond just writing a check,” said Arthur, on our board. At the same time, he cares so much about who is the chairman of Jelmar, LLc, a household cleaning our cause. He believes in investment philanthropy that supplies company that was founded by his father is directed toward achieving a positive outcome.”

Manny and is headed by his daughter Alison. In 2012, AFHU has a robust planned giving program, including AFHU’s Midwest Region celebrated Alison as a Leader AFHU Hebrew University Gift Annuities, which offer of distinction. Arthur’s other daughter, Jamie Gutterman multiple benefits. The donor or a designee receives dann, established a meaningful career in the field of high fixed-rate income for the duration of his or her life. social work.

The residual of the gift annuity fosters AFHU’s mission Arthur credits his desire to “give back and do more for and benefits The Hebrew University in future years. others” to Emalie Gutterman (z”l ), his beloved late wife Arthur Gutterman recently established an AFHU Hebrew and mother of Jamie and Alison. Guided by Emalie’s University Gift Annuity, and as he explains, “A gift annuity wisdom, Arthur created scholarships at his alma mater, is a nice way of taking care of someone, and you can Roosevelt University. In 2010, Arthur established the accomplish several goals with one gift: you can provide Emalie Gutterman Memorial Endowed Fund for Medical support for the university eventually while obtaining Research in chronic Pulmonary disease at Hebrew income for life and a tax deduction.”

University. Several generations of the Gutterman

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Photo: Patricia Alvarado Núñez

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AFHU NEWS | 11

LOOKING AHEAD: THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM

Celebrating 90 Years in 2015 The past informs our future

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he Mount of olives is the ancient name for the ridge of three towering peaks flanking the eastern edge of Jerusalem; the highest, renamed Mount Scopus in modern times, became the site of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This area has long claimed an important place in Jewish consciousness. It was from here that the universal symbol of peace, a dove holding an olive branch, spread its wings and returned to Noah’s ark, announcing the receding flood. Jewish scripture also associates these hills with the advent of a Messianic era. However, the choice of this location for the “University of the Jewish people,” explains President, Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson, was inspired by “a concept of a secular messianism that envisioned this university as a temple to education – grounded in Jewish precepts and Jewish teaching methods, and acting as a beacon of learning and achievement for the benefit of mankind.”

It has been 90 years since Hebrew University opened. on April l, 1925, the occasion was marked by a ceremony on Mount Scopus, where some ten thousand visitors sat perched on the rocky outcrops of a natural amphitheater looking out across the Judean desert. dignitaries from all over the world attended, as did the local Jewish, Arab and christian leadership.

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BeloW:

entrance to the hebrew University rehovot campus, home to the robert h. Smith faculty of agriculture, food and environment

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The nascent university had three fledgling institutes: microbiology, chemistry, and Jewish Studies. By the end of its first decade, Hebrew University established two faculties in the humanities and science. However, the world was beset by economic crises throughout the 1930s and the university struggled to survive financially.

As World War lI drew to a close, Hebrew University made plans for large-scale expansion that would begin to address the devastation created by the Holocaust, and rebuild the legacy of the Jewish people. Those plans were curtailed when in 1948, the newly declared State of Israel found itself in an existential war with its Arab neighbors. The Mount Scopus campus, including Hadassah Hospital, was highly vulnerable to attack. on April 15, 1948, a convoy bringing supplies, doctors, nurses and patients to the hospital was ambushed. In the aftermath of the deadly assault, the campus was virtually abandoned, with only a small garrison remaining.

aBoVe:

the hebrew University – hadassah School of Dental Medicine founded by the alpha omega fraternity; etz Shalom, the tree of Peace sculpture

Undaunted, the university, now with more than 7,000 students, relocated to buildings throughout Jerusalem. classes were held in teachers’ homes; monasteries

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right:

the cornerstsone laying of hebrew University on Mount Scopus in 1918

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AFHU NEWS | 13

LOOKING AHEAD: THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM

Celebrating 90 Years in 2015 continued from previous page

were rented for teaching and administrative purposes; scientific research continued in huts that lined the Mamilla Road. The university’s medical school and Hadassah Hospital were re-established in a forested area known as Ein Kerem. In 1954, a 70-acre site in the undeveloped neighborhood of Givat Ram was allocated to the university. It immediately became a hive of construction activity, with the first campus buildings opening in 1965.

Sadly, peace was short-lived. on June 5, 1967, war again erupted with neighboring Arab states. This time, triumph was swift and within four days the road to Mount Scopus was reopened. The campus was restored to the reunited city of Jerusalem and an extensive program of rebuilding was initiated. In 1981 the Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities returned to Mount Scopus after an absence of more than 30 years. The expansion of the university has continued with dedication and determination, making it one of the great universities of the world.

Hebrew University’s scholarly and scientific contributions have made a positive impact on every field of human endeavor. The university’s global reputation is resulting in a “brain gain,” explains Professor Ronnie Friedman, Vice President of Advancement and External Relations and former dean of the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment. outstanding Israeli academics who were working in prestigious institutes abroad are returning home to take up newly established positions at Hebrew University. This reversal of the “brain drain,” and its accompanying research achievements, depends on the university maintaining world-class research facilities, states Professor Friedman.

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BeloW: research

at the faculty of Medicine

toP right:

research

early agricultural

BottoM right:

Students between classes on the rehovot campus

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Welcoming Outstanding Young Faculty

He identifies three essential elements that make Hebrew University an exceptional academic community: highly motivated students exposed to a teaching system rooted in the Jewish tradition of asking questions; a commitment to maintaining advanced research facilities; and an atmosphere of community which supports and nurtures academics and students. Today, the university welcomes as part of its extended family hundreds of students from places such as Africa and china. “through education we invest in a future committed to excellence, for the benefit of humanity.”

– ProfeSSor MenaheM Ben-SaSSon

For President Professor Ben-Sasson the concept of family also encompasses generations of diaspora Jews who have shared and supported the university’s commitment to serving mankind. “As Jews, we look to our past to inform our future,” says Professor Ben-Sasson. “Through education we invest in a future committed to excellence for the benefit of humanity.”

“It’s such a lively, open intellectual community,” says Dr. Inbal Arnon when asked about why she joined The Hebrew University’s Department of Psychology. A senior lecturer in the department and an affiliate member of the Language, Logic and Cognition Group in the Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Arnon is pursuing interdisciplinary studies on language acquisition. She is addressing the question of why children are better language learners than adults, a topic that was the subject of her doctoral thesis at Stanford University.

Dr. Arnon explains, “My research is undermining traditional assumptions as to why children are better learners, and suggests practical ways to enhance language learning in adults.”

Part of this work is being done in the new Living Lab: a collaborative, community-oriented initiative with the Bloomfield Children’s Science Museum in Jerusalem.

Born and educated in Israel, Dr. Arnon yearned to build her career in Jerusalem. “I was fueled by a desire to be part of a community to which I feel a responsibility. This holds true for both Israel’s academic community and Israeli society as a whole.”

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EXPANDING HORIZONS OF HOPE

50th Anniversary of The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace

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rom the perspective of today’s headlines, conflict is growing, and militarism is on the rise. However, from the panoramic rooftop of The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace on Mount Scopus, a new perspective – one that begins in Jerusalem and extends far beyond the horizon – is providing hope for a better future. combining top-level scholarship with real-world initiatives, the Truman Institute is a unique environment where coalitions of academics, policy makers and community leaders come together to alter the strategic calculus and to promote the trust that is necessary for peace. celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, the Truman Institute was the first peace research institute in Israel and remains its largest, with more than a hundred research fellows. It sponsors an equal number of events, most open to the public, each year. According to Academic director, Professor Menahem Blondheim, the scope of institute activities has created a rich intellectual environment in which new ideas can take root. “the truman institute offers a powerful model for promoting dialogue and for working

toward the resolution of regional conflicts.”

– ProfeSSor MenaheM BlonDheiM

“Truman scholars come from universities and colleges in Israel and from leading institutes around the world to pursue research related to the Middle East, as well as Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe,” says Professor Blondheim, an expert in history, communication and media who studied at Hebrew University and Harvard. “We train young diplomats, and through our Abba Eban centre for Israeli diplomacy we host ambassadors, foreign ministers and policy makers for briefings. The Truman Peace Prize has been awarded to leaders who have made significant contributions to the pursuit of peace in troubled areas. Balancing academic research with a wide range of practical projects that require ‘brainstorming’ among experts who would not otherwise 16 | AFHU NEWS

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meet, the Truman Institute offers a powerful model for promoting dialogue and working toward the resolution of regional conflicts.”

at left, aBoVe: PreSiDent harry S. trUMan

at left, BeloW:

hU PreSiDent eliahU elath at a ceremony inaugurating the truman institute aBoVe:

Media coverage of war and terrorist activity was the focus of a conference held to mark the publication of Transforming Media Coverage of Violent Conflicts: The New Face of War. the book was authored by truman scholars Dr. zohar kampf and Professor tamar liebes.

Promoting local dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians has long been a focus while some of the institute’s initiatives cast a wider net. “This past September we sponsored an international conference in crete in which Israelis and their colleagues from abroad discussed how the Mediterranean Basin’s natural gas reserves could be leveraged as a basis for economic partnership and regional stability,” says Naama Shpeter, Truman Institute’s administrative director. “Even in a time when tensions were high due to the Gaza war, this working group included experts from Lebanon, Jordan, Algeria and, for the first time, even Saudi Arabia. This shows the value of the bridge we create.”

According to dr. Micha’el Tanchum, a Truman researcher who is an expert on Islam and politics in Turkey, Iran and central Asia, and who was a delegate to the energy conference, the idea of “peace economics” can promote stability. “The proposed Israeli sale of natural gas to Egypt has added to Egypt’s support for Israel,” he says, “and economic cooperation may eventually encourage countries like Turkey to restore full and friendly relations. This practical engagement incentivizes regional cooperation.”

Ambassador William A. Brown, longtime chair and current Acting chair of the Board of Trustees, is proud to note that despite massive changes that have taken place in the geo-political realm, the respect given to the Truman Institute has remained constant. “Truman is highly influential because it is the only research institute for the advancement of peace in the entire Middle East,” he says. Ambassador Brown adds that while other organizations do important work, they tend to be based on advocacy rather than analysis. “By supporting the work of outstanding Ph.d.s and post-doctoral researchers and by bringing in important speakers, we make a unique contribution.”

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AFHU NEWS | 17

EXPANDING HORIZONS OF HOPE

50th Anniversary of the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace continued from previous page

Hebrew University Rector, Professor Asher cohen, points out that another factor in the institute’s success is its independence. “Rather than operating under the rubric of one of our academic faculties, Truman is administered jointly by the university and an independent board of trustees,” he says.

“The Hebrew University is proud of its dual role as a leading research institution and as an active player in the promotion of the public good.” celebrating this double legacy will be at the heart of the upcoming 50th anniversary festivities. While preparations for the Jubilee celebrations are under way, the Truman Institute community will continue with what Academic director Blondheim describes as “a humbling exercise in failure and fortitude.”

“Every day, before I start work, I climb up to the roof of the institute, look out over Jerusalem, and say to myself: we have to bring all our energy and goodwill to bear, to find a peaceful solution for this amazing environment,” he says. “Just because we haven’t succeeded yet, doesn’t mean it’s not possible.”

18 | AFHU NEWS

aBoVe: henry kiSSinger speaks with ProfeSSor ShloMo aVineri BeloW:

the truman researchers of 2014 are exploring vital topics, among these: speech acts of threats and condemnation in different conflicts; the role of popular narratives of homeland and identity in the resolution of international territorial conflict; the arab christian population of Jaffa, whose language is shifting from arabic to hebrew; the role of private peace entrepreneurs in conflict resolution; and ways in which women cross “borders” outside their personal and cultural territory.

www.afhu.org

A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

The 100th Anniversary of Einstein’s Discovery of General Relativity

I

n 2015, the world will celebrate the anniversary of Albert Einstein’s greatest intellectual achievement: the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s discovery of general relativity.

Professor Hanoch Gutfreund, director of the Einstein Archives and an eminent theoretical physicist, spoke with AFHU about Einstein. Visit AFHU’s discoveries podcast series and listen to Professor Gutfreund’s interview at afhu.org/discoveries/.

Einstein’s theories apply to everyday life. For example, technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) are only possible with the knowledge of relativity. The GPS satellites orbiting the Earth must be precisely synced with GPS receivers on the ground in order to function properly; their synchronization is achieved through a constant stream of radio signals hebrew University founders alBert transmitted back einStein and chaiM WeizMann and forth through space. With these transmissions, however, the earth’s gravitational field will distort the perception of time on a satellite compared with a GPS receiver on earth, causing GPS locators to significantly miscalculate positions. If scientists could not www.afhu.org

alBert einStein, who raised funds on behalf of the hebrew University, visited new york

correct for gravity’s effect on time, the GPS would not be possible.

Einstein’s contributions to humanity extend beyond revolutionary theorems of physics. Einstein was active in founding The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and authored Hebrew University’s mission statement, expressing his vision for the university as an international center of learning, “a place where the universality of the human spirit manifests itself.”

(The Mission of our University, 1925) Albert Einstein remained committed to The Hebrew University throughout his life, bequeathing his intellectual legacy to the institution. Thousands of scientific papers, letters and personal journals have been compiled into the Albert Einstein Archives and can be accessed at alberteinstein.info/.

AFHU NEWS | 19

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Mobileye is the Biggest-Ever Israeli IPO in the U.S.

obileye technology, with its patented EyeQ® chip, prevents automobile collisions before they happen. The Israeli startup founded by Amnon Shashua, the Sachs Family Professor of computer Sciences at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, raised a record-breaking $890 million in its initial public offering on NASdAQ on August 1, 2014. Mobileye software is being installed in cars and trucks from BMW, Mercedes, Ford and other manufacturers, keeping drivers safe by alerting them to unintended lane departures or collisions. By 2016, Mobileye expects to produce a hands-free highway driving system.

M

Crowdfunding Levels the Financial Playing Field for Women Entrepreneurs

rowdfunding is a recent form of fundraising that involves funding projects or ventures by raising small amounts of money from many people, usually via the Internet. Researchers from The Jerusalem School of Business Administration at The Hebrew University, dr. dan Marom and Professor orly Sade, along with colleagues from Uc Berkeley, studied a major Internet crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, and compared the ability of men and women, respectively, to get their projects funded. Researchers found that although on average, men on Kickstarter asked for and received more business seed money than women, women enjoyed a 69.5% success rate in getting their projects funded versus 61.4% for men. The study results are encouraging for women entrepreneurs who have traditionally struggled to obtain business investment compared with their male colleagues. The project was cited in The New york Times (August 18, 2014).

C

Novel System Prevents Microbial Contamination of Food Packaging

ater alone may not be enough to wash away the harmful germs clinging to the surfaces of the fruits and vegetables that we eat every day. Even after we wash produce, resilient germs called bacterial biofilm can survive and multiply on the surface of produce as well as on the packages growers use to ship their products. Kaye Prize Winner, Michael Brandwein, a graduate student mentored by Professor doron Steinberg at The Hebrew University’s Biofilm Research Laboratory at the dental faculty, discovered a new molecule that prevents bacteria biofilm from reproducing.

Mr. Brandwein’s synthesized polymer called TZd l–r: Michael BranDWein and ProfeSSor Doron SteinBerg interferes with bacterial and fungal reproduction. yissum, Hebrew University’s technology transfer company, patented the design for the TZd anti-biofilm polymer and has partnered with B.G. Tech of Kibbutz Beit Guvrin for further development.

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20 | AFHU NEWS

www.afhu.org

Technology to Help the Visually Impaired “Hear” Colors and Shapes ew technology developed by Professor Amir Amedi from the Edmond and Lily Safra center for Brain Sciences allows the visually impaired to “see” the visual world with their ears. Using Sensory Substitution devices (SSds)—a special camera mounted to a headset—and a new app for the IPhone called EyeMusic, the visual world is scanned and translated into auditory representations.

The EyeMusic app takes colors and shapes captured by the SSd camera and converts them into “Soundscapes,” with different instruments corresponding to colors and pitch corresponding to the height of the objects.

N

Atox Bio Treats a Rare Disease with New Success

ecrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI)—commonly known as “flesh-eating” bacteria—is a frightening condition with few effective treatment options. doctors typically treat NSTI with powerful antibiotics and emergency surgery, but such methods are not always effective.

Studies conducted by Hebrew University’s Raymond Kaempfer, the dr. Philip M. Marcus Professor of Molecular Biology and cancer Research, and dr. Gila Arad, have produced a promising new treatment to combat NSTI. Their new therapy, AB103, is an immunomodulator that does not directly attack the bacterial infection, as an antibiotic would, but which helps bolster the patient’s own immune system to fight the NSTI. AB103’s initial success in clinical trials has led to the establishment of a new startup, Atox Bio. Investors recently raised $23 million for further development of AB103.

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Yissum and Lockheed Martin to Fly High in Joint Research Agreement

ockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, strengthened its relationship with Israel when it agreed to a long-term research deal with yissum, the technology transfer company of Hebrew University. While being known for its defense and weapons work, Lockheed Martin also has a large IT division and is the largest IT solutions provider to the U.S. federal government.

L

Questioning the Jewish Identity of the Khazars

t turns out that the ninth-century Khazars, whose kingdom spanned the caucus Mountains between the caspian and Black Seas, were not Jewish after all. Shaul Stampfer, the Rabbi Edward Sandrow Professor of Soviet and East European Jewry at The Hebrew University, argues in the Jewish Social Studies Journal: Volume 19, Number 3, that the Khazars never converted to Judaism despite popular myths suggesting otherwise. Professor Stampfer’s paper critiques various popular and academic literature supporting the Jewish Khazar conversion theory.

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AFHU NEWS | 21

ACCOLADES A HIGH RANKING FOR HEBREW UNIVERSITY

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is ranked first in Israel, third in Asia, and 70th worldwide in the 2014 academic ranking of top universities. The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), is conducted annually by the center for World-class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and is considered the most objective and important ranking system in the academic sphere.

THE 2014 RAPPAPORT PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH dr. yaakov Nahmias, director of Hebrew University's Alexander Grass center for Bioengineering, received the 2014 Rappaport Prize for Excellence in Biomedical Research. dr. Nahmias was recognized for his innovations and scientific leadership, including his discovery that naringenin, a grapefruit flavonoid, is capable of blocking virus production. dr. Nahmias also established Biodesign-Israel, a joint effort of the Hadassah Medical center, the HU School of Business Administration and the Alexander Grass center for Bioengineering, to spearhead innovative medical devices.

QLIGHT NANOTECH WINS BEST NANOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Qlight Nanotech, developer of products based on semiconductor nanocrystals for use in flat panel displays and efficient LEd lighting, won the Best Nanotechnology company of the year Award at the NanoIsrael 2014 conference. Qlight Nanotech was founded

by Professor Uri Banin, the incumbent of the Alfred & Erica Larisch Memorial chair at the Institute of chemistry. Professor Banin was the founding director of the Harvey M. Krueger Family center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

THE ISRAEL PRIZE, 2014 P ROFESSOR J AACOV K ATAN , A GRICULTURAL R ESEARCH

Professor Jaacov Katan, the Buck Family Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology and a Hebrew University alumnus, was awarded the Israel Prize for his work in developing an environmentally safe, solar energy-based method to manage soil-borne pests.

P ROFESSOR H AIM L EVY , P OLITICAL

AND

M ANAGERIAL S CIENCE

The Israel Prize for Political and Managerial Science was conferred upon Professor Haim Levy, the Myles S. Robinson Professor Emeritus, Jerusalem School of Business Administration.

P ROFESSOR M ARTA W EINSTOCK -R OSIN , M EDICINE

Professor Marta Weinstock-Rosin, the Leon and Minna deutsch chair of Psycho-pharmacology and Professor Emeritus of the School of Pharmacy – Institute for drug Research, received the Israel Prize for developing the blockbuster drug Exelon and other pharmaceutical treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

THE EMET PRIZE, 2014

Professor Itzchak Zamir, an alumnus of The Hebrew University Faculty of Law, former faculty member and the faculty’s 12th dean, is the co-recipient of the 2014 EMET Prize in Law. The EMET prize is awarded by the AMN Foundation, under the sponsorship of Israel’s Prime Minister, to individuals whose academic and professional achievements have contributed to society.

22 | AFHU NEWS

www.afhu.org

WE CONGRATULATE Professor Amnon Shashua

CONGRATULATE

FROM A REVOLUTIONARY CHIP TO A RECORD-BREAKING IPO

essor Amnon Shashua

Mobileye, invented by Amnon Shashua, The Sachs Family Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, raised $890 million in its U.S. IPO—the largest in Israel’s history.

EVOLUTIONARY CHIP TO A RECORD-BREAKING IPO

the endFamily of this year, 160 car models from ted by Amnon Shashua,By The Sachs Professor of Computer Science andeighteen manufacturers will be equipped with this he Hebrew University ofrevolutionary Jerusalem, raised $890 million in its U.S. IPO—the largest life-saving collision-avoidance system. EyeQ®, Mobileye’s System-on-Chip, provides ry. real-time visual recognition and scene interpretation for cars and trucks, preventing accidents and

countless lives every is year, 160 car modelssaving from eighteen manufacturers willday. be equipped with this e-saving collision-avoidance system. EyeQ®, Mobileye’s System-on-Chip, provides American Friends ofand The Hebrew University salutes Professor Shashua all The Hebrew Friends of The Hebrew University salutes Shashua andand all The Hebrew University recognition and scene American interpretation for cars trucks, preventing accidents andProfessor University innovators who are world a better, place.

For more about information innovators who are making our making world a our better, safer place. safer For more information The Hebrew s lives every day. about the Hebrew University please contact AFHU’s national office inMcCoy your region.

University innovation, please innovation, call AFHU National Executive Director, Beth Asnien at

s of The Hebrew University salutes Professor Shashua and all The Hebrew University bmccoy@afhu.org are making our world a(212) better,607-8555 safer place.or Foremail: more information about The Hebrew vation, please call AFHU National Executive Director, Beth Asnien McCoy at or email: bmccoy@afhu.org

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

RESEARCH FOR THE WORLD. ENGINE OF GROWTH FOR A NATION. e Hebrew University ofENGINE Jerusalem

RCH ENGINE FOR THE WORLD. ENGINE OF GROWTH FOR A NATION.

One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10004 800-567-AFHU (2348) afhu.org

www.afhu.org

One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10004 800-567-AFHU (2348) afhu.org

AFHU NEWS | 23

AFHU EVENTS: HONORING OUR OWN

Scopus Awards

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S OUTHEAST R EGION

mbassador Stuart Bernstein and Wilma Bernstein received the national Scopus Award on January 18, 2014, at a gala held at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. The Bernsteins, prior Scopus honorees, were lauded for their dedication to Israel, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and AFHU’s mission.

For more than five decades, Ambassador Stuart Bernstein has been a leader in real estate development in the Mid-Atlantic Region. He has served as ambassador to the Kingdom of denmark and as a commissioner of the International cultural and Trade center. Ambassador Bernstein is also a member of the National Finance committee for the George W. Bush Presidential center.

Wilma Bernstein has maintained a lifelong commitment to cultural, philanthropic and political pursuits. A trustee of the Kennedy center for the Performing Arts, she serves on the Board of Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies. She has chaired and co-chaired events for the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, the Ambassador’s Ball for Israel Bonds, the 50th Anniversary of the State of Israel and the 125th Anniversary of Adas Israel congregation. co-chairs of the gala were Roberta and Stanley Bogen, Suellen and Melvyn (z”l) Estrin, Barbara and Richard Rothschild, Judy and Robert Snyder, and Robbi and Bruce Toll. The elegant event supported Hebrew University’s Edmond and Lily Safra center for Brain Sciences.

24 | AFHU NEWS

aBoVe: WilMa and aMBaSSaDor WilliaM BernStein BeloW l-r:

Dinner chairs: SUellen eStrin, richarD and BarBara rothSchilD, roBBi and BrUce toll, roBerta and Stanley Bogen and JUDy and roBert SnyDer

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G REATER N EW Y ORK R EGION

l- r :

honoree Sir Martin Sorrell, charlie roSe and ronalD o. PerelMan, Scopus gala chairman

S

discovery communications, Irwin Gotlieb of GroupM, ir Martin Sorrell, founder and cEo of WPP, the christopher Graves of oglivy Public Relations, James R. world’s leading communications services group, Heekin of Grey Group, donna Imperato of cohn & Wolfe, received AFHU’s national Scopus Award on Lois Jacobs of Landor Associates, Bob Jeffrey of JWT, November 6, 2014 in New york. The successful Robert K. Kraft, Jack Martin of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, gala was chaired by Ronald o. Perelman. Among Avner Mendelson of Bank Leumi USA, daniel Morel the evening’s highlights was a spirited conversation of Wunderman, curt Myers of davis & Gilbert LLP, News between charlie Rose, the renowned journalist and corporation, david Sable of y&R, Eric Salama of Kantar, broadcast anchor, and Sir Martin. Guests included many Jon Steinberg of daily Mail, Miles young of oglivy & leaders in the global media and communications industries.

Mather, Time Inc. and condé Nast.

Sir Martin Sorrell, who was recognized as “one of the world’s most influential figures in business,” by TIME Magazine, is a dedicated philanthropist and humanitarian. “I am honored and extremely flattered to receive the Scopus Award,” said Sir Martin. “Through its Nobel Prize-winning research and history of academic success, The Hebrew University is one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the world.”

The congenial event raised more than $1 million in support of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Vice chairmen of the Scopus gala were: donald A. Baer of Burson-Marsteller, Bank l-r: hebrew University Vice PreSiDent, ProfeSSor ronnie frieDMan, aMBaSSaDor ron of America, Phillippe dauman of Viacom, ProSor, roBert kraft and Sir Martin Sorrell www.afhu.org

AFHU NEWS | 25

AFHU EVENTS: HONORING OUR OWN

Humanitarian Torch of Learning Awards The Bel Air Affaire W ESTERN R EGION

l–r:

honorees Barry and rhonDa liPPMan and Bari and SteVen gooD

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n September 13, 2014, Bari and Steven Good and Ronda and Barry Lippman received the Humanitarian Torch of Learning Award at the glamourous Bel Air Affaire fundraising evening held in Los Angeles. The Goods and the Lippmans were recognized for their dynamic leadership and Jewish communal service. Both couples have strong connections to the LA Jewish community and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Earlier this year, Bari and Steve Good were recognized as Guardians during The Hebrew University’s Board of Governors meeting. Steve Good is a consultant, a certified public accountant and a retired senior partner of cohnReznick LLc. Active in numerous local charities, he serves on AFHU’s national board of directors. devoted 26 | AFHU NEWS

to many types of community service, Bari Good is the former president of the National council of Jewish Women (NcJW), Los Angeles section. She has worked with NcJW to counsel women and help children to overcome learning disabilities.

Fellow Humanitarian Torch of Learning recipients, Ronda and Barry Lippman, have helped propel AFHU’s mission and fostered diverse philanthropic causes. Barry Lippman, president and founder of West coast Roofing, co., is a governor of Hebrew University’s Board of Governors and serves on AFHU’s national board. He is a past president of the Western regional board. Ronda Lippman, a professional travel agent with Plaza Travel/calig, serves as a board member of the Los Angeles chapter on the crohn’s and colitis Foundation of www.afhu.org

l–r: event chairs Dr. DaViD anSon and renae JacoBS-anSon, Bel air affaire founder and sponsor BrinDell gottlieB, event chairs helen JacoBS-lePor and Dr. norMan lePor

America and is a Lion of Judah with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.

This year’s Bel Air Affaire, the seventh such event, was themed “Architecture in Motion.” The evening raised a record-breaking $900,000 for student scholarships and was generously supported by Brindell Gottlieb. A national board member, Hebrew University Benefactor and recipient of an Honorary Fellowship, Brindell Gottlieb hosted the Bel Air Affaire for six years at her own lovely home, The Milton, named in memory of her beloved husband.

The 2014 Bel Air Affaire provided a unique architectural experience for 260 guests, who were welcomed to the beautiful and scenic hilltop home of Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker.

Hebrew University special guest speakers were Professor Shy Arkin, Vice President for Research and

development, and dr. daniel-Robert chebat, a post-doctoral fellow at the Edmond and Lily Safra center for Brain Sciences. co-chairs of the unique event were Renae Jacobs-Anson and dr. david Anson and Helen Jacobs-Lepor and dr. Norman Lepor. Honorary chairs were Western Region chair, Patricia L. Glaser and Sam Mudie, and May and Richard Ziman, former chair of the Western Region.

RIGHT: Diavolo,

a celebrated dance troupe, performed

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AFHU NEWS | 27

AFHU EVENTS: HONORING OUR OWN

Torch of Learning Awards

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G REATER N EW Y ORK R EGION

n May 20, 2014, Susan E. Brune and Edward G. Turan accepted the 44th George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award before an audience filled with friends, colleagues and family. The prominent attorneys were recognized for their career achievements and civic involvement.

Proceeds from the luncheon provided funding for the clinical Legal Education center at Hebrew University’s Faculty of Law. Susan E. Brune, a partner at Brune & Richard LLP, has been recognized for excellence in the practice of law by chambers USA and is the recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Award for outstanding Practitioner. In addition to representing clients in criminal and regulatory proceedings, and in commercial litigation, Susan Brune provides counsel for entities in the financial services and energy industries. She has served as an honorees SUSan e. BrUne and eDWarD g. tUran Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern district of New york.

Susan is a member of the Board of Trustees of the criminal Justice Foundation and is active in the Mccarton Foundation, which seeks to empower autistic individuals through educational means.

Edward G. Turan is among the most respected in-house attorneys on Wall Street, serving as Special counsel and a Managing director of citigroup. He previously served as Head of Litigation for citi’s Investment Bank. A member of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), Edward Turan serves on the clearinghouse Litigation committee and on the Board of directors of the Urban Justice center, from which he received the community Justice Award.

Guest speakers for the George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award luncheon were Bret Stephens, deputy Editorial Page Editor of The Wall Street Journal and Professor yuval Shany, dean of HU’s Faculty of Law. Event co-chairs were Barry H. Berke, Brad S. Karp, Andrew J. Levander, George A. Schieren, Jane c. Sherburne, keynote speaker Bret StePhenS Rohan S. Weerasinghe and Richard d. Weinberg.

28 | AFHU NEWS

www.afhu.org

P

S OUTHEAST R EGION

rominent attorney Alan B. cohn was presented with the Torch of Learning Award on September 18, 2014, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The notable event benefited The Hebrew University’s pediatric cancer research efforts.

Mr. cohn is a shareholder at Greenspoon Marder Law in Fort Lauderdale and has extensive experience in tax, estate and probate law. He l-r: afhU SoUtheaSt region PreSiDent, Mitchell l. ShaDoWitz, torch of learning honoree alan B. cohn, esq. and afhU SoUtheaSt region PaSt PreSiDent, ShelDon hechtMan has been named on annual lists of Super Lawyers and selected as a “Top Rated Lawyer” by ALM and Martindale-Hubbell in Taxation since 2012.

Highly regarded as a civic and Jewish communal leader, Alan cohn serves on the boards of the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Nova Southeastern University, Rotary club of Fort Lauderdale/cypress creek, I care I cure childhood cancer Foundation, Jewish Federation of Broward county, Jewish community Foundation of Broward, Israel Bonds, Jewish Family Service, Inc. of Broward county, the Rose and Jack orloff central Agency for Jewish Education, Israel Elwyn, University of Florida Hillel and Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El. The award dinner was chaired by Gerald Greenspoon, Alan P. Fiske, and Sheri Fiske Schultz. l–r:Dinner chairs Sheri fiSke SchUltz, alan P. fiSke and aDrienne fiSke www.afhu.org

AFHU NEWS | 29

AFHU EVENTS: HONORING OUR OWN

Torch of Learning Awards

A

M ID -A TLANTIC R EGION

merican Friends of The Hebrew University honored William J. Kilberg with the Torch of Learning Award on September 17, 2014. The event supported the Aharon Barak center for Interdisciplinary Legal Research at HU’s Faculty of Law. Keynote remarks were provided by U.S. congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin’s First district.

Mr. Kilberg is the most senior partner in the Labor and Employment Law Practice Group at Gibson, dunn & crutcher LLP, arguing significant matters before eight United States courts of Appeals and the United States Supreme court. In 1973, President Richard Nixon appointed him as the Solicitor for the U.S. department of Labor.

He served as Associate Solicitor of Labor, General counsel of the Federal Mediation and conciliation Service and as a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to Secretary of Labor George P. Shultz. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed Mr. Kilberg to the commission on White House Fellowships.

Recently, Mr. Kilberg served as a co-chair of the National Finance committees for the John Mccain and Mitt Romney presidential campaigns and as chair of the Policy committee on Labor for the Romney campaign.

A dedicated American Friend, William Kilberg serves on the AFHU Mid-Atlantic Region Board. He is on the board of The Potomac School, the Virginia Israel Advisory Board and serves on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Lawyers committee.

The lively dinner was chaired by Fred and Marlene Malek. Serving as honorary chairs were The Honorable dick cheney and The Honorable Lynne cheney, the Honorable George P. Shultz, Senator John Mccain, Senator Tim Kaine, The Honorable Mitt Romney, The Honorable Eric cantor, and The Honorable Joseph Lieberman.

30 | AFHU NEWS

aBoVe:

WilliaM J. kilBerg (c) accepts the torch of learning award presented by teD olSon (l) and freD Malek (r) BeloW l–r:

congreSSMan PaUl ryan, BoBBie kilBerg, the honoraBle rUth BaDer ginSBUrg and WilliaM kilBerg

www.afhu.org

AFHU EVENTS

Supporting Our Students

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l–r:

Dr. gillian Dank, raMBo aMSter and lUcille

New Jersey scholarship luncheon drew guests to Le Jardin Restaurant in Edgewater, New Jersey on June 18, 2014. Hosted and chaired by Lucille Amster, Hebrew University Benefactor and AFHU Board of Regents member, the event provided scholarships for students at The Hebrew University’s Koret School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Gillian Dank, a Koret School alumna and Israel’s foremost veterinary oncologist, spoke about animal welfare. The luncheon was co-chaired by Yvette Tekel and Martha Zilbert.

Annual Leadership Education Forum

O

S OUTHEAST R EGION

n January 19, 2014, more than 250 American Friends participated in AFHU's Annual Leadership Education Forum (ALEF) in Palm Beach, FL. Entitled “Advancing Israel’s Future,” the event featured Hebrew University faculty and speakers from other leading institutions. Topics ranged from Middle East affairs to interdisciplinary brain sciences.

Hebrew University presenters included: Professor Shy Arkin, Vice President for Research and development; Professor Elie Podeh, former chair of the department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies; Professor Hermona Soreq, the charlotte Slesinger Professor of Molecular Neuroscience; and dr. Zvi Granot, an outstanding young specialist in cancer research and biology. congressman Ted deutch of Florida’s 21st district offered opening

l–r: Middle east affairs panel featuring Dr. Michael Doran, the roger hertog fellow at the Brookings institute’s Saban center, ProfeSSor elie PoDeh, aMBaSSaDor WilliaM BernStein (moderator), Stanley Bogen, afhU honorary PreSiDent and honorary chairMan, and aMBaSSaDor carMi gillon (at podium)

remarks and William Kristol, founder and editor of The Weekly Standard, was the keynote speaker.

A Weekend of Learning

N

M IDWEST R EGION

ProfeSSor reUVen hazan www.afhu.org

early 500 guests attended a “Weekend of Learning” in and around cleveland from June 27-29, 2014. Incisive discussions on Israeli politics and democracy were led by Professor Reuven Hazan, chair of the Faculty of Political Science at The Hebrew University. Event co-chairs Ellen cohn and Victor cohn, an AFHU Board of Regents member, hosted a cordial reception in their home. co-chairs for the Weekend of Learning were: carol and Scott Burg, Rina and Samuel Frankel, Elaine and Beno Michel, and Barbara and Norman Wain.

AFHU NEWS | 31

ALUMNI NEWS S EPTEMBER A LUMNI E VENT

IN

NYC

Dr. Daniel-roBert cheBat shares how the “voice” technology aids the visually impaired.

T

his year AFHU launched a dynamic alumni outreach initiative. created to reconnect classmates, the alumni initiative helps keep alumni engaged and provides news and

Dr. cheBat and alumni of hebrew University from the new york area

updates from our favorite alma mater, Hebrew University. To sign up and receive information about news and programs, visit alumni.afhu.org or email Alana cooper at acooper@afhu.org.

I NAUGURAL B AY A REA A LUMNI E VENING

cliVe kaBatznik, chair, afhU alUMni relationS speaks with fellow alumni at the october event.

ProfeSSor Shy arkin meets alumni before his presentation, “from research to application.”

ew york Governor Andrew cuomo visited Israel as part of a solidarity delegation that included several New york state legislative leaders. on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, the governor met with overseas students from New york studying at The Rothberg International School of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

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32 | AFHU NEWS

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In Remembrance

We mourn the passing of Sylvia Amada

Morton Amsterdam

Eleanor Meyerhoff Katz

Harold Berry

Marjorie Kohrman

Yigal Arnon

Sanfurd Bluestein

Dr. Herbert J. Kayden David Btech Levy

Patte Bogen Roberts

Ambassador Samuel W. Lewis

Jennie “Jay� Coral

Robert L. Marcalus

Daniel Drench

Jean Richek

Leah Eisemann Conn Gisela Kohn Dollinger

Margit Lowenstein Irene Newman

Melvyn Estrin

Helen C. Rowen

Herman Gelman

Dr. Wilbur Schwartz

Abner Golieb

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

Anne Heyman

Harriet Turan

Leah Bornstein Franklin Ralph I. Goldman Sylvia K. Hassenfeld Jacqueline Jubas

Sara Hirsch Kaplan

www.afhu.org

Richard M. Karp

Sara Sandler

Esther Seiden Letty Stein

Gerhard J.Weir Helen Ziman

AFHU NEWS | 33

AFHU P RESIDENT ’ S M ISSION TO G REECE , B ULGARIA AND I SRAEL M AY 23– J UNE 3, 2015

4

NIGHTS IN

THESSALONIKI + 2

NIGHTS IN

SOFIA + 5

NIGHTS IN

JERUSALEM

In Thessaloniki, Greece l Receive private tours of ancient and Jewish Thessaloniki; visit the central Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, the Holocaust Memorial l Journey through history at the Museum of Byzantine culture, the historic Rotunda and the ornate Arch of Galerius In Sofia, Bulgaria l discover the unique architecture of the Rila Monastery and explore Sofia’s magnificent Great Synagogue l Enjoy a VIP reception with the Israeli ambassador to Bulgaria at the National Archaeological Museum

Jerusalem, Israel l Experience the festivities surrounding the 90th anniversary of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the 50th anniversary of the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace l Learn from Israeli political dignitaries and international leaders during the 78th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of The Hebrew University For more information, contact Judith Shenkman at (312) 329-0332 or jshenkman@afhu.org

34 | AFHU NEWS

www.afhu.org

SELECTED UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2015 REGION

DATE

Southeast Region

JANUARY 18

National

JANUARY 19

Greater New York Region

MARCH 12

Western Region

APRIL 20

National

MAY 3

Midwest Region

MAY 23–JUNE 3

National

MAY 29–JUNE 3

JANUARY 18

Southeast Region

EVENT

Palm Beach Annual Leadership Education forum (ALEF) Making a Global Impact The Four Seasons Palm Beach – Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach Gala 10th Anniversary celebration, A Night in the Garden of Eden Honoring: diane Belfer, Wilma Bernstein, Roberta Bogen, Barbara Eichner, Sherry Endelson, Ellen Levy, Barbara Rothschild, Louise Stein (z”l ), Joy Weinberger, Lois Zelman Mar-a-Lago – Palm Beach, Florida National Board of directors Meeting The Four Seasons Palm Beach - Palm Beach, Florida

45th George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award Luncheon Honoring Meredith E. Kotler, Partner, cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, LLP cipriani, New york

Harvey L. Silbert Torch of Learning Award 2015 Law Society dinner Honoring Jonathan Anschell, Exec VP and General counsel, cBS Television, & dick Volpert, Sr. Partner, Glaser Weil LLP co-chairs: Patricia Glaser, chuck Hershson, Leslie Moonves, Lynne Silbert, Peter Weil The Beverly Hilton - Beverly Hills, california AFHU Annual Board of directors Meeting New york

President’s Mission 2015 Thessaloniki, Greece, Sofia, Bulgaria and Israel

78th Hebrew University International Board of Governors Meeting Jerusalem

Learn more about these and other events at www.afhu.org/events

AFHUnews

Daniel I. Schlessinger President Michael S. Kurtz Chairman of the Board

Beth Asnien McCoy National Executive Director

Linda Zisk National Director of Development

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