Photographers: Rami Sinai, Alon Gilboa, Ety Ein-Dor, Oren Shalev, Gilad Kavalerchick, Oz Schechter, Sharon Karp, Tzipora Lifchitz JNA
Breaking the university cartel: how we built Israel’s newest medical school Prof. Uriel Reichman
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Forging the future: Reichman University’s vision amid challenges Prof. Boaz Ganor
Educating the physicians of the future: the Dina Recanati School of Medicine Prof. Arnon Afek
In memory of Nira Reichman z”l 4 20 14 9
Resnick Wellness Center for Veterans: Reichman University’s lifeline for reservists
In memoriam Reichman University launches the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center
Ronson Dormitories at Reichman University: a beacon of hope and community
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Efi Arazi School of Computer Science
Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy
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Daniel Jusidman receives honorary doctorate
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Australian Friends of Reichman University
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Inauguration of the Moshe Dabah z”l Synagogue
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Raphael Recanati International School: a year of excellence and community
American Friends of Reichman University
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Harry Radzyner Law School
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Sammy Ofer School of Communications
Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology
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2024 gala evening “Swords of Iron–Heroism and Resilience”
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Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson School of Entrepreneurship
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Prof. Amnon Lehavi appointed as new Provost of Reichman University
Arison School of Business
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Global Engagement at Reichman University Tiomkin School of Economics School of Sustainability
Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors addresses the audience at the official opening
BREAKING THE UNIVERSITY CARTEL: HOW WE BUILT ISRAEL’S NEWEST MEDICAL SCHOOL
The gates to medical education in Israel are finally opening wider. And this is just the beginning.”
– Prof.
Uriel Reichman
Founding President
and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Reichman University
A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
In August 2021, our academic faculty gathered at the Adelson School of Entrepreneurship, filled with anticipation. The moment we had worked toward for 27 years had finally arrived—the Minister of Education officially recognized IDC as a university.
After the Minister of Education’s speech, I took the stage, reflecting on a moment from nearly three decades earlier. In a small ceremony with just 20 attendees, I had declared our vision of establishing a university in Herzliya—an idea that once seemed far-fetched.
With that mission now fulfilled, I announced my resignation. My colleagues rose to their feet as one, their spontaneous applause creating one of the most meaningful moments of my life.
CHALLENGING THE HIGHER EDUCATION MONOPOLY
Following my resignation, I was elected Chairperson of the Board. Over 27 years, we had worked tirelessly to challenge the university cartel—a struggle that was often difficult, raising questions of academic freedom, competition laws, and the Basic Law: Freedom of Occupation.
Our success helped open the gates of higher education to hundreds of thousands who had been excluded, strengthening social mobility. Yet, I never expected that after achieving university recognition, I would face another challenge—once again against the same cartel, this time to increase the number of medical students.
THE DOCTOR SHORTAGE CRISIS
The State Comptroller has repeatedly highlighted major flaws in medical training policies and the lack of strategic workforce planning, contributing to a doctor shortage. The situation worsened as Soviet-era immigrant doctors retired, and the population grew rapidly. It became critical with the “Yatziv” Reform, which blocked recognition of foreign medical schools due to low academic standards. These institutions had previously trained about a third of Israeli medical students abroad, helping to bridge gaps in the system.
This wasn’t just about establishing another medical school—we were challenging what I call “the cartel of seven universities,” which has long restricted medical education in Israel. The impact is clear: only about 30% of the doctors needed for our healthcare system have been trained locally.
THE STORY BEHIND THE DINA RECANATI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
The story of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine and its impact deserves to be told. It is a story that reflects the Israeli spirit—the coming together of forces in times of national need, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, and fostering collaboration between government institutions and civil society.
For several years, our university has run a highly soughtafter master’s program in medical innovation and entrepreneurship, led by Prof. Varda Liberman from our faculty and Prof. Yitzhak Kreiss, Director of Sheba Medical Center. Through this program, I came to know Prof. Kreiss and grew to admire his leadership and vision.
Shortly after our university received official recognition, Prof. Kreiss and I discussed the idea of establishing a medical school. True to his proactive and entrepreneurial nature, he invited me to a meeting at Sheba Medical Center just two weeks later. When I arrived, a distinguished group of hospital physicians was already seated around the conference table.
A BOLD PARTNERSHIP
WITH SHEBA MEDICAL CENTER
Prof. Kreiss opened the meeting with an ambitious proposal: to establish a medical school as a joint initiative between Sheba Medical Center and Reichman University. It meant that both preclinical and clinical studies could take place at Sheba. Prof. Kreiss also recommended Prof. Arnon Afek as the future dean representing Sheba in the partnership.
I asked for time to consider the offer.
After careful thought, I returned to Prof. Kreiss, thanked him for the incredible opportunity, but explained that I believed the medical school should be established on our university campus—despite the challenges this would entail. I was convinced this approach would encourage interdisciplinary research and teaching, strengthening the university’s academic ecosystem.
Prof. Kreiss responded immediately and with generosity. “I’m an imperialist when it comes to Sheba,” he said, “but you’re right from the university’s perspective. Let’s build the medical school together at Reichman University.”
OVERCOMING BUREAUCRATIC ROADBLOCKS
As we moved forward, Prof. Kreiss provided me with a crucial document—Sheba Medical Center’s formal commitment to allocating the necessary clinical training fields for our medical students, subject to academic accreditation. This was a key milestone in our effort to establish the school and a foundational step toward transforming medical education in Israel.
In an even greater show of initiative, Prof. Kreiss suggested that we present this commitment to Dr. Eytan Wirtheim, Director of Rabin Medical Center, and invite him to join the effort. Without waiting for approval from the Council for Higher Education, Prof. Kreiss boldly took action to address Israel’s physician shortage.
Oudi Recanati, RUNI Chancellor, at the official opening of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine
BROAD SUPPORT FROM THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY
Dr. Wirtheim, one of Israel’s most esteemed hospital administrators, carefully considered our proposal and gave us a similar commitment. Not only that; he personally took on the task of advancing the Dina Recanati School of Medicine and overseeing its clinical training program.
Rabin Medical Center, part of Clalit Health Services, plays a crucial role in Israel’s healthcare system. Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yohanan Locker, Clalit’s leader, became a key supporter of our medical school initiative, standing firmly against university opposition and entrenched cartels. A principled and modest leader, Locker’s advocacy led Schneider Children’s Medical Center and Clalit Health Services to join our cause.
The effort gained further momentum when Sigal DadonLevi, CEO of Maccabi Healthcare Services, pledged to open Maccabi’s medical centers to our students, strengthening a collaborative network for medical education.
FIGHTING FOR APPROVAL
We faced significant opposition. The established universities tried to block our application through bureaucratic maneuvering, almost succeeding in killing the project before it could be evaluated on its merits. What saved us was the principled stance of Education Minister Yoav Kisch. Despite our university’s public opposition to the judicial overhaul he supported, Kish looked at the facts and made a decision based on national needs rather than politics.
The common argument against new medical schools was that Israel lacked sufficient clinical training capacity. We proved this wrong. Both Sheba and Rabin Medical Centers committed to providing clinical training fields, and we later gained support from both Clalit and Maccabi Health services. A recent report revealed that Israel’s clinical field utilization is only about 60% of the OECD average—there was plenty of room for growth.
Dr. Miriam Adelson, Liora Ofer, Chairwoman of our Friends Association, and Oudi Recanati, RUNI Chancellor. On the far left are Yossi Erblich, Prof. Arnon Afek, Founding Dean, Prof. Yitzhak Kreiss, Director of Sheba Medical Center, and Minister of Education, Yoav Kisch
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION
The project gained crucial momentum when Oudi Recanati, our university’s Chancellor and my long-time friend, stepped forward with substantial funding from his family foundation. The school would be named after his mother, Dina Recanati, a respected artist and remarkable woman. Patrick Drahi generously agreed to house the school in the recently completed Graziella Drahi Innovation Building alongside the ScoJen Institute for Synthetic Biology.
A MOMENT OF PRIDE AND A CALL TO ACTION
The timing couldn’t be more critical. The rise in global antisemitism has made it increasingly difficult for Israeli students to study medicine abroad. Meanwhile, recent political upheavals have accelerated the exodus of medical professionals from Israel. Our new school offers a solution: high-quality medical education right here at home.
For 82 students, a new opportunity has emerged— allowing them to train as doctors in Israel, under Israeli standards, and at a high academic level. This removes the need to study abroad, sparing them from the challenges of being away from home and the risk of antisemitic incidents.
Our initiative has also driven broader change, leading to increased enrollment in existing medical schools. Additionally, new medical schools are set to open at the University of Haifa and the Weizmann Institute.
In these challenging times for Israel, as we pray for the safe return of our hostages, we’re demonstrating what’s possible when we overcome institutional inertia and political divisions to serve our nation’s needs. This medical school isn’t just an educational institution–it’s a testament to the Israeli spirit of innovation and determination in the face of obstacles.
THE CHAMPIONS BEHIND OUR SUCCESS
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of numerous individuals and institutions. I must acknowledge the tireless work of our Founding Dean, Prof. Afek, who built the curriculum from scratch and recruited an outstanding faculty. Our university leadership has been exceptional: President Prof. Boaz Ganor, Provost Prof. Amnon Lehavi, and CEO Dr. Ayelet Ben-Ezer Gelbard have provided unwavering support. Liora Ofer, Chairwoman of our Friends Association, has been a steadfast supporter throughout.
I’m particularly grateful to Maj. Gen. (Res.) Locker of Clalit Health Services, whose principled stance against cartels and bureaucratic obstacles helped pave the way for our success. Sigal Dadon-Levi, CEO of Maccabi Healthcare Services, demonstrated remarkable vision in joining our effort. Together with Dr. Wirtheim of Rabin Medical Center, they’ve created unprecedented opportunities for clinical training.
At the official opening of the medical school, I had the honor of acknowledging Dr. Miriam Adelson in attendance and thanking her for her tireless efforts in securing the release of hostages. In these difficult times for Israel, she exemplifies the highest values of Jewish mutual responsibility. Her dedication reminds us that, whether in medicine, education, or national crises, we are one community working toward a better future.
The gates to medical education in Israel are finally opening wider. And this is just the beginning.
VP
Dr. Ayelet Ben-Ezer Gelbard, CEO and
Dr. Miri Mizrahi Reuveni, Director, Dina Recanati School of Medicine
IN MEMORY OF NIRA REICHMAN Z”L
BELOVED WIFE OF PROF. URIEL REICHMAN
The Reichman University family mourns the passing of Nira Reichman, an extraordinary woman whose life was marked by resilience, vision, and profound love.
Nira’s journey was one of remarkable strength. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised in a modest yet deeply Zionist home, where she learned the value of perseverance. As a teenager, she designed and sewed her own dresses, saving every penny to buy fabric. She abandoned a promising future as a pianist to pursue architecture, working tirelessly to fund her studies.
She built a thriving architecture firm and led significant public, military, residential, and commercial projects. Despite her professional success, she remained humble, carrying herself with quiet strength and unwavering integrity.
For decades, Nira stood steadfastly by the side of her husband, Prof. Uriel Reichman, as he led transformative initiatives in academia and public life. She welcomed donors and scholars from abroad, advised on architectural projects for the university, and pursued her own successful ventures, always with grace and determination.
Nira’s story is one of brilliance, love, and resilience. Her life touched so many, and her memory will forever be a part of the Reichman University family.
May her legacy inspire us all.
FORGING THE FUTURE: REICHMAN UNIVERSITY’S VISION AMID CHALLENGES
By Prof. Boaz Ganor, Reichman University President
This year marks an important moment of transition for Reichman University. Eighteen months ago, even before officially stepping into the role of president, I dedicated months to familiarizing myself with the operations and needs of every school and institute across the university. This thorough preparation enabled me to develop a comprehensive agenda of reforms and initiatives designed to shape the future of Reichman University, a necessity in this transformative age of technological advancement and artificial intelligence.
However, the eruption of war in Israel on October 7th, 2023, demanded an immediate shift in focus. My priority became ensuring the university’s stability as a private, not-for-profit institution without governmental support while providing robust assistance to our students, especially to the thousands called to reserve duty. We launched special programs to help these reservists seamlessly rejoin their academic journey, underscoring our unwavering commitment to their success. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to our friends and donors who stood by us during these incredibly difficult times. Your support enabled us to remain steadfast in our mission and aspirations.
Despite the immense challenges of keeping a university thriving during a war, we are proud to have achieved significant milestones. Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, we successfully opened the Dina Recanati School of Medicine in February 2025. This groundbreaking initiative has welcomed its inaugural cohort of 82 medical students, with the next cohort set to begin in October. Given Israel’s critical shortage of doctors, this endeavor is more than just an academic milestone—it is a national mission.
Additionally, thanks to the dedication of Jonathan Davis, Vice President and Head of the RRIS, we inaugurated the Ronson Dormitories, allowing an additional 80 students to live on campus. We also opened the Jusidman Conference Center, which serves as a critical infrastructure supporting our growing academic community.
As we begin to emerge from this challenging period, we are forging ahead with the strategic initiatives I envisioned upon assuming the role of president. These initiatives will shape the next chapter of RUNI’s journey.
I am proud to witness the unwavering dedication of our faculty, administration, and management to RUNI’s Zionist mission. Together, I am confident we will solidify Reichman University’s position as Israel’s leading international university in the years to come.”
– Prof. Boaz Ganor
From Left: Jonah Hoffman, Government 3rd year; Megan Rathbun, Communications 3rd year; Yossi Sheldon, Communications 3rd year; Rinat Tzubeli, Communications 3rd year; Alexandra Weinberger, Government 3rd year
Among the key initiatives is a curriculum for Hebrewspeaking schools that will encapsulate what I call the “Reichman DNA.” This mandatory series of four courses will instill core values in:
1. Zionism and the Jewish People in Light of the Declaration of Independence
2. 21st Century Challenges for Humanity
3. Leadership, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
4. The Technological Revolution and Impact of Generative AI
These courses aim to equip students with values, knowledge, and tools to build their character and contribute meaningfully to Israeli society and Jewish communities worldwide.
Another major initiative, in collaboration with Prof. Amnon Lehavi , Provost and Dr. Ayelet Ben-Ezer Gelbard, CEO and Vice President, focuses on integrating generative AI tools across all facets of the university.
Additionally, we are designing an innovative multidisciplinary BA program that will allow students to tailor their academic journeys to their interests, strengths, and aspirations. This year also brings unique challenges, particularly in supporting the victims of war. Many face physical and mental wounds, and RUNI is committed to playing a central role in their recovery and reintegration.
I am proud to witness the unwavering dedication of our faculty, administration, and management to RUNI’s Zionist mission. Together, I am confident we will solidify Reichman University’s position as Israel’s leading international university in the years to come.
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EDUCATING THE PHYSICIANS OF THE FUTURE: THE DINA RECANATI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
Our graduates will become the future physicians of Israel and the diaspora, prepared to uphold today’s responsibilities while addressing the ever-changing challenges of medicine in the years ahead.”
– Prof. Arnon Afek , Dean of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine, the Dr. Cecil Taitz Academic Chair in the Field of Anatomy
The Dina Recanati School of Medicine housed in the Graziella Drahi Innovation Building
Recanati z”l A woman of valor and a stalwart supporter
Oudi Recanati RUNI chancellor and generous benefactor of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine
Prof. Arnon Afek
Dean of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine, the Dr. Cecil Taitz Academic Chair in the Field of Anatomy
A LETTER FROM PROF. ARNON AFEK
The Dina Recanati School of Medicine, Dr. Cecil Taitz Academic Chair in the Field of Anatomy, Reichman University, the Gertner Institute, Sheba Medical Center
The Dina Recanati School of Medicine at Reichman University was founded as a testament to the Zionist vision of its founders: Prof. Uriel Reichman, Mr. Oudi Recanati, and prominent leaders from Israel’s foremost medical institutions, including Rabin Medical Center, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Maccabi Healthcare Services, the Sheba Medical Center and the Edmond & Lily Safra Children’s Hospital. United by a shared purpose, they established the school to tackle the most critical challenge in Israeli healthcare: the growing need for locally trained physicians.
Israel faces a pressing healthcare challenge: of the 2,000 new physicians required each year, less than a half are trained domestically in Israeli medical schools. The remainder pursue their education abroad, often at institutions that fall short of even basic academic standards. According to the Yatziv Reform, many of these foreign-trained graduates are deemed ineligible to take Israel’s licensing exams. This growing issue is particularly acute in the country’s geographic and social periphery, where over half of the practicing physicians hold foreign degrees that the Ministry of Health has determined to be inadequate, exacerbating an already critical healthcare crisis.
Within the next decade, Israel will require 2,880 new doctors annually. Yet, in 2023, only 31% of new medical licenses were granted to physicians trained in Israeli institutions.
This issue is compounded by the unique challenges faced by Israeli students, many of whom pause their studies and jeopardize their professional aspirations to serve in IDF reserve units. Together, these factors intensify an already critical healthcare crisis.
The establishment of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine underscores a resolute commitment to addressing Israel’s healthcare challenges. By opening new medical schools—at Reichman University, the University of Haifa, and the Weizmann Institute of Science—and expanding existing programs, Israel is taking decisive steps to ensure that all 2,000 new doctors needed annually can be trained domestically, strengthening the nation’s medical workforce and self-reliance.
The Dina Recanati School of Medicine’s mission is to educate the physicians of the future.
The vision of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine is to be a leader in education, research, and medical innovation. It strives to cultivate excellence and a human approach within a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. The school aims to inspire future physicians to lead, push boundaries, and turn their aspirations into reality.
Dina
The school will integrate cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, education, and entrepreneurship grounded in a commitment to values and compassionate care. By doing so, we aim to equip future physicians to lead, innovate, and pursue their aspirations while redefining the boundaries of medical excellence.
The curriculum has been meticulously designed to meet the criteria set by the committee chaired by Prof. Jonathan Halevy that sets the requirements for opening a medical school, as well as recommendations from other important regulatory bodies.
These include the Israeli Council for Higher Education’s quality assessment committee, the standards of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in the United States, and guidance from the Council for Higher Education committees led by Professors Beyar, Carmi, Grossman, and Halevy.
The program spans four years, divided into two preclinical and two clinical years.
The first year focuses on the structure and function of the healthy human body, along with an introduction to the pathobiology of diseases. The second year is organized around organ systems. All the courses for the preclinical years are taught by doctors based on their clinical approach. From the very first week, students will participate in clinical training with a focus on community medicine, including one clinical day each week.
The school’s facilities include a state-of-the-art simulation center, personal study stations, small-group classrooms (10 students per group), a virtual reality center, a virtual anatomy lab, research, and teaching laboratories, and a curriculum that incorporates selfdirected and group learning through case-based learning (CBL), which the latest medical education techniques will complement.
Throughout the four-year program, students will also take courses in medical ethics, professionalism, and research methods, guided by senior physicians and department heads who will serve as mentors. They will complete personal research projects in areas such as sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship, allowing them to develop diverse career paths that align with their personal goals and the challenges of the future.
During the two clinical years, students will cover core medical disciplines, including internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, neurology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine. Twenty weeks of clinical training will be offered through elective courses. They will also have the opportunity to earn academic credit for assisting doctors under the Ministry of Health in Israel.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the creation of this program, as well as to the dedicated doctors and researchers who embraced our mission, shared our vision, and recognized the profound need, significance, and value of establishing this school.
I am confident that our program, as it evolves and adapts over time, will empower our alumni to achieve both their personal aspirations and national goals. Our graduates will become the future physicians of Israel and the diaspora, prepared to uphold today’s responsibilities while addressing the ever-changing challenges of the medical field in the years ahead.
Dr. David Maiershon, Head of the Simulation Center and Medical Education
DR. CECIL TAITZ, ACADEMIC CHAIR
IN THE FIELD OF ANATOMY
Dina Recanati School of Medicine at Reichman University
Israel faces a physician shortage, with many doctors trained abroad under varying standards. Addressing this challenge, Reichman University established the Dina Recanati School of Medicine to train Israeli doctors to the highest local standards. Partnering with top medical institutions, the school integrates cutting-edge methodologies, early clinical exposure, and a strong humanistic approach.
A Revolutionary Medical Program
The Dina Recanati School of Medicine is redefining medical education with an innovative, four-year program. The curriculum features early clinical exposure, community-based studies, and advanced teaching technologies, including virtual reality (VR) and simulation centers. The state-of-the-art simulation center includes ECHO simulators and 3-D Printing to teach cardiac anatomy, providing students with hands-on experience in understanding the heart’s structure and function. VR-based tools, such as HoloAnatomy, further enhance anatomical learning, allowing students to explore the human body in unprecedented detail.
Additionally, the program incorporates cadaver dissection, including frozen body dissection—introduced for the first time in medical school ever—to provide students with an unparalleled opportunity to study human anatomy in its most authentic form.
Emphasizing case-based learning and small group interactions, the program prioritizes professionalism, ethics, and the vital relationship between physicians, patients, and communities. With a balance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and intellectual intelligence (IQ), students are trained in self-directed learning and practical skills, rather than rote memorization.
The school emphasizes:
• Small Group Learning: Interactive, collaborative study to deepen anatomical understanding.
• Self-Directed Anatomy Learning : Encouraging independent study of human anatomy.
• State-of-the-Art Simulation Center: Utilizing VR imaging to bridge anatomical structure and function.
• Early Clinical Exposure: From the first week, students observe live surgeries, recorded and guided by expert physicians.
The Vital Role of the Academic Chair
The Academic Chair plays a key role in advancing medical education, particularly in the foundational study of anatomy.
Leading the Way: Prof. Arnon Afek
Appointed in 2022, Prof. Arnon Afek serves as the Founding Dean of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine at Reichman University. His leadership is instrumental in shaping the medical school’s innovative curriculum, with a particular emphasis on anatomy.
A specialist in pathological anatomy and chairman of the national council of pathology and forensic medicine, Prof. Afek has extensive experience teaching pathology at Tel Aviv University, always stressing the importance of understanding normal anatomy as the foundation of medical knowledge. Anatomy remains a central pillar throughout the program, reflecting its historical significance in medicine. Rembrandt’s famous painting Dr. Tulp’s Anatomy Lesson—which Afek has analyzed in academic papers—illustrates how anatomy has long been a cornerstone of medical education.
HONORING DR. CECIL
TAITZ
The establishment of the Academic Chair honors the late Dr. Cecil Taitz, a pioneer in innovative medical education. With modern technology advancing anatomical studies in ways that would have thrilled Dr. Taitz, the chair is a fitting tribute to his lifelong passion.
It is particularly meaningful that Prof. Afek shares the same specialization and teaching background as Dr. Taitz, both having taught at Tel Aviv University. His appointment as the Dr. Cecil Taitz Academic Chair at the Dina Recanati School of Medicine carries profound significance, reflecting Reichman University’s commitment to academic excellence, humanism, and Zionist values. The chair stands as a testament to the Taitz family’s enduring legacy and dedication to shaping Israel’s future in medicine.
SCOJEN INSTITUTE FOR SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
In the summer of 2023, the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology formally opened its doors as part of the newly established Dina Recanati School of Medicine. The Institute was established under the auspices of the Reichman University Innovation Center and oversees much of the research conducted within the school. Located in the new Graziella Drahi Innovation Building, the Institute’s primary goal is to promote interdisciplinary, innovative, and applied research in collaboration with various academic schools. Synthetic biology, a multidisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, computer science, electrical genetic engineering, and advanced engineering disciplines, allows for rapid manipulation of biological systems to produce desired outcomes.
The head of the Scojen Institute is Prof. Yosi ShachamDiamand, a world-renowned engineer and scientist specializing in biochips and functional biosensors. Dr. Liat Rahamim-Ben Navi serves as the Scientific and Technical Director, working alongside Dr. Ilana KolodkinGal, Dr. Milana Frenkel-Morgenstern, and Dr. Oren Moscovitz. Together, they address some of society’s most pressing challenges, including the diagnostics and treatment of cancer and other critical illnesses, as well as analyzing bacteria and developing meat substitutes using beneficial bacteria.
The Scojen Institute comprises four dedicated laboratories:
1. Biosensors Lab – Led by Prof. Shacham-Diamand, this lab focuses on researching and developing biosensors using optical and electrochemical sensing techniques to identify plant stress and translate that information into electrical signals. The lab incorporates various technologies, including microelectronics and micromechanics.
Dr. Cecil Taitz, Tel Aviv University
PhD Candidates (from left): Mr. Daniel Sumbatian and Mr. Dylan D’souza from the Genomics and Computational Biology Lab
Dr. Liat Rahamim-Ben Navi, Scientific and Technical Director of Scojen Institute, Dr. Hilit Levy Barazany, Prof. Noam Lemelshtrich Latar, Head of the Innovation Center, Dr. Milana Frenkel-Morgenstern, Prof. Yosi Shacham-Diamand, Head of Scojen Institute, Dr. Ilana Kolodkin-Gal and Dr. Oren Moscovitz
2. Microbiome and Synthetic Microbiology Lab – Led by Dr. Kolodkin-Gal, this lab investigates bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation, which provides protection and increases resistance to antibiotics. Dr. Kolodkin-Gal has identified specific molecules secreted by bacteria that can dismantle existing biofilms and prevent new ones from forming. Additionally, her team is studying live bacteria transported to Israel by dust storms from the Sahara Desert, which can impact public health by triggering allergic reactions.
3. Glycobiology and Molecular Therapeutics Lab – Led by Dr. Moscovitz, this lab studies glycans (sugars) and their essential roles in cell health and communication with their environment and the immune system. The lab focuses on creating synthetic versions of these sugar molecules to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools, particularly for breast and lung cancer and chronic conditions like endometriosis.
4. Genomics and Computational Biology Lab – Led by Dr. Frenkel-Morgenstern, this lab collaborates with multiple hospitals and leading universities worldwide. The team analyzes body fluids, such as saliva and blood, to identify specific markers for critical illnesses like cancer, using these markers for early diagnosis.
Dr. Rahamim-Ben Navi, also the syllabus coordinator of the pre-med program at the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science and manager of the teaching labs in the Life Sciences division, emphasizes that the Scojen Institute is equipped with cutting-edge labs and core facilities. Furthermore, she highlights that the Institute’s core facility provides services to researchers at the School of Medicine, at Reichman University, and from other academic institutions and industries, underscoring its importance to the Dina Recanati School of Medicine.
In September 2024, as part of the Institute’s first-year celebrations, it hosted its inaugural annual conference, bringing together leading researchers from Israel and around the globe. The three-day scientific event concluded with a workshop aimed at bridging academia and industry.
Prof. Noam Lemelshtrich Latar, Head of the Innovation Center and a member of the Scojen management team, believes that synthetic biology impacts all aspects of life and that this multidisciplinary field may ultimately unlock new technologies, addressing previously unresolved scientific dilemmas in medicine, sustainability, communications, environmental studies, and more.
From left:
SUPPORTING OUR RESERVISTS:
REICHMAN UNIVERSITY’S COMMITMENT TO THOSE WHO SERVE
Stewart and Lynda Resnick
Amid the challenges of military service and academic life, Reichman University has stepped forward as a beacon of support for reservists and veterans. The newly created Resnick Wellness Center for Veterans, established by philanthropists Stewart and Lynda Resnick, is at the forefront of this effort, providing tailored services and programs to help these students reintegrate into campus life seamlessly.
As the “Swords of Iron” war unfolded, the Resnick Wellness Center quickly became a vital resource for returning reservists. The center initially held weekly “Return-to-Campus” group meetings every Sunday, led by the Dean of Students, Dr. Adi Koll, and the center’s team, to welcome returning students and introduce the university’s robust support framework. As the pace of returns grew more varied, the meetings evolved into one-on-one consultations, ensuring every reservist received personalized attention.
PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE
Reichman University understands the emotional toll of military service, particularly for those grappling with PTSD or trauma. To address these challenges, the university offers:
• Psychological counseling: Individual therapy sessions with counselors trained in trauma recovery in collaboration with the NATAL trauma center.
• Therapeutic workshops: Semesterly “Back-toRoutine” workshops, available in Hebrew and English, offer practical tools for coping and emotional support in small groups.
• AI-powered support: Partnering with Joint Israel, the university introduced “Kai,” a 24/7 emotional support app designed exclusively for reservists and those affected by conflict, accessible for three months post-service.
• Music therapy: Collaborating with the “Transparent Album” organization, the university connects reservists with music-based trauma recovery programs.
• Accessible resources: QR-code stickers distributed on campus provide returning students instant access to national mental health services.
ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE FOR RESERVISTS
Recognizing the hurdles of transitioning back to academic life, Reichman University offers comprehensive academic support:
• Learning Skills Center: One-on-one sessions to enhance time management, concentration, and organizational abilities, enabling reservists to regain their academic footing.
• Workshops for success: Reservists can join time management and exam preparation workshops, along with “Exam Success Circles,” where top-performing students provide personalized guidance.
SUPPORTING DISABLED VETERANS
Creating an inclusive campus for veterans with disabilities is another cornerstone of Reichman University’s mission. Key initiatives include:
• Orientation week: A program specifically designed to help veterans with disabilities navigate campus life and build a sense of community.
• Accessibility services: Personalized academic accommodations and adjustments tailored to the needs of veterans with disabilities, mapped by the Accessibility Center.
• Individual guidance: One-on-one consultations with the Resnick Wellness Center team to address unique challenges faced by veterans with disabilities.
FOSTERING A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
Reichman University’s commitment to its reservists and veterans reflects its deeply rooted values of resilience, inclusivity, and community. Through the Resnick Wellness Center for Veterans and its wide-ranging initiatives, the university has built a support system that empowers its students to thrive academically and personally, even amid the most challenging circumstances.
Reichman University continues to stand by its reservists and veterans, honoring their service by ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed.
Dr. Adi Koll
Dean of Students, overseeing
REICHMAN UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES THE PEARL-ELLEN GORDON RESILIENCE CENTER
In the wake of the traumatic events of October 7th, 2023, Israel faces an unprecedented mental health crisis. The need for accessible, effective mental health care has never been greater, with public systems struggling to meet the demands of those grappling with anxiety, PTSD, and depression. In response, within the Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic at the School of Psychology, Reichman University is establishing the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center, a transformative initiative designed to address these urgent challenges.
The center honors the legacy of Dr. Pearl-Ellen Gordon (1943–2023), a compassionate and brilliant psychologist and psychoanalyst whose life’s work embodied the values of care, mentorship, and resilience.
HONORING DR. PEARL-ELLEN GORDON
Dr. Gordon was a leader in her field, known for her deep compassion, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to her patients and students. For her, psychoanalysis was not just a profession but a calling. She maintained a thriving private practice for decades, touching countless lives with her insightful and empathetic care.
A passionate teacher and mentor, Dr. Gordon founded and led the Child and Adolescent Treatment Center at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (ICP). Under her leadership, the ICP advanced its mission to train therapists and provide accessible, affordable care. In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Gordon was a devoted mother, grandmother, sibling and friend.
Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, she graduated summa cum laude from Wellesley College and earned her PhD from New York University, ultimately becoming a proud lifelong New Yorker. Her unwavering Zionism and dedication to advancing mental health care now find a permanent home in the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center at Reichman University.
The center’s founding contribution comes from The Allan S. Gordon Foundation, ensuring Dr. Gordon’s legacy lives on through the advancement of trauma care, mental health training, and resilience research in Israel.
Dr. Pearl-Ellen Gordon
A MODEL FOR CARE AND TRAINING
The Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center builds upon Reichman University’s successful emergency response initiative–led through its Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic and School of Psychology–which has fielded over 2,500 calls and provided more than 1,000 critical interventions following the events of October 7th. It will implement a stratified care model, combining evidence-based interventions with advanced training for mental health professionals.
Key features of the center’s operation:
• Undergraduate psychology students will provide initial supportive interventions supervised by experienced faculty.
• Graduate students and clinical interns will deliver specialized interventions, including advanced therapy and group counseling.
• Clinical supervisors and professionals will ensure quality care, supported by a consulting psychiatrist, administrative staff, and IT specialists.
This multi-tiered approach allows the center to deliver comprehensive care while equipping the next generation of mental health professionals with practical experience.
COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
The center’s training program emphasizes Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The curriculum includes:
• Basic training for undergraduate students: Foundational skills in emotional regulation, communication, and decision-making during crises.
• Advanced training for graduate students and interns: Intensive practicum in IPT and CBT, supplemented with specialized instruction in suicide prevention and group therapy facilitation.
• Community training programs: Targeting teachers, religious leaders, and military reserve officers, these programs will equip community figures with basic mental health support skills, fostering a more resilient society.
RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center, as part of the Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic, will prioritize implementation science, focusing on validating its care model, optimizing treatment protocols, and analyzing cost-effectiveness. Insights gained will inform best practices for other institutions worldwide.
To ensure financial sustainability, the center will diversify its funding through grants, training programs, and research collaborations, building on The Allan S. Gordon Foundation’s initial contribution. Ongoing contributions from philanthropic partners, organizations, and individuals will be essential to expanding the center’s programs and maintaining its transformative impact on mental health care in Israel.
A LASTING LEGACY
Through its innovative care model, dedication to training, and commitment to research, the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Resilience Center aims to transform mental health care in Israel. Honoring Dr. Gordon’s legacy, the center integrates her professional values with her deep Zionist convictions, leaving a lasting impact on the mental health field and the broader community.
According to Dr. Rony Pshedetzky, Director of the Center and the Research and Treatment Psychology Clinic, “The Center, made possible by this generous donation, comes at a critical time as Israel faces immense challenges since October 7th. By combining clinical expertise with innovative outreach programs, we’re creating a model that can help communities build psychological resilience in times of crisis and beyond. This visionary gift enables us to develop comprehensive mental health support systems when our society needs them most.”
Prof. Anat Brunstein-Klomek, Dean of the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, stated, “At the Pearl-Ellen Gordon Center, we are bringing our vision of fostering psychological resilience in Israel to life. The support of The Allan S. Gordon Foundation enables us to implement innovative programs that build emotional and interpersonal strength during and after the Iron Swords War.”
This initiative reflects Reichman University’s commitment to healing and resilience. It provides hope and support to those who need it most while shaping the next generation of mental health professionals.
RONSON DORMITORIES AT REICHMAN UNIVERSITY: A BEACON OF HOPE AND COMMUNITY
Jonathan Davis addresses the audience
Dame Gail Ronson at the Ronson Dormitories event
From left: Prof. Varda Liberman; Prof. Boaz Ganor; Lisa Althasen; Liora Eilon; Amanda Ronson; Dame Gail Ronson; Sir Gerald Ronson; Jonathan Davis; and Avi Nissim
The Ronson Dormitories at Reichman University stand as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and resilience. Officially inaugurated last year, these dormitories are named in honor of Sir Gerald and Dame Gail Ronson, whose vision and philanthropy continue to shape lives. The inauguration ceremony, a highlight on campus, saw the presence of the Ronson family, including their daughters, underscoring the deeply personal connection between the family and the university. Founding President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Reichman University’s President, Prof. Boaz Ganor, Jonathan Davis, VP External Relations and Head of the RRIS, then-Provost, Prof. Varda Liberman, and Avi Nissim, VP Logistics were all in attendance.
Sir Gerald and Dame Gail’s contribution to Reichman University reflects their commitment to creating opportunities for students to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Prof. Reichman, the university’s visionary founder, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in building a future rooted in innovation, compassion, and collaboration. Jonathan Davis spoke passionately about the transformative impact of the Ronson Dormitories, emphasizing how they provide not just housing but also a home for students from the periphery in Israel and from around the world.
The Ronson Dormitories also gained recognition for their role in providing a place of refuge for the Kfar Aza evacuees. Following the horrific events in Kfar Aza on October 7th, 2023, a community devastated by violence, the dormitories became a sanctuary for evacuees. For just under a year, families from Kfar Aza found refuge and solace within the university’s campus. This extraordinary act of solidarity, coordinated under the leadership of Prof. Reichman, exemplifies Reichman University’s ethos of extending a helping hand in times of need and the Ronsons’ unwavering support to those in need.
Liora Eilon, a leader from Kfar Aza, shared her heartwrenching story during the inauguration. She recounted the unimaginable loss and survival her family endured, including the devastating loss of her son on that fateful day. Hours spent in a safe room during the attack were harrowing, but finding refuge in the Ronson Dormitories provided her and others with a beacon of hope. “These dorms became our temporary home during the darkest of times,” she said, expressing deep gratitude to the Ronsons and Reichman University for their compassion and support.
Under the leadership of Avi Nissim, the integration of the evacuees was handled with care and empathy, further cementing the Ronson Dormitories’ role as more than just buildings—they are a symbol of hope, resilience, and new beginnings.
The presence of these evacuees brought a unique vibrancy to the campus, uniting students and families in shared resilience. The Ronson Dormitories became more than a student residence; they symbolized hope and humanity amidst adversity.
As Reichman University continues to grow, the Ronson Dormitories remain a shining example of how visionary leadership and philanthropy can create spaces that nurture education, community, and compassion. They ensure that the legacy of Sir Gerald and Dame Gail Ronson lives on in the hearts of all who pass through their doors.
Prof. Reichman welcomes the residents of Kfar Aza to the Ronson Dormitories
JUSIDMAN
DOCTORATE INAUGURATING THE DANIEL JUSIDMAN CONFERENCE CENTER
Prof. Uriel Reichman and Daniel Jusidman
In June, a month filled with graduation celebrations, honorary doctorates, and other end-of-year activities, Reichman University had the pleasure of honoring its great friend and supporter, Mr. Daniel Jusidman, with an honorary doctorate in a beautiful, special ceremony at the newly inaugurated Daniel Jusidman Conference Center.
The ceremony was also a celebration of Daniel Jusidman’s life, with a special performance of selected parts of the opera “Theodor” by the Israeli Opera, a unique delivery of the story of Theodor Herzl’s life.
Jusidman, an avid supporter of the Israeli Opera, is a businessman, philanthropist, and a true friend to Reichman University and the State of Israel. Reichman University is honored to call him our longtime friend.
From left, standing: Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean, Harry Radzyner Law School; Prof. Asaf Moghadam, then-Dean, Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy; Dr. Yossi Maaravi, Dean, Adelson School of Entrepreneurship; Prof. Arnon Afek, Dean, Dina Recanati School of Medicine; Dr. Ayelet Ben-Ezer Gelbard, CEO and VP; Prof. Varda Liberman, then-Provost and Head of MBA in Healthcare Innovation Program; Mr. Jonathan Davis, VP External Relations and Head of the Raphael Recanati International School; Prof. Yael Parag Cohen Mintz, School of Sustainability; Prof. Niron Hashai, Dean, Arison School of Business; Dr. Amit Lavie-Dinur, then-Dean of the Sammy Ofer School of Communications; Dr. Adi Kol, Dean of Students; Prof. Anat Bronstein-Klomek; Dean, Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology
From left, sitting: Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board; Mr. Daniel Jusidman; Mr. Oudi Recanati, Chancellor; and Prof. Boaz Ganor, President
Daniel Jusidman with his wife, Batia Kahane
Daniel Jusidman sets the mezuzah on the Conference Building’s door
Prof. Boaz Ganor, President, Mr. Daniel Jusidman, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of Board and Mr. Oudi Recanati, Chancellor
Mr. Daniel Jusidman and Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of Board, standing next to a photo from the first day of construction of the building
Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Davis, VP External Relations and Head of the
Igal Jusidman, Daniel Jusidman, Yishai Jusidman and Arie Jusidman
Daniel Jusidman with his wife, Batia Kahane
Raphael Recanati International School
Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board, with Rabbi Yosef Shayo, finishing writing the Torah Scroll
INAUGURATION OF THE MOSHE DABAH Z”L SYNAGOGUE
DEDICATING A NEW TORAH SCROLL IN HONOR OF PROF. URIEL REICHMAN
Thanks to the generous contribution of Isaac and Ivette Dabah, in memory of their late father and teacher, Moshe Dabah z”l, Reichman University has inaugurated the Dabah Synagogue. In a lovely ceremony preceded by the dedication, Prof. Uriel Reichman also ushered in a Sefer Torah donated by the Dabah Family, dedicated to the IDF warriors, wounded soldiers, and hostages, as well as to Prof. Reichman himself. The ceremony was followed by a Thanksgiving dinner.
Staff and students had the honor of welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Dabah to the campus along with their family and friends, as well as the previous Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Amar, MK Rabbi Moshe Arbel, Minister of the Interior, and other distinguished guests.
Bringing rhythm to the evening—music, community, and upliftment under the twilight sky!
Prof. Uriel Reichman with Former Chief Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Amar and Prof. Boaz Ganor holding the Torah Scroll, on the way to the synagogue
From left: MK Rabbi Moshe Arbel, Minister of the Interior; Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board; Mr. Isaac Dabah; Rabbi Yosef Shayo; and Jonathan Davis, VP External Relations and Head of the Raphael Recanati International School
Mr. Isaac Dabah holding the Torah Scroll with Rabbi Yosef Shayo
Mrs. Ivette Dabah
Over 300 students embark on the inspiring Ethel & Leonard Tigay Orientation trip to Kibbutz Revivim, discovering Israel’s history, resilience, and pioneering spirit firsthand
RAPHAEL RECANATI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:
A YEAR OF RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY
YEAR IN REVIEW: HIGHLIGHTS & MEMORABLE
MOMENTS
Jonathan Davis, VP of External Relations and Head of the Raphael Recanati International School
Throughout the past year, Reichman University has achieved remarkable distinctions, proudly earning first place in two prominent national surveys: Our university leads all institutions in Israel in terms of student satisfaction and has been recognized for its exceptional treatment of reservists, many of whom have served bravely in defense of our nation. In addition, Reichman University secured sixth place globally for excellence in entrepreneurship among universities with fewer than 15,000 students, according to a survey by PitchBook.
At the core of our university lies the Raphael Recanati International School (RRIS), where academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and an incredibly supportive environment converge. Home to 2,500 international students from 90 countries, the RRIS is the largest international university in Israel. The dynamic interactions, networking opportunities, and lifelong relationships fostered here add immeasurable value to the educational experience.”
Jonathan Davis, Head of the Raphael Recanati International School
APRIL: INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR
The International Food Fair on campus was a heartwarming and delicious celebration of cultural diversity. Students from the US to France, Mexico to Panama, and Ukraine to Ethiopia shared and sold traditional dishes from their homelands. The vibrant display of culinary heritage was a testament to the rich, multicultural community at Reichman University.
Jonathan Davis with RRIS Argentinian students at the International Food Festival
MAY: HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
The RRIS paid tribute to Holocaust Remembrance Day through many campus events, including “Zicharon Ba’Salon” (Remembrance in the Living Room). Students and staff listened to the moving story of Holocaust survivor Jacky Barkan z”l, narrated by his wife Judy and daughter Inbal. These events highlighted the resilience and importance of remembrance in preserving the lessons of the Holocaust.
YOM HAZIKARON: MEMORIAL DAY FOR FALLEN SOLDIERS
The RRIS commemorated Yom HaZikaron with a series of deeply poignant and solemn events, made even more heart-wrenching in light of the tragic events of October 7th. The annual campus ceremony honored fallen soldiers and victims of terror, serving as a powerful reminder of the heavy price paid for the safety and security of the nation. A Reservists Panel organized by the RRIS followed, where students courageously shared personal experiences and memories of comrades lost, particularly during the ongoing Swords of Iron War. Many spoke of their grief, resilience, and the enduring bonds forged in times of unimaginable hardship.
RRIS students also attended the national Yom HaZikaron ceremony at Latrun, standing together in collective mourning and ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen are forever etched in our hearts and community. It was a solemn tribute to lives lost and a call to honor their memories with unwavering unity and remembrance.
RRIS students visiting Latrun
Prof. Boaz Ganor, stands alongside Jonathan Davis; Shelly and Mike Pitman; Nir Sarid, Chief of Staff of the La’Aretz Foundation; Sylvia Kassof, Director of Student Affairs & Well-being; Annette Behrendt – van Zeeland, Financial Aid Manager; and RRIS lone soldier reservists on campus
JULY 2024 & JANUARY 2025:
LA’ARETZ FOUNDATION HONORS LONE SOLDIERS
In heartfelt ceremonies held in July 2024 and January 2025, Reichman University honored lone soldiers who were awarded scholarships from the La’aretz Foundation. Shelly and Mike Pitman, the foundation’s founders, expressed deep appreciation for the reservists’ dedication and sacrifice in service to Israel. Many of the scholarship recipients had served over 300 days in the reserves, with some even missing academic semesters due to their commitment.
Prof. Boaz Ganor, President of Reichman University, and Jonathan Davis, Head of the RRIS, reaffirmed the university’s unwavering support for these students, both academically and emotionally, recognizing their resilience and devotion.
Shelly & Mike Pitman, La’Aretz Foundation founders with Jonathan Davis
La’aretz 2025 Ceremony with Prof. Boaz Ganor, Shelly and Mike Pitman, Jonathan Davis and the reservists
ETHEL & LEONARD
TIGAY ORIENTATION
WEEK 2024 –
OPENING DAY
RRIS Student councillors and registrars at opening day
NOVEMBER:
ETHEL & LEONARD
TIGAY ORIENTATION WEEK
The RRIS proudly held the Ethel & Leonard Tigay Orientation Week for first-year international students. It was inspiring to witness the campus come alive with diverse languages and vibrant energy as all welcomed new students and their families. Over 300 students participated in the orientation trip to Kibbutz Revivim, gaining insights into Israel’s history, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
RRIS students explored the Nachlaot neighborhood in Jerusalem on a Hanukkah tour, admiring the diverse traditions of lighting the menorah. The students then visited the vibrant Machane Yehuda market
DECEMBER: HANUKKAH
During the Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony, led by Jonathan Davis, the RRIS honored brave reservist lone soldiers, paying tribute to their courage and dedication.
From left: Jonathan Davis; Menachem Mendel Reinitz, 26, a second-year BA Government student from the USA; Zachary Dajczman, 24, from France, pursuing a second-year BA in Psychology; Yoel Pinto, 21, a firstyear BA Business & Entrepreneurship student from Turkey; Rachell Rothstein, 23, studying for an MA in Government with a focus on Diplomacy & Conflict Studies in the USA; Zara-Lee Maloon, 24, a third-year BA Government student from South Africa; and Ron Karger, 25, a second-year Communications student from Switzerland.
All are lone-soldier reservists with some having served over 300 days of reserve duty in the past 15 months.
ETHEL & LEONARD TIGAY SPORTS & CULTURE PROGRAM
Throughout the year, the Ethel & Leonard Tigay Sports & Culture Program provided international students with opportunities to participate in soccer, tennis, surfing, beach volleyball, and basketball leagues, as well as yoga, meditation, and creative activities like paint nights. These programs enriched campus life and fostered a sense of camaraderie and well-being among students.
The Raphael Recanati International School continues to be a beacon of excellence, fostering academic achievements, cultural richness, and a profound sense of community. Reflecting on the past year, we are proud of our students and staff who contribute to making Reichman University a truly exceptional place to learn, grow, and thrive.
Surfing course
In the school’s surfing course, participants gain and develop the skills needed to be a surfer, all while having fun and experiencing a multicultural and social environment. And enjoying the beautiful beaches in Herzliya too.
Basketball league
With 50+ participants (international students), the basketball league celebrates its fourth season in Herzliya. Held at Yoni Netanyahu Sports Hall, the tournament is one of the best opportunities to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy the city facilities. Basketball lovers can sign up with their friends as a team, or join individually, and organizers help them find a team, contributing to the effort to turn teammates into friends! The league lasts six weeks in each season and is packed with amazing prizes for winners, trophies, and medals.
Women’s Soccer Academy
Herzliya’s Women’s Soccer Academy is one of the school’s most successful academies; it is the first of three being run currently. Packed with young women of all different skill levels and parts of the world, each season is the best time to develop or improve soccer skills, stay active, and make new friends! The academy lasts eight weeks each time. At the end of every season, the RRIS runs a special tournament called the “Golda Meir Cup” that brings together all women from different academies as well as external individuals who want to participate. Each year the tournament is hosted in a different city: Jerusalem, Herzliya, or Tel Aviv, promoting interaction between participants from each city.
Beach Volleyball Academy
The Beach Volleyball Academy is the best place to take the first steps toward becoming a tournament-ready pro or train and improve skills. Led by professional volleyball instructors, the Academy is packed with high-quality equipment and individuals of all different skill levels and parts of the world. This is the best gateway to making new friends while staying active in a competitive, healthy, international, and fun environment.
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES
In Remembrance of Our Fallen Heroes Reichman University deeply mourns the heartbreaking loss of students and alumni who were taken from us far too soon. Their bravery, commitment, and dreams will forever be etched in our hearts.
Maj. (Res.) Moshe Yedidyah Leiter (39) z”l
A first-year MBA student in Healthcare Innovation at Reichman University and reservist paramedic was killed in action on November 8th, 2023, in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, when an IED exploded in a tunnel shaft under a mosque. He served as a company commander in the 697th Battalion of the 551st Brigade. Alongside his medical studies, Leiter played a key role in preparing ultra-Orthodox men for IDF service in Unit 8200, training them in computer science.
At his funeral in Jerusalem, his daughter Carmi expressed her admiration for his wisdom and strength, saying, “Dad, you made me into the best version of myself.” His wife, Tzippy, eulogized their 20-year marriage, calling him “one big light” whose brilliance now lives on in countless fragments. Leiter is survived by his wife and six children, the youngest under three months old, as well as his parents, grandmother, and seven siblings.
Maj. (Res.) Benji (Benjamin) Trakeniski (32) z”l
An alumnus of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy at Reichman University, was killed in battle on October 7th, 2023, while fighting to save dozens of civilians in Kibbutz Be’eri. A dedicated military officer in the 7th Division, he rushed to his base and deployed south, despite being off duty. He and his team were the first to enter Be’eri, eliminating terrorists and rescuing nearly 50 wounded civilians. Benji was engaged to Rotem Simon, and they were planning their wedding for April. At his funeral, she tearfully read out the vows she had written for their wedding.
A true leader, Benji was a pillar of the Reichman University community, volunteering to support students serving in the IDF reserves. His younger sister, Sharon, described him as a big brother to all, a man whose kindness and dedication left a lasting impact. Their father, Israel, recalled Benji’s lifelong generosity—from donating his pocket money at age five to volunteering with children with disabilities at age seven. He lived by his motto, “Be strong,” which his family now clings to in his absence. Benji is survived by his fiancée, Rotem, his father, Israel, his mother, Liz Trakeniski Bennett, and his sister, Sharon.
Maj. (Res.) Dor Zimel (27) z”l
A deputy company commander in the Etzioni Brigade, Dor succumbed to his wounds on April 21st, 2024, following a Hezbollah drone strike in northern Israel. He was a dedicated third-year Government & Law student, deeply committed to both his studies and his service.
Dor’s peers offer their tributes:
Evyatar Fluhr remembers, “Dor was joyful, energetic, and loved by all. He lived life to the fullest, never sitting on the sidelines. I’ll always remember his lesson—to give 100% in everything and to live with purpose. I love you, my brother. I miss you.”
Mor Matzliach explains, “Dor wasn’t just my best friend; he was my soulmate. His huge smile, positivity, and love for people lit up the world. He’ll always be with me, and I’ll strive to be a light to others, just like he was.”
Maj. (Res.) Eyal Avnion (25) z”l
A deputy company commander in the 121st Battalion of the 8th Armored Brigade, Eyal fell in battle in Gaza on July 1st, 2024. He was a promising incoming Psychology & Business Administration student from Hod Hasharon.
He was eulogized at the funeral by family and friends as someone who made everyone smile and who succeeded in everything he tried. “He was successful. Everything he touched turned to gold. His military service is a story in itself— he enlisted in Shayetet 13. He trained for it throughout his pre-army preparation program, barely sleeping at night, constantly training. It was his greatest goal. In general, in the army, his mission was to contribute to the country, to give back to the place where he lived and where he built his life.”
Chief Insp. Arnon Zmora (36) z”l
An incoming MA student in Counter-Terrorism, Arnon fell on June 8th, 2024, during a heroic operation to rescue four hostages—Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrey Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv. Arnon, from the elite Yamam counterterrorism unit, came under fire while leading a team extracting hostages from a building.
Arnon’s wife, Michal, remembers him, “Everything is filled now with the picture of the hero, Arnon Zmora, of blessed memory. But way before he was a warrior and hero, he was a sweet and wonderful man. A fantastic husband and a perfect father. A man who loved and was loved. That’s how we are going to remember him. And I will be happy if you also remember him that way.”
Sgt. Maj. (Res.) Daniel Alush (37) z”l
A member of the Special Tactics Rescue Unit 669, Daniel was killed in Gaza on September 11th, 2024. An accomplished alumnus, he graduated with a degree in Business Administration.
Daniel was known for his unwavering kindness, humility, and strength, traits that endeared him to all who knew him. He was a devoted father and husband, a proud son, and a loyal brother whose love and support were felt deeply by those around him. Kim, his widow, eulogized him at the funeral, “Daniel had a smile that could light up any room and a rare ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. His dreams were filled with adventure, family, and love—dreams he brought to life through his warmth and determination.”
Master Sgt. (Res.) Gideon Derow (33) z”l
Master Sgt. (Res.) Gideon Derow z”l, 33, a Reichman University alumnus in Law and Governance, was killed in Northern Gaza on May 22nd, 2024. Just days before, he was in Holland with his pregnant wife, Gabi, but chose to return early to rejoin his unit.
President Isaac Herzog honored him: “He was loved and gave love in return. He fell as he lived—with devotion and bravery.” A lawyer and a mentor, Gideon was dedicated to building a better society. His parents remember him not just for his courage but for his kindness and commitment to helping others.
Sgt. First Class (Res.) David Schwartz (26) z”l
A third-year BA student in the Law and Government program at Reichman University from Elazar. He served in the Combat Engineering Corps’ 8219th Battalion, 551st (Hetzei Ha-Esh/Arrows of Fire) Paratroopers Brigade. David fell in battle in Khan Younis, Southern Gaza, on January 8th, 2024, when he was hit by an anti-tank missile.
David was deeply admired by those around him. His best friend from university, Ran, wrote: “I don’t even know how to begin, how to eulogize a person, a friend, a brother, a warrior...” His wife, Meital, expressed her heartbreak at his funeral, recalling their dreams of starting a family. “So many shattered dreams, I can’t imagine myself without you,” she said. His mother, Sara, described him as a “pure person, a man of truth who fights against injustices.”
Sgt. First Class (Res.) Joseph Gitarts (22) z”l
Sgt. First Class (res.) Joseph Gitarts z”l, a courageous tank driver under his company commander, exhibited unwavering dedication to duty on the battlefield. He fought in the 7029th Armored Battalion in the “Re’em” formation (179) and was killed on December 25th, 2023 after an anti-tank missile hit the tank he was driving in South Gaza. He was slated to be released from IDF reserve duty just five days later.
A talented second-year Computer Science student, Prof. Yaacov Hel-Or, Dean of the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science, remembers Joseph as an inquisitive student, consistently ranking among the top in class. Gitarts’ classmates, recognizing his excellence, elected him as their class representative, highlighting his popularity.
Sgt. First Class (Res.) Santiago Obadia (26) z”l
Santiago came to Israel from Venezuela with a deep sense of duty and a courageous heart. Though he had no obligation to fight, he chose to stand and defend the Jewish people, embodying the true spirit of sacrifice. Sadly, the weight of war proved too great for his gentle soul. May his sacrifice be remembered, and may his soul rest in peace.
Sgt. First Class (Res.) Omer Balva (22) z”l
A second-year Business Administration and Economics student at the Raphael Recanati International School, Omer was killed on October 20th, 2023, in a Hezbollah attack along the Lebanese border. He served in the 9203rd Battalion of the Alexandroni Brigade. Omer had been living in the US when the war broke out but immediately flew back to Israel to rejoin his unit. Omer was remembered for his deep love for Israel, his sense of duty, and his vibrant personality. Friends described him as someone who could light up any room and always put others first. His loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and the Reichman University community.
Ilay Nachman (23) z”l
An incoming BA student in Entrepreneurship and Business Administration at Reichman University, was murdered on October 7th, 2023, at the Nova Music Festival during the Swords of Iron War. A Shin Bet agent, former paratrooper, and basketball player for Hof HaSharon, Ilay attended the festival with friends when rockets began to fall. As they sought shelter, a terrorist approached their hiding place. In an act of extraordinary bravery, Ilay and his friend Addir Masika z”l charged at the attacker with their bare hands, pushing him out of the shelter. They were shot and killed on the spot, but their actions saved three friends. Ilay was just days away from his 24th birthday.
Ilay’s mother, Yifat, described him as “a person of light and action, always smiling, with amazing interpersonal skills—everyone wanted to be his friend.” He briefly worked at the MyHeritage lab, where colleagues recalled his deep kindness, wisdom, and lasting impact despite his short time there. He is survived by his grandfather, parents Yifat and Eyal, his brother Ravid, and his partner, Arbel.
Liam Shrem (26) z”l
A third-year student in Entrepreneurship and Business Administration at Reichman University, was murdered on October 7th, 2023, by Hamas terrorists at the Nova Music Festival. A promising young entrepreneur, Liam had recently secured an internship at PwC and won first place in Reichman University’s student social entrepreneurship competition. His project, SPLASH, aimed to renovate basketball courts with artwork by local artists, fostering community engagement and encouraging a healthier lifestyle. He had just begun expanding the initiative internationally, opening his first court in London.
Liam’s mother, Simona, described him as a joyful and determined young man who never went to bed sad. Though exempt from combat service as an only child, he insisted on enlisting as a combat soldier and served as a commander in the Netzach Yehuda unit. While trying to escape the attack at the festival, his car was surrounded by terrorists, who shot and killed him at close range. Thousands attended his Shiva, a testament to the deep impact he had on those around him. Liam was an only child and is survived by his mother, Simona Shrem, who now carries on his dream of transforming communities through basketball.
Omri Ram (29) z”l
A third-year Business Administration and Economics student at Reichman University, was murdered on October 7th, 2023, by Hamas terrorists at the Nova Music Festival.
Originally from Aseret, Omri was about to complete his degree and had recently returned from a semester abroad at the prestigious Sciences Po in Paris. A former combat soldier in an elite intelligence unit, he was known for his optimism, kindness, and love of life. He was also a passionate Maccabi Haifa fan and a skilled poker player, having played professionally since the age of 12.
Omri’s father, Menashe, described him as “a beloved son who loved everyone and was loved by all.” On the day of the attack, he was killed alongside two friends but managed to save many others. He is survived by his parents, Meirav and Menashe, and his siblings, Tomer and Eyal.
Idan Shtivi (28) z”l
A second-year Government & Sustainability student, Idan was murdered on October 7th, 2023, at the Nova Music Festival, where he worked as a photographer.
After a year of uncertainty, during which Idan was assumed to have been taken alive as a hostage, his family received the devastating confirmation of his death on October 6th, 2024. His body is still being held hostage by Hamas.
Known for his altruistic and kind nature, he is remembered as a true friend, a lover of nature, and someone deeply committed to making a positive impact on the world.
Noam’s sun, with the rays representing who Noam was in her eyes
IN NOAM’S WAYS
PUBLIC SERVICE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM AT REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
In memory of Noam Avramovich z”l, a brave young soldier whose life was tragically cut short in the October 7th attack at the Nahal Oz base, the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy, under the leadership of Dean Prof. Liza Saban, is establishing an honors excellence program in public service. The course will be led by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yehudit Grisaro.
Noam was a dedicated soldier with a passionate vision of serving her country, harboring dreams of one day studying at Reichman University and ultimately becoming Prime Minister. Though her life was brutally interrupted, her family is committed to preserving her legacy and continuing her mission of public service.
The public service program, named in Noam’s honor, will seek to ensure that Noam’s vision of dedicated public service continues to inspire and guide future generations of Israeli leaders.
The program introduces students to the needs of the citizen and community, and includes external lectures from prominent public service figures.
The school had the honor of welcoming Noam’s mother, Adva Avramovich, to campus, where she shared her insights into her daughter’s remarkable character and profound commitment to national service as well as the unimaginable story of the attack on Nahal Oz base on October 7th, 2023.
The program includes six on-campus sessions (four have already taken place in the first semester) and two off-campus sessions: a tour at Nahal Oz base to see firsthand how Noam and her friends spent the last hours before being murdered and kidnapped into Gaza; as well as an overnight hackathon, where students will present their final projects to the Avramovich family towards the end of the second semester.
The In Noam’s Ways Program is generously supported by David and Hilary Grunwerg, who shared: “We are extended family in the UK, friends of Israel, devastated by the events of October 7th and their aftermath, saddened by the loss of dear Noam, and hoping that something positive can derive from this program in Noam’s name.”
Noam Avramovich z”l
BE KIND AS OMER SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GOLANI COMBAT
SOLDIERS, IN MEMORY OF SERGEANT MAJOR OMER BALVA Z”L
Omer Balva z”l, who was a second year Business and Economics student at the Raphael Recanati International School, sanctified the love of life and human dignity, treating everyone he met with compassion and kindness. Omer fell in battle defending his homeland, and following his death, his family and friends decided to honor his memory by establishing a scholarship fund to support combat soldiers from his unit studying at Reichman University.
When the war broke out, Omer was on a semester break at home in the USA with his parents. As a lone soldier whose love for Israel was in his heart and soul, he rushed back home to join his comrades at the Alexandroni Brigade, where he did his reserve duty. According to his family, parents Eyal and Sigal and his sister Shahar, this scholarship fund embodies Omer’s love for his homeland, for the Golani Brigade in which he served, and for the values that guided him.
Each of the recipients will receive a generous scholarship as well as a laptop to support and ease their studies. It is the family’s hope to support five ex-Golani students a year, throughout their studies. The family also looks forward to establishing the Omer Balva Sports Center at Reichman University, in the future.
Omer Balva z”l
At the Scholarship award ceremony, from left: Jonathan Davis, with former Deans of the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science, Prof. Tami Tamir, Prof. Shimon Schocken (Founding Dean, Efi Arazi School of Computer Science), Prof. Boaz Ganor, RUNI President, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Alex Gertskovich, Larisa & Yaacov Gitarts, Dean Prof. Yaacov Hel-Or, former Dean Prof. Gadi Taubenfeld
JOSEPH GITARTS Z”L MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
FUND
FELL
IN THE SWORDS OF IRON WAR
SECOND-YEAR BSC STUDENT IN COMPUTER SCIENCE, RAPHAEL RECANATI INTERNATIONAL
Sgt. First Class (res.) Joseph Gitarts z”l, a dedicated and courageous tank driver, served in the 7029th Armored Battalion of the “Re’em” formation (179). His unwavering commitment to duty and his comrades was exemplified on the battlefield. Tragically, Joseph fell in combat after an anti-tank missile struck his tank in South Gaza, just five days before his scheduled release from reserve duty.
Joseph immigrated to Israel from Russia with his parents at the age of 12, becoming a proud new-generation Russian-Israeli deeply connected to his homeland. At 25, he embodied the spirit of Zionism, often expressing his profound love for Israel and its people.
At Reichman University, Joseph excelled as a secondyear Computer Science student at the Raphael Recanati International School. He was a participant in the prestigious Upstart Entrepreneurial Program, an honors student, and a class representative, maintaining one of the highest averages in his class despite his many commitments.
Prof. Yaacov Hel-Or
Computer Science, recalls Joseph as an inquisitive and gifted student, consistently excelling in his studies. His peers recognized his leadership and dedication by electing him class representative, a testament to his charisma and popularity.
Joseph’s passion for learning and connection with others was reflected in his application to Reichman University, where he wrote:
“At the University, I will have the unique opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with people from all around the world who, despite having diverse backgrounds, share similar aspirations and are unified on the most pressing issues.”
His legacy continues through the Joseph Gitarts Memorial Scholarship, generously established by his parents. This annual scholarship honors Joseph’s memory by supporting outstanding students who embody his values of excellence, dedication, and service.
Joseph Gitarts z”l
The first recipient of the scholarship is Alex Gertskovich, a brilliant MA Computer Science student whose story exemplifies perseverance and achievement. Alex’s parents and grandmother emigrated from Ukraine in 1991. He served in the Combat Engineering Corps as an officer, spending four years on active duty with the elite Yahalom commando unit.
Alex went on to complete his BSc in Computer Science at Reichman University as part of the Keren Or Program, a track designed to support students from challenging socio-economic backgrounds. Despite his responsibilities, including reserve duty for two months every summer, Alex excelled academically. He was awarded the Dean’s List honor three years in a row and graduated with distinction.
In a heartfelt ceremony attended by Joseph’s parents, Larissa and Yaacov, along with Jonathan Davis, Professor Yaacov Hel-Or, as well as Joseph’s peers and friends, the inaugural Joseph Gitarts Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Alex. The event was a poignant tribute to Joseph’s memory.
Joseph’s commitment to education, service, and community lives on through this scholarship, ensuring that his legacy will inspire and empower future generations.
May his memory be a blessing.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF GORDON HAUSMANN Z”L
By Jonathan Davis, VP External Relations and Head of the Raphael Recanati
We are deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend and unwavering supporter of Reichman University, Gordon Hausmann z”l.
Gordon was not only a passionate Zionist but also a dedicated advocate for Reichman University in London. He took it upon himself to establish the UK Friends of Reichman University, laying the foundation for a community that continues to thrive thanks to his commitment.
As Founder and Treasurer of the UK Friends of Reichman University, Gordon’s leadership and dedication helped our organization flourish. His tireless efforts, along with the strong team he cultivated, have left an indelible mark on the university and its students. For this, we are forever grateful.
We extend our deepest condolences to Gordon’s beloved wife, Ruth Hausmann, his family, and his colleagues at Hausmann & Co. We hope he is looking down on us fondly, knowing the profound gratitude we hold for him in our hearts.
Thank you, Gordon, for everything. Your vision, kindness, and devotion to Reichman University will be remembered always. You are dearly missed, but your legacy will continue to inspire us.
With heartfelt appreciation and remembrance, Jonathan Davis
International School at Reichman University
THE AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
This year marks the launch of the Australian Friends of Reichman University.
Founder and leading the organization is Mr. Albert Dadon AM, an Australian businessman, musician, composer, and philanthropist renowned for his contributions to culture, international relations, and property development.
The organization’s primary mission is to raise funds to support the university’s initiatives and provide scholarships for students. However, given the challenges of the past year and the rise in antisemitism on university campuses, it also sees a critical need to strengthen and expand academic partnerships between Reichman University and institutions in Australia, fostering research collaborations and joint initiatives.
It aims to encourage more students to choose Reichman University as an alternative to studying in Australia— offering them the opportunity to live in Israel, study in English, and return to their communities equipped with the best tools to make an impact.
The organization will also work to strengthen ties with Reichman alumni living in Australia by hosting networking events throughout the year. Additionally, it plans to bring guest lecturers from the university to Australia periodically, send delegations to major conferences, and deepen the connection between the most Zionistic university in Israel and one of the world’s most committed Zionist communities.
Australian Friends of Reichman Engagement and Development Director is Michael Manhaim, a Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy graduate and the Public Diplomacy Program.
Federal Chairman of Australian Friends of Reichman University, Mr. Albert Dadon AM
Australian Friends of Reichman Engagement and Development Director, Michael Manhaim
At the end of February 2025, RUNI President, Prof. Boaz Ganor, VP and Head of the RRIS Jonathan Davis, and RUNI President Chief of Staff Stevie Weinberg visited Australia for the launch of The Australian Friends of Reichman University. This initiative aimed to strengthen Jewish pride and deepen the connection between Australian Jewry and Israel. During their visit, they engaged with Jewish community leaders, students, and families in both Melbourne and Sydney, hosting launch events, boardroom discussions, and school visits. They were warmly hosted by the Federal Chairman of the Australian Friends and had the honor of attending the Opening Gala of the Friends of Australia. Former prime minister Tony Abbott spoke at the Gala, which celebrated this new chapter in the partnership between Reichman University and the Australian Jewish community.
They met the families of Reichman University graduates, who spoke with pride about their children's transformation through their education in Israel. Davis engaged with Jewish students who expressed concerns over the rising tide of antisemitism in Australia. He emphasized that knowledge, confidence, and a strong connection to Israel are the most powerful tools in combating hate.
He encouraged students not to retreat in the face of hostility but to stand firm in their identity, engage in meaningful dialogue, and consider studying in Israel as a way to gain the leadership skills necessary to strengthen their communities.
In addition to student engagement, the visit also focused on strengthening security and leadership within the Australian Jewish community. Prof. Ganor was invited to brief the Victorian Police Counter-Terrorism Unit, where he shared expertise on emerging threats. As a key outcome, a dedicated fund will be established to support the professional development of law enforcement and community leaders, enabling them to attend Reichman University’s conferences and seminars on counter-terrorism, diplomacy, and the fight against antisemitism. This initiative reinforces Reichman University's commitment to equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to protect and strengthen their communities.
The visit marked the beginning of an even stronger partnership between Reichman University and the Australian Jewish community.
Prof. Boaz Ganor and Jonathan Davis addressing the audience at the Gala for the Launch of the Australian Friends of Reichman University
From left: Stevie Weinberg, Prof. Boaz Ganor, Erin Molan (Journalist and Zionist Advocate), Jonathan Davis, and Albert Dadon AM, in Sydney
CELEBRATING CONNECTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES AS REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
FACES CHALLENGES NOW MORE THAN EVER
Leslie Skyba Executive Director, American Friends of Reichman University
Friends of Reichman University
NYC ALUMNI EVENT
On September 16th, 2024, alumni in New York City came together for a special evening with Reichman University President Prof. Boaz Ganor, and Head of the Raphael Recanati International School, Jonathan Davis.
Alumni of all ages filled the room at the Israeli-owned “Blue Stripes Cacao Shop,” taking the opportunity to reconnect and network with each other while sipping wine and noshing on appetizers.
From left: Prof. Boaz Ganor, Alum David Topol, Jonathan Davis
From left: Yona Golran, Emily Drake, Yahel Kaplan, Lee Ramati, Yoni Kelmwork, Jonathan Peer, Shaked Sharon
From left: The American Friends of Reichman University Team, Rina Haller, Natalie Golan-Aubrey, Leslie Skyba, Amy Nachon
JAZWARES HOSTS SECOND COHORT OF REICHMAN UNIVERSITY INTERNS IN FLORIDA
In September 2024, Jazwares, a leading toy company based in South Florida and known for its innovative products, welcomed six enthusiastic Reichman University students for an immersive two-month internship experience. Students were given the unique opportunity to dive into the vibrant world of toy design, marketing, and production, gaining valuable insights into the industry. As the program came to an end, the interns showcased their projects in a presentation to company executives, demonstrating their hard work and newfound knowledge. While in Florida, students celebrated the high holidays and Shabbat with the local Jewish community in Hollywood.
Thank you to the university’s generous supporters, Judd and Laura Zebersky, for making this opportunity possible.
From left: Oshrit Bekaya, Yafit Assien, Rachel Takoya, Revital Metuko, Gal Gwangool, Shani Eshto
GILDER, GANON, HOWE & CO. HOSTS INTERNS IN THE BIG APPLE
In a vibrant culmination of cultural exchange and professional development, three Israeli-Ethiopian interns successfully completed a two-month internship experience at Gilder Ganon Howe & Co., a renowned investment firm based in New York City. The interns–Maya Melles, Orit Alama, and Yoni Mamo Kelmwork arrived in the city eager to gain insights into the fastpaced world of finance and investment management. Throughout their internship, the trio engaged in various projects that provided them with hands-on experience in market research, data analysis, and client relations.
Under the mentorship of James Deutsch, a Reichman University longtime supporter, the students honed their skills and contributed fresh perspectives to ongoing initiatives. Thank you to James and the GGHC team for making this internship experience possible.
From left: Yoni Mamo Kelmwork, Maya Melles, Prof. Boaz Ganor, Jonathan Davis, Leslie Skyba, Orit Alama
From left:
Yoni Mamo Kelmwork, James Deutsch, Tarikul Islam, Maya Melles, Orit Alama, Eric Domb
2024 GALA EVENING
“SWORDS
OF IRON–HEROISM AND RESILIENCE”
The Israel Friends 2024 end-of-year gala was dedicated to the theme of “Heroism and Resilience,” reflecting the challenging year Israel has endured. For the first time, a celebratory gala was not held, as it didn’t feel like the appropriate time to celebrate. Instead, the evening honored the heroes of this period by awarding them honorary doctorates—the highest recognition a university can bestow.
The honorary degrees were awarded to five exceptional individuals who demonstrated significant leadership and action at the onset of the war, embodying the values of Zionism, heroism, leadership, social responsibility, and personal initiative—values deeply rooted in the university’s mission.
The event was attended by university friends from Israel and abroad, alumni, faculty members, and the honorees’ guests.
The evening opened with a heartfelt speech by Prof. Uriel Reichman, emphasizing the importance of civic and social solidarity during difficult times.
From left: Eyal Naveh, Capt. Karni Gaz, Prof. Boaz Ganor, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Noa Tishby, Oudi Recanati, Brig. Gen. Israel Shomer, Chaim Yellin
Israel Friends of Reichman University
HONORARY DOCTORATE RECIPIENTS:
Capt. Karni Gaz
Recognized for her leadership, courage, and resourcefulness alongside the tank fighters of the “Ferah” company during the harrowing events of October 7th, her critical actions helped save the lives of many civilians in Kibbutz Holit and surrounding areas. Her recognition also celebrates her role—and that of all her fellow female fighters—in proving women’s ability to successfully integrate into combat roles in the IDF.
Chaim Yellin
Honored for his years of dedicated service to Israeli society, his contribution to the growth of the Eshkol Regional Council, and his leadership representing hope and resilience. He serves as a voice for the residents of the region, embodying the Zionist vision of aliyah and active participation in settling the Negev.
Eyal Naveh
Recognized for his inspiring commitment to Israeli society, especially since the events of October 7th, exemplifying the values of mutual responsibility and solidarity that define the Israeli spirit. His establishment of the largest civilian command center, still operational today, supports both the IDF and Israeli citizens. He is also celebrated for his central role in the “Brothers in Arms” organization and its mission to preserve Israel’s Jewish and democratic identity.
Brig. Gen. Israel Shomer
Honored for his longstanding service to the security of Israel and its citizens, his courageous actions on October 7th to defend Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the surrounding communities exemplify the spirit of determination, sacrifice, and resilience demonstrated by Israel’s citizens and soldiers.
Noa Tishby
Recognized for her extensive advocacy on behalf of Israel in the United States and her fight against antisemitism. Her dedication as an ambassador for Israel and her efforts to secure the release of hostages since October 7th highlight her deep personal commitment to the Zionist mission.
Awarding honorary doctorates
OPENING EVENT FOR THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR
Friends of the University Kickoff Event:
“Israel–US Relations: What’s Next?”
The first Friends of the University event for the new academic year took place one week after the US presidential elections and focused on the timely and sensitive topic: “Israel–US Relations: What’s Next?” This engaging evening featured a roundtable discussion analyzing the election results and their implications for Israel’s relationship with its most important ally.
The evening began with opening remarks from Prof. Uriel Reichman, who highlighted the launch of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine. This new and exciting school aims to train the next generation of doctors and researchers in the field of medicine.
Gili Dinstein, CEO of the Friends of the University and Alumni Association, moderated the evening. She shared updates on the start of the academic year, the university’s growth, the impact of the ongoing conflict, and the Friends organization’s partnership in these efforts.
The expert panel delved into the potential impacts of the US election on the future of Israel–US relations. Discussions explored how the new administration might shape American policy toward Israel and what this means for continued collaboration between the two nations.
Panelists:
• Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead, Head of the Institute for Policy and Strategy and Chair of the Herzliya Conference Series
• Prof. Amnon Cavari, Head of the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility, Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy
• Alon Pinkas, diplomat and political advisor, former Consul General of Israel in New York
Moderator:
Dr. Dana Wolf, Head of the Law and Security Division at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy, and a proud alumna of the university. Dr. Wolf led a thought-provoking discussion, presenting the experts’ perspectives on the challenges Israel faces in the international arena.
From left:
Dr. Dana Wolf, Alon Pinkas, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead, Prof. Amnon Cavari
This May, the University’s Alumni Association is set to launch an inspiring and enriching lecture series for its graduates. Titled “Thinking Allowed,” the series offers alumni the opportunity to delve deeper into professional and personal knowledge while revisiting campus life and reliving their student days.
The lectures will be delivered by leading university faculty members, covering a range of current and engaging topics, such as real estate, the legal implications of daily life, groundbreaking research, and more.
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES “THINKING ALLOWED” LECTURE SERIES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HOSTS REUNIONS FOR GRADUATES OF VARIOUS SCHOOLS
The Alumni Association organizes a series of reunions aimed at reconnecting graduates with one another and with the university, even years after completing their degrees. These reunions provide a platform for alumni to catch up, share experiences, network with peers, and reminisce about their campus days. The events often feature special guest lectures on diverse topics, further enriching the alumni experience.
The Alumni Association views these reunions as an integral part of building a vibrant and thriving alumni community that continues to contribute and grow well beyond graduation.
Previous events:
1. Arison School of Business Alumni Reunion
Date: 29/1/25 | Location: Campus
Guest Speaker: Lior Raz, actor and creator, sharing insights from his personal and professional journey.
2. First Alumni Reunion of the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science
Date: 30/1/25 | Location: Campus
Guest Speaker: Roni Kuban, journalist, creator, and director, speaking about the art of engaging conversations—on television and in life.
Each lecture will focus on a unique subject, allowing alumni to continue learning and growing even after their formal education has concluded. After all, while we all graduate eventually, the journey of learning and development never truly ends.
The goal of the series is not only to provide professional enrichment but also to strengthen the bond between the university and its alumni while fostering connections among the graduates themselves. This initiative ensures that alumni continue to feel part of the university community long after their academic journey.
3. First Alumni Reunion of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy
Date: 19/2/25 | Location: Campus
Guest Speaker: Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, IDF Spokesperson in Arabic, delivering a lecture titled “Communicating with the Enemy During the Swords of Iron War,” addressing the diplomatic and strategic challenges of wartime communication.
4. Harry Radzyner Law School Alumni Reunion
Date: 10/3/25 | Location: Campus
Special Feature: A stand-up comedy show by Hanoch Daum.
Upcoming
Reunions for the Academic Year 2025:
1. School of Sustainability Alumni Reunion
Date: 18/6/25 | Location: Campus
2. Tiomkin School of Economics Alumni Reunion
Date: 9/7/25
3. Sammy Ofer School of Communication Alumni Reunion
Date: 10/9/25
PROF. AMNON LEHAVI APPOINTED NEW PROVOST OF REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
Prof. Amnon Lehavi was appointed by the Board of Directors as the new Provost of Reichman University, following a unanimous recommendation by the Higher Academic Committee and Search Committee, chaired by President Prof. Boaz Ganor. Prof. Lehavi, a two-time graduate of Yale University (LLM, 2000; JSD, 2003), started his tenure as Provost on October 1st, 2024, replacing Prof. Varda Liberman
Prof. Lehavi is the Atara Kaufman Professor of Law at the Harry Radzyner Law School and former Dean of the Law School (2016–2021). He also serves as Academic Director of the G City Real Estate Institute at Reichman University and was Co-president of the Law School’s Global League (2018–2021). He is the National Correspondent for Israel at UNIDROIT (The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law) and has taught as a visiting professor at numerous universities abroad, including the University of Toronto, University of California, Berkeley, Tilburg University, and Luiss University.
Prof. Lehavi is a leading authority on property, real estate law, land use controls, international economic law, cultural property law & policy, and law and globalization. He is the author of Cultural Property: Law, Policy, Markets (Cambridge UP, forthcoming 2025), Property Law in a Globalizing World (Cambridge UP, 2019) and The Construction of Property: Norms, Institutions, Challenges (Cambridge UP, 2013).
Prof. Ganor conveyed his congratulations: “Prof. Lehavi assumes the role of Provost in a highly challenging time, in which academia must deal with national security, economic, and domestic challenges in Israel, as well as with challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the dramatic changes it already brings to the labor market. Such challenges require us to quickly adjust our curriculum and instruction methods. Prof. Lehavi is the right person to successfully address these challenges.”
MESSAGE FROM PROVOST PROF. AMNON LEHAVI
I am honored to start my tenure as the Provost of Reichman University. I joined the university as an assistant professor in the fall of 2003 after completing my doctorate in law from Yale University. I feel truly privileged to have been part of this incredible academic institution ever since then, including during my term as Dean of the Harry Radzyner Law School, in which we established the first PhD program.
These are exciting times for Reichman University. The inauguration of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine is a major milestone for the university. It enables us to fulfill the key academic, professional, and societal mission of educating the next generation of doctors in Israel–after years in which too many of our young men and women had to go abroad to pursue their medical education–and to do so with the best possible team of medical researchers, practicing physicians, and the most advanced teaching facilities in the country. Moreover, our interdisciplinary approach to medical research and education already connects the Dina Recanati School of Medicine to the other schools on campus, as well as to many of the dozens of research centers and institutes at the university, such as the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology.
New fronts in interdisciplinary research will be further advanced by the establishment of the university-wide Committee for the Enhancement of Research, chaired by Prof. Aharon Barak, former President of the Supreme Court. Our commitment to promoting research will also be exacerbated by the recent appointment of Dr. Orit Rapaport as the new Head of the Research Authority and the inauguration of a new PhD Program in business administration in the fall of 2025, which will join our PhD programs in law, computer science, psychology, and government.
Prof. Amnon Lehavi, Provost
1EFI ARAZI SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Combining deep theoretical studies with up-to-date knowledge.
Prof. Yacov Hel-Or, Dean
Efi Arazi z”l
/// MILUIMNIKIM
(RESERVIST) CLUB
HOW THE EFI ARAZI SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE FIERCELY SUPPORTS ITS MILUIMNIKIM
With the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, following the horrific events of October 7th, 2023, Reichman University’s management team knew they had to do whatever they could to support the many students drafted to reserve duty. With 50% of Reichman students on reserve duty at some point during the war, Reichman University leaders knew they needed to show them they had their backs and that they should not worry about their studies, only about what was in front of them—fighting Israel’s enemies.
Each and every school on campus found a way, in addition to the general outline the management drafted, to help its miluimnikim (reservists).
Such was the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science. The dean, Prof. Yacov Hel-Or, with the support of the academic and administrative staff, decided to open a specialized mini-semester just for miluimnikim. This special semester began towards the end of the first regular semester, and the professors, in their free time, repeated the lectures they had already given to the students who did not serve.
When the second regular semester began, staff and students realized that another specialized minisemester would not be as efficient, and decided to open the “Miluimnikim Club”, as a response to miluimnikim’s academic needs. The club began modestly with pizza and two and half hours of weekly recorded tutoring sessions but quickly grew into a more organized initiative tailored to the needs of three distinct types of miluimnikim. These included those who work in shifts and can study on campus between shifts, those stationed at the front who can join sessions via Zoom, and those unable to attend live sessions but who could rely on the recorded materials.
The club, which was developed with the full backing of the academic and administrative staff of the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science, has been providing two and a half tutoring hours per week with a social gathering first. During finals season, it offers five tutoring hours for each course that the school offers. As there are more than 100 miluimnikim in the school, the club has been a tremendous support for them.
Major (Res.) Tamir Sida, who was a first-year student when the war began, said “Without this club I wouldn’t have made it through my first year, both in the academic aspect and also in the social aspect. I’ve been in miluim since October 7th, and I managed to successfully finish my first year and am currently in my second year, without having to retake or finish up courses from the first year, all thanks to the club.”
His miluimnikim friends share his feelings, saying that without this amazing support of the Dean and the entire school staff, they couldn’t have moved on to the follow up courses–and passed them. They feel they have the support and ear of the staff, who ensure they know they will help the miluimnikim solve any issue that might arise from their service, and that they should focus on the work they do in the IDF.
Miluimnikim Club, first semester, November 2024
/// ADVANCING HEALTHCARE WITH NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING
HOW AI IS USED TO IMPROVE MEDICAL PROCESSES
Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) finds us in many aspects of life. While we use AI daily, such as when asking popular language models (like ChatGPT or Claude) to help us plan a trip, summarize a long text, draft an email at work, find a recipe before cooking dinner, or even help us with financial decisions, there are many uses we are not familiar with, mostly those employed by professionals. One aspect not many are aware of is the ever-growing use of AI in medicine; from analyzing clinical data to diagnostics to treatment, AI is more relevant than ever.
According to Dr. Kfir Bar from the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science, when it comes to Hebrew, language models have two basic limitations. While large language models (LLMs) exist for Hebrew, their performance lags behind models for English and other highly resourced languages. This limitation becomes even more pronounced when dealing with text in specialized domains, such as healthcare, where models must be adapted and trained to understand domain-specific jargon and nuances. Dr. Bar has been collaborating with hospitals and mental health centers across Israel to address the challenge of handling complex patient records. His work focuses on transforming this vast clinical data into concise, structured summaries that are both practical and accessible.
In cooperation with The I-Medata AI Center at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Dr. Bar has been developing a Hebrew language model (similar to ChatGPT) that is being adapted for the medical domain by feeding it with the Hebrew jargon of electronic medical records from the hospital. Three use cases came to Dr. Bar’s mind when he began developing the model: First, it can be used to develop a system that recommends different courses of treatment, tailor-made for each patient, based on their on-file medical history; second, it can assist in creating a “patient journey” by building a timeline with all the major medical events the patient has had based on their medical history and offer possible relationships between these events; and lastly, it can sharpen the medical history to a summary that provides only the most relevant details from the entire file, like past medications and their side effects.
According to Dr. Bar, “With the help of medical language models, I believe it will be possible to improve the processes of diagnosis and treatment. This should happen with the utmost caution as we deal with sensitive medical data while maintaining the patients’ privacy.”
Dr. Kfir Bar
HARRY RADZYNER LAW SCHOOL 2
At the forefront of legal education, academic research and service to society.
Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean
Dr. Harry L. Radzyner z”l
/// A SUMMER WORKSHOP HONORING MILITARY RESERVISTS
In the summer semester of 2024, a unique and inspiring judges workshop was held for students who served in long-term military reserve duty, missing much of the academic semester. The initiative, led by Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of the Harry Radzyner Law School, aimed to acknowledge and support these students’ commitment to both their studies and service.
The opening session was graced by Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board, who joined Prof. Zemer in welcoming the participants.
Throughout the workshop, students had the privilege of engaging with distinguished speakers, including former and current judges from the Supreme Court, District Courts, Magistrates’ Courts, and Labor Courts. Each session provided valuable insights into the judiciary, fostering both professional growth and a deeper understanding of the legal field.
In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the students designed and signed personalized certificates of appreciation for the participating judges, presented to them at the conclusion of each meeting.
We extend our deepest thanks to the judges for their dedication and willingness to contribute to this meaningful initiative. Their involvement made this workshop not only an enriching academic experience but also a testament to our deep gratitude for the reservists who selflessly protect our country, ensuring their dedication is matched by our support and recognition.
From left: Prof. Lior Zemer, Law School Dean; and Former High Court Justice, Anat Baron
Justice Ram Winograd, Vice President of the Jerusalem District Court
From left: Roni Elbag, sister of abducted observer Liri Elbag, who reunited with her family after 477 days in captivity, and a student at the Harry Radzyner Law School; and Aviva Siegel, who was held captive by Hamas for 51 days and whose husband Keith was reunited with his family after 484 days in captivity
/// STRENGTH, PAIN AND HOPE: LAW SCHOOL EVENTS HONORS HOSTAGES AND FAMILIES
Marking one year since the attack of October 7th, 2023, a day of remembrance was dedicated to the 101 hostages still held in Gaza. At Reichman University, the Dean of the Law School and first-year law students gathered to show solidarity. Students posed with photos of the hostages, sending a powerful message of support to the families.
The day also featured a moving conversation with Merav Leshem Gonen, the mother of Romi Gonen, who was abducted from the Re’im music festival. Merav shared the struggles and efforts to secure the release of the hostages. She emphasized the importance of keeping their plight in the public consciousness, stating, “Darkness is dispelled only by increasing the light. Let us increase the light.” Romi reunited with her family on January 19th 2025, after 471 days in captivity.
Later in November, to mark one year since the first hostage deal, students attended a profound talk by Aviva Siegel, who was held captive by Hamas for 51 harrowing days. Abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza alongside her husband Keith, Aviva recounted her survival under unimaginable conditions. Keith reunited with his family on February 2nd 2025, after 484 days in captivity. With heart-wrenching honesty, she described the hunger, the relentless tension, and the daily horrors she endured. Aviva became a voice for the women and young girls in captivity, sharing their struggles and spirit. She credited Keith with helping her maintain optimism, recounting his suggestion to share one good thing each evening: “Every night, I said the same thing: I’m grateful to have you here with me, and I’m not alone.”
The event concluded with an emotional call for action from Roni Elbag, sister of abducted observer Liri Elbag and a law student at the university. Addressing her peers, she urged, “We are the future. It’s our responsibility to bring the hostages home. Every small act counts; rallies, wearing pins, supporting families–each step matters.” She ended with Liri’s poignant words: “Every ending is good, and if it’s not good, it’s not the end.” Liri reunited with her family on January 25th 2025, after 477 days in captivity.
Merav Leshem Gonen, the mother of Romi Gonen, who was abducted from the Re’im music festival and returned home after 471 days in captivity
During December 2024, Reichman University stopped the school day and academic activity to express deep sympathy with the families of the abductees and to call for their immediate return.
Prof. Boaz Ganor, President of Reichman University, opened the rally and said, “Reaching a deal for the release of all the abductees is a supreme task; it is a more urgent task than any other task.”
Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of the Harry Radzyner Law School–who initiated the rally–emphasized that the discourse and actions for the release of the abductees should be an integral part of the academic spaces.
Our hearts are with the hostages and their families. Together, we hope and act for their swift return.
First row, from right: Prof. Yaniv Roznai, Deputy Dean; Zohar Avraham, Chief of Staff Office of the Law School; Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean; and first-year law students
From left: Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of Edan Alexander who was taken hostage by Hamas; Merav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi Gonen who returned home after 471 days in captivity; Amit Shem Tov, brother of Omer Shem Tov who returned home after 505 days in captivity; Hadas Kalderon, whose kids and ex-husband were taken hostage and returned in two deals; Amit Sarosi, sister of Almog Sarosi z”l who was murdered by Hamas; Maya Shmiel, relative of brothers Eitan and Iair (Iair returned after 489 days in captivity); Ella Ben Ami, a student at Reichman University and daughter of Ohad Ben Ami who was reunited with his family after 490 days in captivity, and Michal Peylan, moderator, reporter, Channel 12
/// EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF LAW, TECHNOLOGY & BUSINESS INNOVATION AT YALE UNIVERSITY AND CARDOZO LAW SCHOOL
Reichman University’s MA students in Law, Technology, and Business Innovation recently participated in a transformative study tour in New York City and at Yale University. Designed to merge theoretical learning with practical industry insights, the tour gave students a comprehensive view of the intersection of law, innovation, and business in the US.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
At Cardozo School of Law, students engaged with distinguished professors such as Prof. Felix Wu, Prof. Michelle Greenberg, Prof. Barbara Kolsun, and Prof. Bill Rosenblatt from NYU. Their lectures enriched the students’ understanding of intellectual property and technology law.
The visit to Yale University further elevated the academic experience. Prof. Edward H. Kaplan’s thought-provoking lecture on US immigration law, set against the backdrop of global events, stood out as a highlight. Additionally, connecting with the local Jewish and Israeli communities added a meaningful cultural dimension to the visit.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The industry-focused sessions in New York offered a practical complement to academic learning. At Warner Bros. Discovery, students explored AI’s transformative role in media and technology, gaining valuable insights into innovation within entertainment law.
Other notable meetings included Tal Chalozin, cofounder of 257, who shared his entrepreneurial journey, and Adv. Idan Bar-Dov, CEO of Heka Global, who provided actionable advice on navigating the world of startups. Dr. Amit Elazari, CEO of OpenPolicy, discussed her efforts to democratize access to public policy, inspiring students to consider the broader societal impacts of their work.
The tour concluded with an inspiring visit to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where students learned about the operations of a global financial hub.
This immersive study tour was a profound learning experience, equipping students with insights and tools to excel at the nexus of law, technology, and business innovation.
From left: Adv. Suzanne Underwald, Executive Vice President, Legal—Streaming, Technology, Privacy & Business Ops. at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Adv. Savalle Sims, Chief Legal Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery
Far left, middle: Adv. Ravit Kaul Cohen, Program Manager Far right, back row: Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of Harry Radzyner Law School and Head of the MA in Law, Technology & Business Innovation program; Matan Eden, Head of Capital Markets, Midwest; and students at the New York Stock Exchange
Prof. Dov Greenbaum (back row, far right) with MA students in Law, Technology and Business Innovation
First row, sitting in the middle: Adv. Ravit Kaul Cohen, Program Manager
Herzliyan
“NEKUDOT ZCHUT” PROGRAM–JOINT PROGRAM FOR PRISONERS AND STUDENTS
/// EMPOWERING THROUGH EDUCATION: BRIDGING GAPS
AND HONORING
LEGACY
Amidst the turbulence of war, when questions of equity and justice come to the forefront, our university continues to champion initiatives that blend academic excellence with profound social impact. Two unique programs recently highlighted the strength of collaboration, resilience, and community, both fostering a commitment to societal betterment.
This groundbreaking course brought together law students and inmates to explore socioeconomic rights during wartime. The sixth cohort included 12 inmates from Rimonim-Ofek Prison and 12 undergraduate law students. Participants collaborated in mixed teams, producing policy papers addressing wartime issues such as housing, education, and health.
One standout policy paper tackled the difficulty of Druze homeowners whose properties, built without permits, were damaged in the war. Praised for its originality and legal rigor, the paper earned the Gideon Derowe Award, named after a beloved legal clinic’s alumni who inspired this unique program and was tragically lost in the war.
Inmate P. reflected on overcoming initial fears, saying, “I realized I could rise above my limitations thanks to the collaborative spirit of the group.” Law student Shir Tsafania shared, “The program shattered my preconceptions and taught me the power of respectful dialogue and shared learning.”
From left: Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of the Harry Radzyner Law School and students, prisoners and course staff
COMMUNITY LAW CLINIC EXCELLENCE
The David Schwartz and Dor Zimel Award for outstanding social initiatives was introduced this year to honor two alumni who fell in the line of duty. At a moving ceremony, the award was presented to Yael Ben-Artsi for her exceptional contributions to the Community Law Clinic. “This award preserves the legacies of Dor Zimel and David Schwartz, embedding their values into the heart of our institution,” said Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of the Law School.
From left: Adv. Shiran Hason and Adv. Dana Goldian Barak, Course Staff; Adv. Ziv Lidror, Founder & Director of the Program; Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of the Harry Radzyner Law School; Maj. Gen. Shlomi Sagi, Commander of IPS Central District; Brig. Gen. Tami Ezra, Head of the Correction Division; Brig. Gen. Hagay David, Rimonim & Ofek Prison Commander; Col. Dr. Kathrine Ben-Zvi Bonan, Head of the Education, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Division
Through these programs, we see the transformative power of education—not only in fostering knowledge but also in building bridges, creating change, and honoring those who inspire us. Their stories continue to fuel our drive for a better, more just future.
From left: Adv. Dana Goldian Barak, Program Director; Yael Ben-Artsi, Alon Zimel, father of Major (Res.) Dor Zimel z”l; Prof. Lior Zemer, Dean of the Harry Radzyner Law School; Prof. Yishai Beer, one of the founders of the Legal Clinics Program; and Adv. Sharon Sionov, ‘Legal Clinics’ Director
/// SHAPING AI’S FUTURE: KEY INSIGHTS ON INNOVATION, REGULATION AND LAW
The Zvi Meitar Institute hosted two impactful “sold out” conferences in December, exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors and highlighting the importance of responsible innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
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The first conference, “Responsible AI: Regulation Supporting Innovation,” in collaboration with the Synerg AI Community, and the AI Policy and Regulation Center at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to address the ethical, regulatory, and societal implications of AI. A key takeaway from the event was that responsible AI requires a robust collaboration between these sectors, each offering unique perspectives and strengths. Government plays a crucial role in establishing regulatory frameworks, academia provides research insights, and industry drives AI technology implementation.
Josef Gedalyahu, Director of AI Regulations and Ethics at the Ministry, delivered a keynote presentation on the challenges and opportunities of AI regulation from a national perspective, stressing the need to improve Israel’s infrastructure and government strategy. Speakers, including MK Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, highlighted the significance of building public trust in AI and the necessity of a coordinated national approach to harness AI’s potential across industries, including healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and government services.
left: Meriav Zerbib, Director of Research and Development Department, Ministry of Education; Dr. Aviv Gaon, Faculty of Law, Reichman University; Gadi Arieli, Director General of Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology; Prof. Dov Greenbaum, Head of Zvi Meitar Institute, Reichman University
MK Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
Josef Gedalyahu, Director of AI Regulations and Ethics at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology
The second conference, “Law, Innovation, and AI: How AI is Changing the Legal Landscape,” in collaboration with The Israel Bar Association, Tel-Aviv district, focused on the impact of AI on the legal profession. The event keyed to practicing attorneys and explored regulatory challenges and legal implications, particularly around liability, transparency, and risk management. Experts from law, technology, and business sectors discussed how AI is reshaping legal practices, from automating tasks to influencing regulatory approaches.
The event highlighted the importance of flexible regulation that supports innovation while ensuring data protection and accountability. Discussions also highlighted the importance of the new EU AI Act, which aims to create a regulatory framework balancing innovation and responsible AI usage. Both conferences demonstrated the critical role of AI in shaping the future, underscoring the need for collaboration between diverse sectors here in Israel to ensure its ethical and responsible development.
/// THE RUBINSTEIN CENTER PRESENTS: THE CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY SHORT BOOK SERIES
In an era of unprecedented crisis at home and abroad, the Rubinstein Center for Constitutional Challenges is introducing the groundbreaking The Challenges of Democracy short book series, issued with leading publishing house Kinneret Zmora Dvir. This initiative addresses the most pressing constitutional, legal, and societal dilemmas facing Israel and the world, aiming to make expert knowledge accessible to citizens, educators, and policymakers.
The series, edited by Dr. Tomer Persico, has debuted with three volumes that have already garnered widespread attention: “Liberalism: Roots, Principles, and Crises” by Dr. Persico, concisely explores liberalism’s historical foundations, current challenges, and paths for revival in a fractured world. Author and public figure Nadav Eyal, has praised it as “A significant and illuminating work”.
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From left: Dr. Shlomit Wagman, Global Chief Regulation and Compliance Officer, Rapyd; Tomer Zucker, Business Development Manager, D-ID; Miri Berger, Co-Founder
CEO, 6Degrees; Liat Efrati-Glazer, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Google Israel; Yehuda Ben Yaakov, Public Policy Manager, Meta; Dr. Yuval Reinfeld, Faculty of Law, Reichman University
“A Guide to Public Inquiries” by Prof. Avigdor Klagsbald, Chairman of the Rubinstein Center, serves as a practical manual for navigating public accountability in democratic systems, so much so that journalist Kalman Libeskind has called it “...a meticulous and indispensable resource.”
“Religion and State in Israel: Past and Future Challenges” by Prof. Gideon Sapir, just published, delves into one of the most central tensions in the State of Israel: religion and state relations.
Future volumes will tackle some of the most pressing topics in democracy and governance, authored by renowned scholars and public intellectuals, such as: Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Prof. Aharon Barak on the concept of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; former Supreme Court Justice Prof. Yitzhak Zamir on the rule of law in Israel in the face of threats to democracy; Prof. Yaniv Roznai and Dr. Noam Gidron on populism, polarization, and democratic backsliding; Prof. Liav Orgad and Oren Nahari on the reasons behind the global crisis of democracy; and Prof. Eva Illouz on the moral failures of the Radical Left.
At the launch event of the book “Liberalism: Roots, Principles, and Crises”. From left to right: Attorney Dina Zilber, Dr. Tomer Persico, and Prof. Yaniv Roznai
Another groundbreaking initiative of the Rubinstein Center is Kotz, a bold and thoughtprovoking interdisciplinary e-journal that examines contemporary democratic challenges, Israeli identity, and cultural discourse. This unique collaboration between the Rubinstein Center and the Visual Communication Department at Bezalel Academy of Arts is redefining how society engages with critical issues.
Each issue of Kotz focuses on a single theme and offers a platform for dialogue between academia, art, and the public. The topics discussed, such as censorship, fake news, leadership, boundaries, and provocation, stimulate thought and provide new insights into the tension between democracy and culture in the modern era while exploring the deep forces shaping Israeli society.
At the launch event of the book “A Guide to Commissions of Inquiry”.
From left: Prof. Avigdor Klagsbald; Maj. Gen. (Res.) Judge (Ret.) Prof. Menachem Finkelstein; Maj. Gen. (Res.) Shlomo Yanai; Lt. Gen. (Res.) Ehud Barak; Kati Perry, former Head of the Israel Prison Service
The launch of Kotz magazine
SAMMY OFER SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS
A training hub for content marketing, media and journalism.
Prof. Karine Nahon, Dean
Sammy Ofer z”l
/// WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CALLED YOUR GRANDPARENTS?
The will of the late Maj. Tal Grushka z”l became the inspiration for a campaign that took over the internet.
Every week, before heading home, Tal would ask his soldiers to do something simple yet significant: take out their phones, call their grandparents, and wish them Shabbat Shalom. This small yet impactful gesture led to a “Staying Connected” initiative created by a group of third-year students from the Marketing Communication specialization of the Sammy Ofer School of Communications. In collaboration with Bezeq and a group of social media influencers who shared their intergenerational stories, the campaign took over the internet.
Tal, who fell in battle near Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7th, 2023, was more than just a commander–he was a role model of humanity. In this incredibly fast-paced digital, technical world we are consumed by, we sometimes lose sight of what really matters, even the importance of family, especially the older generation. This is what Tal tried to instill in his soldiers.
This initiative to turn Tal’s wish into a legacy became the heart of the campaign. The initiative is part of a larger project called the “Integrated Advertising Campaign for Creating Impact,” aimed at encouraging social involvement. In this project, third-year students in the Marketing specialization were tasked with creating a campaign that not only commemorates a memory but also inspires action.
Itay Bichler, Tal’s brother with Tal’s mother, Adva Feingold Grushka
Maj. Tal Grushka z”l, who fell in battle near Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7th, 2023
Bezeq
Itay Bichler, Tal’s brother, speaks about the initiative with excitement: “It is a great honor for us to touch so many grandparents through the ‘Staying Connected’ initiative. It is a great light in such a difficult time for our family. We hope Tal is looking down and is very proud of us.”
Eden Shavit, one of the students who worked on the initiative, says, “We are happy that we were given the opportunity to commemorate and continue Tal’s legacy. We wanted to address two needs–to commemorate Tal, but also to do something meaningful for the older generation. In a world of messages and emojis, we have forgotten how important it is to hear a human voice on the other end of the line. We hope to reach the heart of every person in the country.”
In addition to the waves that the campaign made on the internet and social media after being shared by leading influencers, it was also mentioned by Maariv, a daily newspaper, as one of the most successful campaigns by brands that dealt with Oct 7th in a creative, sensitive, and appropriate manner.
/// THE UPGRADED MA PROGRAM IN COMMUNICATION AND STRATEGY WILL BEGIN IN THE NEW YEAR STARTING OCTOBER 2025
The MA program in Communication and Strategy is undergoing an exciting transformation toward the new academic year starting October 2025. The program will focus on the strategic use of media technologies to resolve conflict, change audience attitudes, and promote social action. Courses in the program will provide students with both in-depth theoretical and empirical knowledge about media and strategy, as well as the practical skills needed in the contemporary work world. From journalism and television to social networks, augmented reality technologies, and artificial intelligence, students will learn to understand the psychology of user experience, target audiences, construct effective campaigns, and use media in creative ways to make a difference in the commercial, political, social, and cultural realms.
The program’s lectures will be in Hebrew, but students are welcome to submit all assignments in English. Moreover, most of the readings and all PowerPoint lecture summaries are also made available for English students, making the program international-friendly. Program Head, Prof. Keren Tzur Eyal, shares that “one new and exciting addition to the program is a hands-on course on investigative journalism, intended to provide students with the tools required to use journalistic practices for meaningful social change.”
All interested are welcome to learn more about the program in one of Reichman University’s oncampus or online open-house gatherings.
Prof. Keren Tzur Eyal, Head of the MA program in Communication and Strategy
/// IDAN’S EVERLASTING IMPACT
In February 2024, students of the Sammy Ofer School of Communications painted the campus yellow as part of a campaign to raise awareness for Idan Shtivi z”l, a sustainability student at Reichman University who was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7th massacre. Tragically, eight months later, all were informed that Idan had been murdered on October 7th, and Hamas was holding his body in Gaza.
The goal of the project was to highlight the void that Idan’s kidnapping and the other hostages had left in all and raise awareness of the need to act for their return. Students made sure that everyone on campus would think about Idan and his time in captivity: all the coffee cups in the cafeteria were yellow and had “Idan has no coffee” written on them. In contrast, any mirrors around campus were decorated with yellow signs stating, “It could have been you.”
The campus lawn was filled with yellow chairs holding Idan’s picture and those of the other hostages while, in the kitchenettes, were posters proclaimed: “When did Idan eat?” and “Did Idan drink today?”
The campaign was led by third-year students majoring in Digital Influence and Perceptions at the Sammy Ofer School of Communications. It was part of the final “Impact” project led by Yonatan Lalo and Nevo Cohen. “The choice of a campaign about the struggle to bring back Idan Shtivi as the theme was clear to us as a team.”Students shared their thoughts on the day of the campaign, “While we are finishing a semester, Idan is unfortunately not with us on campus. We are waiting for the return of Idan and all the other hostages. We know it could have been any of us held by Hamas in Gaza.”
Campaign to raise awareness on the plight of hostage Idan Shtivi z”l
/// MILAB
Can the experience of cooking together be enjoyable for parents and children? A team of BA milab HumanComputer Interaction (HCI) students designed and developed Kitchef, a smart recipe box paired with wristbands to enrich the experience of parents and children cooking together. Their research highlighted the benefits of shared cooking, which extend beyond meal preparation, fostering children’s openness to diverse foods, independence, and strengthening the parent-child bond. However, challenges such as parents’ concerns about messiness and children’s lack of engagement often reduce motivation to cook together.
The students aimed to make cooking more playful, enhance quality time, and balance empowerment for children with control for parents. During a year-long project utilizing fabrication tools and technologies available at milab, they created Kitchef, which includes a recipe box and two wristbands that activate when connected. LED lights guide recipe steps, requiring both participants to collaborate to advance. Upon completion, the box lights up with colorful displays, celebrating the shared accomplishment. A preliminary study with five families, presented at CHI 2024 conference, showed that Kitchef successfully improved control and visibility, enhanced teamwork, and fostered high engagement and physical closeness during cooking activities.
/// MILAB ANNUAL UX/ UI HACKATHON WITH THE COLLABORATION OF GEHA MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
BA Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) students join a fast-paced User Experience (UX) hackathon to try and come up with solutions for a specific problem. This year, students collaborated with the Innovation Department of “Geha״ Mental Health Center in Israel and were challenged to create innovative technological solutions to enhance a sense of calm among hospitalized teenagers.
For this initiative, students work in teams, research the topic, interview experts, and present a solution. Among those solutions was a smartwatch that detects high-stress levels and guides the patient through a breathing process using feedback from the watch, an interface supporting the hospital admission process in the form of a friendly avatar, and a personal plant in the hospital’s therapeutic garden that accompanies the patient from their first interaction with it via smart sensors attached to that plant.
Kitchef
/// RISEAPP: STRENGTHENING AND UNIFYING THE GLOBAL
JEWISH COMMUNITY
RiseApp is made possible thanks to the generous support of: The Asper Foundation, Ana and Ofer Shabtai, In-Action and Ghila and Zvi Limon.
THE CHALLENGE
Since October 7th, 2023, the global rise of antisemitism—both online and offline—has been accompanied by an overwhelming flood of digital content. Instead of informing and engaging, this overload often leads to user burnout, disengagement, and fragmented communities.
Three key challenges have emerged:
• Inconsistent messaging: When information is unclear or inaccurate, its impact weakens. Without a cohesive approach, essential messages become diluted, making it difficult for audiences to determine what to trust.
• Information overload: More content does not necessarily mean better communication. The sheer volume of daily information can saturate audiences, making it hard to filter what truly matters. Instead of fostering deeper understanding, this leads to disengagement.
• Community fragmentation: Rather than fostering connections, the abundance of unstructured content and events can leave communities struggling to find relevant, high-quality information. Without a centralized platform, valuable engagement opportunities are lost.
THE SOLUTION: RISEAPP
Founded within the Sammy Ofer School of Communications, RiseApp was created to address the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation surrounding the global Jewish community and Israel.
Its mission is to provide a long-term, comprehensive solution to information challenges, helping to educate, engage, and combat antisemitism.
WHAT RISEAPP OFFERS
RiseApp serves as a one-stop platform designed to:
• Build resilience within the global Jewish community.
• Centralize high-quality, verified content.
• Provide personalized experiences, connecting users to relevant information and locationspecific events.
• Foster a more cohesive and informed global Jewish network.
HOW IT WORKS
RiseApp aggregates and curates high-quality content from across the web, using AI and machine learning to personalize recommendations, including:
• Hot topics and fact-based content to counter harmful narratives.
• Curated content based on user interests (e.g., food, technology, art).
• Geolocation-based event recommendations to connect users with relevant community gatherings.
OUR VISION
By tailoring information to users’ preferences, demographics, and behaviors, RiseApp will become the go-to platform, trusted by millions worldwide, empowering and unifying the global Jewish community.
Yael Hay, Executive Director of RiseApp
/// PRODUCT IMPACT TEAMS WORKSHOP
An exclusive workshop led by Tali Rosen Shoham was recently held for alumni of the MA in HumanComputer Interaction (HCI) program, bringing together UX and product professionals. The workshop focused on practical strategies for winning stakeholder support.
The workshop addressed common challenges, such as maintaining stakeholder engagement, managing disagreements, and ensuring productive discussions. Participants also explored and applied best practices to create meaningful impact and foster successful stakeholder collaboration.
Rosen Shoham is a seasoned UXR leader with a track record of building and guiding UX research teams at Google and Meta. A pioneer in UX research in Israel and co-founder of “WE–Women Experience”, Tali recently joined our faculty, where she will be teaching advanced UX research.
/// RESEARCH MARATHON IN COLLABORATION WITH MICROSOFT GARAGE GLOBAL HACKATHON
In September 2024, MA students of Reichman University’s Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) program embarked on an intensive research marathon led by Dr. Ayelet Segal, a member of the HCI faculty, in collaboration with Microsoft Garage’s global hackathon as part of the “Hackfor-Good” track.
They tackled real-world challenges for three impactful partners: TOM–Tikkun Olam Makers, Restart, and The Humanity & Solidarity Project. These organizations focus on supporting wounded soldiers, individuals with disabilities, and those dealing with trauma. The students’ mission was to design innovative, humancentered solutions that address the unique needs of these communities, combining creativity and compassion with practical solutions.
This collaboration highlights the immense potential of human-centered design to create meaningful solutions and drive positive social change, inspiring a new generation of HCI professionals to use their skills for the greater good.
Left of the whiteboard, Tali Rosen Shoham (UX Research Leadership, formerly at Google & Meta) delivers a lecture as part of the workshop for alumni of the MA program in HCI, seated around the room
/// HOW A ROBOTIC DOG CAN INFLUENCE LEADERSHIP IN TEAMS
In a recent study led by Elior Carsenti, conducted at the Media Innovation Lab (milab), researchers explored how a simple, non-verbal peer-liking behavior from a robotic dog at the start of an interaction could encourage the emergence of a leader in a team-based search task.
Emergent leadership is a unique form of informal leadership that develops organically within a team. Unlike assigned leadership, which is designated in advance, emergent leadership arises naturally based on team dynamics. While this type of leadership can bring significant benefits, it does not always occur, potentially limiting a team’s effectiveness. The study investigated whether social behaviors displayed by a robot could encourage leadership to emerge within a group.
To test this, teams conducted an experiment in which two strangers participated in a search task alongside a robotic dog. Before the task began, the robot exhibited peer-liking behavior toward one participant or both. Researchers then assessed whether this subtle social cue influenced leadership behaviors during the task.
Findings showed that when the robotic dog displayed peer-liking toward a specific participant, that individual reported a stronger sense of leadership and greater responsibility for the task. Behavioral observations further indicated that the “liked” participant naturally took charge of the team’s performance.
These results suggest that social robots can play an active role in shaping team dynamics, facilitating leadership in ways that may not occur when team structures are imposed externally. By leveraging robotic social behaviors, researchers may open new possibilities for enhancing teamwork and collaboration in various settings.
This image shows participants getting ready to begin the search task, in which two strangers and a robotic dog work together to decipher a code of unfamiliar symbols. The only way to translate the unfamiliar symbols and decipher the code is to search for symbols on cubes hidden in the open area. This image depicts the Unequal Liking condition, in which the robot shows a preference for a specific team member (by nodding repeatedly and standing beside them). White X indicates cubes with relevant symbols; yellow X indicates cubes without relevant symbols. A task sheet is on the floor behind the participants.
4
ADELSON SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Building a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Sheldon G. Adelson z”l and Dr. Miriam Adelson
Dr. Yossi Maaravi, Dean
INNOVATING THE FUTURE: INSIDE THE ADELSON SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP’S PREMIER
PROGRAMS
The Adelson School of Entrepreneurship at Reichman University is a beacon of innovation, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. Through groundbreaking programs, the school equips students with the tools, knowledge, and networks to transform bold ideas into impactful ventures. Whether leveraging gaming for social change or building real-world startups, these programs exemplify the university’s commitment to excellence. Here’s a closer look at some of its flagship initiatives.
/// GAME CHANGERS: GAMING
AS A CATALYST FOR GOOD
In collaboration with Playtika, a global gaming leader, Game Changers is an interdisciplinary program redefining the potential of gaming. Beyond entertainment, gaming has become a platform for addressing societal challenges.
Students engage in cutting-edge courses like “The Psychology of Gaming” and “The Finance and Business Models of Gaming,” gaining insights into human behavior, user experience (UX), and industry economics. They explore how AI and data analytics enhance gaming and apply these tools to develop solutions for real-world problems.
The program fosters hands-on learning through capstone projects, ranging from startups and policy white papers to innovative consulting solutions. Highlights include workshops with industry leaders, international study tours, and a culminating hackathon. By merging innovation, gaming, and social impact, Game Changers prepares students to lead the industry by reshaping how games impact our lives.
Learn while you play–a team of Game Changers collaborates on learning how to build games that people actually want to play
Winners pose for a photo after having their venture proposals selected as part of the UpStart Program
/// UPSTART: FOSTERING
INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
UpStart is a dynamic one-year program inviting students from diverse faculties–Business, Communications, Computer Science, and more–to work together on entrepreneurial ventures. By combining academic rigor with practical application, UpStart equips students with a versatile entrepreneurial toolkit.
Core courses cover creativity, business models, legal frameworks, and user design. Teams collaborate on capstone projects, supported by mentors who guide them through ideation, development, and pitching to potential investors or accelerators.
Field visits to Israeli companies and guest lectures by startup leaders provide invaluable industry exposure. The program culminates in a high-stakes pitch event where students present their ventures to stakeholders, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of Reichman University.
/// THE ZELL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM: A HOME FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS LEADERS
The Zell Entrepreneurship Program is a venture creation initiative for exceptional individuals, with the goal of shaping Israel’s next generation of business leaders. During the transformative year-long program, participants develop a business venture from concept to launch and boost their personal and professional development. The program combines a multidisciplinary approach and embodies a “learning by doing” ethos, enabling participants to develop skills while creating their own startups.
Admission criteria for the Zell Entrepreneurship Program include demonstrated leadership ability, high academic standing, and experience in, and familiarity with, business or social entrepreneurship. Each year, the faculty selects 16-20 outstanding individuals out of hundreds of applicants. Starting with the 2025 cohort, the Zell Entrepreneurship Program will only accept individuals who have completed their undergraduate academic duties or are in their final year of graduate studies and are interested in extending their studies to participate in the Zell program.
Upon graduation, participants should have launched a venture, an international and local support network, and the confidence, resources, and mentorship needed to obtain their highest personal and professional development goals.
Another eager cohort of students in the Zell Entrepreneurship Program prepares to innovate for success
The Zell journey is a lifelong commitment, extending beyond the program through the Zell alumni organization, which is dedicated to supporting alumni in their continuous personal and professional development.
The program was established thanks to a generous contribution from the late world-renowned entrepreneur Sam Zell. Over the past 24 years, Zell alumni have established over 170 companies, of which more than 70 are currently active. More than 30 companies have been acquired, and five have become listed companies. Collectively, these companies have raised $5.7 billion and created 7,000 new jobs.
Members of the current Zell ‘24 class are working on startups in a diverse variety of fields, including real estate finance, cooling technology, digital marketing, parenting tech, gaming and medtech/wearable tech.
To date, the ZEP fund has invested in 46 Zell alumni ventures. During the 2023-2024 academic year, two alumni ventures were funded by the ZEP Fund: the first is Affirmate, which reimagines mindfulness with short, innovative, and interactive practices that feel effortless and engaging. The second is MARS Dental, an AR surgical guidance platform enabling all dentists to confidently perform implants. With realtime guidance via standard AR headsets, it ensures safe, accurate outcomes. Addressing a major market gap, MARS unlocks the $540 billion implant potential by overcoming the current bottleneck where only a few dentists perform implants despite high patient demand.
The Schestowitz Innovation Program trains students in the art of intrapreneurship, cultivating innovation within established organizations. In collaboration with S. Schestowitz Ltd., a leading importer, marketer, and distributor of international brands in the FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, this program emphasizes strategic thinking, adaptability, and creativity.
Participants collaborate with industry professionals to tackle real-world challenges and design innovative solutions for organizational growth. By fostering a mindset of continuous improvement, the program prepares students to lead transformative initiatives in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape and become the next generation of industry innovation leaders.
The program structure includes a mix of academic research, workshops, seminars, and hands-on consulting projects, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in intrapreneurship and organizational innovation.
/// HONORS PROGRAM: A GATEWAY FOR EXCEPTIONAL TALENT
Designed for top-performing students, the Honors Program is a two-year journey of leadership and innovation. Participants engage in advanced studies, personal mentorship, and unique opportunities like reverse mentoring, where they advise senior industry leaders.
Schestowitz Innovation Program students await the start of a new intrapreneurship program
The program emphasizes soft skills essential for 21st-century leaders, such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and critical thinking. With access to networking events, research opportunities, and global exchange programs, Honors students emerge as wellrounded leaders ready to spearhead entrepreneurial ventures or organizational transformations.
Honors International students
Honors Israel students
5ARISON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Equipping students in an era of AI transformation.
Prof. Niron Hashai, Dean
Ted Arison z”l
/// ARISON ESG CENTER’S ROUNDTABLE
INITIATIVES: TRANSFORMING ESG DISCOURSE
The Arison ESG Center is a central hub for advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in Israel. Through a series of roundtables and forums during the last year, the center has fostered collaboration between business leaders, policymakers, and academics to address key ESG challenges and opportunities. These discussions provide practical insights for the Israeli market while aligning with global trends.
In early 2024, the Arison ESG Center hosted two key initiatives aimed at advancing ESG practices in Israel’s corporate ecosystem. The first roundtable, held in January and led by Yair Avidan, former Supervisor of Banks and the current Chair of the Center’s Advisory Committee, brought together CEOs and executives from various sectors to discuss embedding sustainability into corporate culture. Key topics included the role of leadership in driving ESG, overcoming resistance, and balancing regulatory requirements with strategic integration. Building on this, the inaugural meeting of the Industry Fellows Forum in March provided a platform for senior executives, ESG managers, researchers, and consultants to delve deeper into the developmental challenges of ESG implementation. Discussions in both forums highlighted the importance of aligning ESG with economic value, integrating it across supply chains, and equipping businesses with practical tools to navigate societal and operational challenges.
The “ESG Reporting in Israel: Between Regulation and Strategy” roundtable, held in December 2024, provided a platform to discuss the dual role of ESG reporting as both a strategic and regulatory tool.
Based on a position paper by Shlomi Shuv, CPA and Shoshi Cohen, CPA, the event featured prominent speakers, including Seffy Zinger (Chair of the Israel Securities Authority) and Dr. Ruth Dagan (Head of Climate Change and International Collaborations).
Topics included the ISSB standard as a potential global benchmark for ESG reporting, the challenges of aligning Israeli companies with these requirements, and the importance of building a unified reporting framework to ensure comparability, mitigate risks, and enhance global competitiveness. The conference underscored the growing awareness of ESG in Israel and the need for continued progress to align with leading markets such as the EU.
The Arison ESG Center’s roundtables and forums underscore its commitment to promoting ESG practices in Israel. By creating a platform for open dialogue, practical insights, and collaboration, the center is bridging the gap between local challenges and global standards.
Yair Avidan, Chair of the Center’s Advisory Committee, and Dr. Ruth Dagan, Head of Climate Change and International Collaborations, during a roundtable discussion
/// ARISON ESG CENTER’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: FOSTERING FUTURE LEADERS IN BUSINESS
AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Arison ESG Center Internship Program is an annual initiative designed to nurture academic excellence, business acumen, and social leadership. Open to undergraduate and graduate students from all of Reichman University’s schools, the program embraces a multidisciplinary approach, recognizing that diversity of thought and expertise is essential to driving meaningful change in the business sector. Under the mentorship of Prof. Eli Bukspan and Prof. Niron Hashai, the program blends academic and practical experiences to deepen participants’ understanding of sustainability and its intersection with the business world. It prepares students to contribute to the growing demand for ESG integration by fostering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.
Students participate in bi-weekly sessions held over two academic hours each semester. These include guest lectures by leading industry experts and scholars, providing insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ESG landscape.
The practical segment of the internship spans an entire calendar year and involves team-based work on real-world projects under the guidance of the center’s faculty. Interns are divided into specialized teams, each focusing on distinct aspects of ESG to ensure a well-rounded and impactful experience:
• Research team: Conducts studies on ESG-related topics, producing insights and recommendations.
• Blog team: Manages the center’s blog, curating thought leadership and sharing key developments in ESG.
• Roundtables and industry relations team : Organizes events and fosters partnerships with industry leaders to advance ESG practices.
• ESG metrics team: Delves into frameworks and tools for measuring ESG performance.
• Climate change team : Focuses on studies, policies, and strategies to tackle climate change impacts.
• Impact awareness team: Promotes awareness of ESG issues in collaboration with the media.
• Marketing and social team: Manages the center’s digital presence.
The Arison ESG Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to bridge theory and practice in ESG, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to meaningful projects that influence the future of business and society. It empowers students to gain valuable experience, build a professional network, and become change agents in the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.
Aya Efron, Intern at the center, hosting the center’s launch event
/// ESTABLISHING THE ARABOV SCALE-UP SPECIALIZATION
TRACK AS PART OF
THE MBA PROGRAM AT REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
In an era of accelerated innovation, managers require tools to navigate the challenges of rapid growth and lead organizations toward global success. Reichman University is launching a new specialization track within its MBA program, focusing on Scale-Up (the accelerated growth of companies). This track provides students with strategic tools to manage growth while ensuring long-term stability.
ISRAEL: FROM “STARTUP NATION” TO “SCALE-UP NATION”
Israel, renowned as the “Startup Nation,” is transitioning toward becoming a “Scale-Up Nation.” With a growing number of local unicorns (companies valued at over $1 billion) such as Check Point and monday.com, Israel is cementing its status as a global tech powerhouse. However, this transition involves significant challenges, including maintaining an agile organizational culture, managing cash flow, and fostering technological growth in a competitive international environment.
COMMON CHALLENGES FOR COMPANIES IN THE SCALE-UP PHASE
One of the defining features of the scale-up process is its ongoing nature. Each stage of growth introduces new challenges. While these may vary across industries, there are common denominators faced by businesses at every stage:
1. Managerial challenges: How to preserve organizational culture without compromising agility, and how to expand teams while maintaining high quality and avoiding overburdening.
2. Financial challenges: Ensuring cash flow remains stable during growth, securing additional funding, and planning investments wisely.
3. Technological challenges: Deciding when to invest in new technologies and determining which tools to develop to maintain efficiency.
Additionally, the differences between B2B (businessto-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) models amplify these challenges. B2B companies must manage sales to a small number of stable, large clients, whereas B2C companies face the complexity of serving a broad customer base, increasing the intricacy of growth and distribution.
REICHMAN UNIVERSITY:
EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION
Reichman University continues to lead business education in Israel by connecting academia with both local and global markets. The Scale-Up track, the first of its kind in Israel, positions the university at the forefront of innovation. Led by Prof. Niron Hashai, Dean of the Business School, and Mr. Erez S. Ezra, Managing Director of the private investment fund “Clear Future”, the program was developed in collaboration with the Organisation of Growth-Stage Companies, senior faculty from Harvard Business School, and the Arbov family, who are supporters of the program. Its goal is to establish a comprehensive framework for the field of scale-ups and bridge academia with the entrepreneurial world.
CONCLUSION
Reichman University’s Arabov Scale-Up track offers a unique opportunity for students to specialize in one of the most complex and critical fields of the 21st century. By providing both theoretical and practical tools, the program prepares future leaders to drive companies toward global growth and adapt to the dynamic changes of the global market.
- Erez S. Ezra
6
LAUDER SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT, DIPLOMACY AND STRATEGY
Preparing students for leadership positions in a complex world.
Prof. Liza Ireni-Saban, Dean
Amb. Ronald S. Lauder
/// REMEMBERING IDAN SHTIVI Z”L
Idan Shtivi, a 28-year-old second-year BA student double majoring in Government and Sustainability, was abducted and taken to Gaza during the October 7th, 2023, attacks by Hamas. Idan joined the music festival in Re’im at 6:00 am on October 7th, documenting it as a volunteer photographer.
Described by his friends and peers as a man with a heart of gold, Idan sought to bring a positive change to the world. To that end, he joined a volunteer program in Africa that provides aid to children. His university classmates describe him as an animal lover, intimately connected to nature, and a trustworthy and reliable friend. On October 7th, 2024, Idan’s family was informed that he had been murdered a year before and his body was kidnapped to Gaza.
His family and friends continue with their daily struggle to bring Idan home.
/// DEMOCRACY IN THE EYE OF THE STORM
As in past years, “Democracy Day” was organized by students from the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy in collaboration with the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility and the Reichman Student Union.
The title of this year’s event was “Democracy in the Eye of the Storm,” and throughout the day, everyone from politicians and Knesset members to public figures arrived at Reichman University to delve deeper into the main issues on the public agenda in this delicate and complex period. The issues dealt with by the panels included the concept of the future democracy in the State of Israel, checks and balances in the legal system, freedom of speech, and a conversation with the family of a hostage.
At the PDRF’s conference on antisemitism, from left: Dr. Matthias Becker; Prof. Assaf Moghadam; Prof. Uriel Reichman and Michael Rimmel
/// THE PDRD’s CONFERENCE ON ANTI-SEMITISM
The Program on Democratic Resilience and Development (PDRD) at the Lauder School of Government, in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Israel and the Decoding Antisemitism Project, held an international event titled: “Assessing Contemporary Antisemitism: Patterns and Dynamics of a Civilizational Threat.”
Organized by Dr. Matthias Becker and Prof. Assaf Moghadam, the conference gathered leading experts and practitioners to explore antisemitic discourse and actions in both online and offline manifestations.
Speakers included Prof. Ron Hassner of UC Berkeley, Amb. Steffen Seibert, Germany’s Ambassador to Israel, and Prof. Deborah Lipstadt, the US Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Terrorism.
Democracy Day–The students of the leading team, from left: Omer Israel; Shahaf Bauman; Eden Horesh; Yuval Cohen; Gal Eitan; Michal Zaga; and Evyatar Cohen
THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR COUNTER-TERRORISM (ICT)
/// ICT ANNUAL CONFERENCE MARKS ONE YEAR SINCE OCTOBER 7TH ATTACKS
Marking the first anniversary since Hamas’ deadly attack and the start of a multi-front war against Israel, the International Institute for CounterTerrorism hosted the Shabtai Shavit World Summit on Counter-Terrorism at Reichman University. Just days after a major Iranian attack on Israel, the conference was still attended by more than 800 on-site participants and over 4,000 online with Jonathan Davis as Master of Ceremonies.
Image from the Memorial Ceremony for Victims of October 7th & the Fallen in the Swords of Iron War
Opening with a tribute to Shabtai Shavit, the late Mossad Director, and counter-terrorism pioneer, this year’s summit, “From 9/11 to 10/7,” focused on the evolving nature of terrorism and served as a solemn reminder of those lost. Keynotes and panels throughout the conference addressed the evolving threats posed by state and non-state actors, with a particular focus on Gaza, the Iranian-Hezbollah axis, and the use of hostages as a strategic weapon.
Keynote speakers addressed a variety of issues including the cross-border challenges of terrorism, highlighting a need for greater international cooperation. Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yair Golan, Head of the Democrats Party and Former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff, discussed the challenges faced by Israel, advocating for strong international alliances to counter the Iranian threat.
Thomas Haldenwang, President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Germany, emphasized the persistent and dangerous nature of antisemitism as a core driver of extremism and terrorism and the need for greater cooperation. During the Sir David Garrard Keynote Address on International Counter-Terrorism Policing, President Olaf Lindner of the Federal Police Special Operations Command 11 in Germany, highlighted the strengthened cooperation between German and Israeli special forces to address increasing security threats.
The conference also featured a series of one-on-one discussions. Amb. Jacob J. Lew, the United States’ Ambassador to Israel, discussed the US-Israel relationship with Prof. Boaz Ganor, President of Reichman University and Founding Executive Director of the ICT, while The Honorable Ayelet Shaked, Former Minister of Justice in Israel discussed threats to Israel with Prof. Yaniv Roznai, Co-director of the Rubinstein Center for Constitutional Challenges at Reichman University.
Days after the death of the Hezbollah leader, the panel “Iranian-Hezbollah Axis Post Nasrallah,” discussed the shifting regional dynamics and challenges that the organization faces.
During the discussion, Dr. Eitan Azani, Acting Director of the ICT, highlighted Hezbollah’s growing vulnerabilities and the need for an international strategy to capitalize on them, stating that “Hezbollah is in strategic distress… we must reach a situation similar to the collapse of ISIS, so Hezbollah cannot regain power for years.”
Against the backdrop of hostages still held by Hamas, Col. (Res.) Lior Lotan, Former Special Envoy on Hostages and Missing Persons, Prime Minister’s Office, Israel, and Amb. Roger D. Carstens, US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, explored the increasing use of hostages as a tool of psychological and political warfare in a session titled, “States as Hostages–The New Terrorism Strategic Weapon.” Amb. Carstens stressed the need for international cooperation, stating, “We can’t let the terrorists run and rule our lives. This fight requires courage, creativity, and collaboration across nations. The work we’re doing now, though complex and challenging, is paving the way for a future where terrorism fails to dictate the course of civilization. We know how this story ends—with us victorious. Period. Full stop.”
In the closing session, MK Lt. Gen. (Res.) Gadi Eizenkot, Member of the Knesset (National Unity Party) and Former IDF Chief of Staff, discussed multifaceted threats Israel faces—nuclear, conventional, subconventional, and cyber, calling for a reassessment of Israel’s military and national strategy in response. Offering closing remarks, EAD Robert Wells, Executive Assistant Director of the National Security Branch at the FBI addressed the evolving terrorism threat landscape, drawing parallels between the October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel and the September 11th, 2001, attacks in the US.
Beyond the discussions, the World Summit also served as a memorial to remember the victims of terrorism. Outside of the lecture hall, the “Anemones Before the Rain” exhibition honored the victims of the October 7th attack. Hundreds of red clay flowers symbolized the lives lost, while a single yellow flower represented hope for the safe return of hostages. The final moments of the conference were interrupted by a missile siren, forcing attendees to seek shelter. Prof. Ganor succinctly described how, beyond highlighting the reality faced by Israelis, the siren served as a stark reminder that conferences like the World Summit are necessary in the fight against terrorism.
Painful beauty: The “Anemones Before the Rain” exhibition stood outside of the conference venue honoring the victims of the October 7th attack. Hundreds of red clay flowers symbolize the lives lost, while a single yellow flower represents hope for the safe return of hostages
Prof. Boaz Ganor, President of Reichman University and Founding Executive Director of the ICT, and Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Reichman University, sheltering with conference attendees during a missile alert. The alert served as a stark reminder that conferences like the World Summit are necessary in the fight against terrorism.
Terrorists try to annihilate us, but we survive: Days after the death of the Hezbollah leader, the panel “Iranian-Hezbollah Axis Post Nasrallah,” featuring: Dr. Eitan Azani, Acting Director, ICT, Reichman University; Yonah Jeremy Bob, Senior Military Correspondent & Intelligence Analyst, The Jerusalem Post; Adv. Paul Landes, Head of The National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing (NBCTF), Ministry of Defense; Brig. Gen (Res.) Amnon Sofrin, Former Commander, of Combat Intelligence Corps and Former Head, Intelligence Directorate, Mossad; and Lt. Col. (Res.) Sarit Zehavi, Founder & President, Alma Research and Education Center, moderated by Lucy Aharish, Journalist, TV Presenter, and Actress discussed the shifting regional dynamics and challenges that the organization faces
THE INSTITUTE FOR POLICY AND STRATEGY (IPS)
/// 2024 HERZLIYA CONFERENCE
The 2024 Herzliya Conference, held in June 2024, took place during one of the most complex times in Israeli history. Following the diabolical attack perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, Israel was forced to fight a seven-front war. Hostages were (and still are) being held in inhuman conditions in Hamas’ terror-tunnels in Gaza, an unprecedented number of civilians were murdered after being tortured in unique cruelty by Hamas terrorists, and the number of IDF casualties is continuously growing.
Under such circumstances, preparing a conference agenda that would be balanced and sensitive while also remaining critical, poignant, and effective was an extraordinary challenge.
The conference consisted of dozens of sessions that focused on national security and national resilience, such as:
• The strategic struggle between the Iranian axis and Israel: Where are we heading?
• The global order: Is the world changing its course?
• The national resilience balance: Has the contract between the state and its citizens been breached?
• Is the governmental coup ongoing? What are its implications?
• Israel–US relations
• The war in Gaza: Its impact on Israel’s status internationally and soaring antisemitism as an evolving threat.
• Israel and the Middle East: A negative or positive horizon forecast? And how does the Palestinian arena impact it?
The Herzliya Conference 2024
• Threats on science, education, and culture in Israel
• The global campaign for the return of hostages held by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza strip
• Shouldering the burden equally: Are we really all in this together?
The conference, attended by speakers from various governments–including Israeli, American, and European–was a phenomenal success. Among the senior speakers who participated were: Dr. Phil Gordon, Assistant to the President of the United States and National Security Advisor to the Vice President of the United States; H.E. Annalena Baerbock, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany; Lt. Gen. (res.) MK Gadi Eisenkot, Former Israeli War Cabinet Minister and 21st IDF Chief of General Staff; H.E. Amb. Jacob J. Lew, US Ambassador to Israel; MK Yoel (Yuli) Edelstein, Chair of the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee; MK Yair Lapid, Leader of the Knesset Opposition and Former Israeli Prime Minister; MK Yoav Kisch, Israel’s Minister of Education; Irina Nevzlin, Chair, Board of Directors, Anu–Museum of the Jewish People; Rachel Goldberg, Mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered in Gaza; Abdalaziz Al-Khamis, Saudi Journalist, Middle East, Arabian Gulf and Islamic Movements Researcher, Facts4All; Abdulla Al-Junaid, Geopolitics & Security Columnist, Bahrain; Lt. Gen. (res.) Benny Gantz, Head of The National Unity Party, Former Israeli War Cabinet Minister, Former Minister of Defense of Israel, and 20th IDF Chief of General Staff; along with many more distinguished speakers.
The opening session of the 21st Herzliya Conference was dedicated to the painful subject of Hamas’ gender-based atrocities as a strategy and during it, an interview was held with the First Lady of the State of Israel, H.E. Mrs. Michal Herzog. A segment from the documentary Screams Before Silence on the gender-based violent crimes committed by Hamas during the brutal October 7th attack was screened, following which a special message was given by Sheryl Sandberg, who served as chief operating officer (COO) of Meta Platforms, and led the Screams Before Silence documentary. The session concluded with a conversation with Executive Producer of Screams Before Silence, Joey Low, Founder of “Israel At Heart” and Star Farm Ventures
The conference won unprecedented media attention and had great outreach. It garnered over three million views and citations on traditional Israeli and international media outlets.
A summary of the conference, including insights and recommendations, was published in both Hebrew and English.
The VOD is viewable at https://www.runi.ac.il/ en/research-institutes/government/ips/herzliyaconference/hc2024/vod/
As are the Herzliya Conference insights and recommendations: https://www.runi.ac.il/media/wszkw0wx/ insights24web-e.pdf
The First Lady of the State of Israel, H.E. Mrs. Michal Herzog
H.E. Annalena Baerbock, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany with Maj. Gen. (res.) Prof. Amos Gilead, Executive Director, Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS), Chairman, Annual Herzliya Conference Series, Reichman University
Dr. Phil Gordon, Assistant to the President of the United States and National Security Advisor to the Vice President of the United States
From left to right: Maj Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon, Former Commander of the Northern Corps, IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Gilead, Executive Director, Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS), Chairman, Annual Herzliya Conference Series, Reichman University, Tamir Pardo, Former Head of the Mossad Moderator: Ben Caspit, Journalist and Senior Commentator, Maariv, Radio 103, Meet the Press, Channel
/// TIME FOR HISTORIC DECISIONS
By Maj. Gen. (res.) Prof. Amos Gilead
Maj. Gen. (res.) Prof. Amos Gilead is the Executive Director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) and is the Chairman of the Institute’s Annual Conference.
Following a year of unprecedented challenges and decisive military actions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have achieved significant victories across multiple fronts. From weakening Hezbollah in Lebanon to dismantling Hamas’s operational infrastructure in Gaza and even striking a decisive blow against Iran’s military targets, Israel has demonstrated its resilience and strategic capability. These achievements lay the groundwork for critical decisions by Israel’s leadership to shape the nation’s future.
THE AFTERMATH OF OCTOBER 7TH: LESSONS AND MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS
The surprise Hamas attack on October 7th, 2023, marked a turning point in Israel’s security strategy. This tragic event, which will be studied for years to come, galvanized the IDF into action, resulting in the destruction of Hamas’s organizational skeleton. Israel’s military operations have not only neutralized this terror network but also substantially degraded the operational capabilities of Iran-backed proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
The successes, however, come with new challenges. As Hamas lies weakened, Israel must avoid direct control of Gaza. Instead, regional cooperation, including the involvement of Arab nations, will be essential for Gaza’s reconstruction. This effort must ensure sustainable peace while avoiding a vacuum that could reignite conflict.
THE IRANIAN THREAT: A NUCLEAR THRESHOLD STATE
Iran remains the most pressing strategic challenge. Despite setbacks from Israeli strikes on key military sites, Iran’s nuclear ambitions persist. As a US official recently stated, Iran is dangerously close to achieving nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed Iran would not only pose an existential threat to Israel but also spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and Turkey likely seeking similar capabilities.
Iran’s strategy has historically relied on two pillars. The first is its threshold nuclear capability, which has been limited thanks to Israel’s strikes on its military targets. The second is its network of proxy armies–Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Syria under Bashar al-Assad, which served as a strategic base; Iraq, which became a proxy; and the Houthis in Yemen. All of them have been significantly weakened to the point of non-existence in the case of Syria under Bashar al-Assad.
REGIONAL ALLIANCES AND STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
The Abraham Accords have already transformed Israel’s relations with Arab neighbors, and deeper partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia hold the potential for even greater stability and economic growth. These alliances, alongside existing peace agreements with the Hashemite Kingdom in Jordan and Egypt, serve as crucial pillars of Israel’s regional strategy for containing Islamic radicalization. Economic projects, such as joint initiatives in infrastructure and technology, can further strengthen these ties.
Moreover, Israel’s inclusion in the US-led CENTCOM framework underscores the importance of strategic alliances. The successful interception of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones during recent attacks demonstrates the value of this cooperation.
These alliances must continue to evolve, ensuring that Israel remains a key player within the free world.
I believe Trump will prioritize reaching an agreement with Iran to prevent their nuclear ambitions while waving with the military option. Iran, having been hurt by Israeli operations and facing internal challenges, including an energy crisis and deteriorating infrastructure, may be receptive. However, if diplomacy fails, Israel must be prepared for all options. We cannot and will not tolerate a nuclear Iran.
THE HOSTAGE CRISIS: A TEST OF NATIONAL VALUES
Israel must explore all avenues to release all the hostages held by Hamas, regardless of the cost. The suffering of these individuals is a humanitarian crisis that transcends political debate and is in contradiction to Jewish values. Only after their safe return can Israel continue its efforts to dismantle Hamas completely.
STRENGTHENING INTERNAL RESILIENCE
National resilience is as critical as national security. Unity among Israeli citizens, coupled with advancements in science and education, will be the bedrock of Israel’s strength. Shared responsibility in protecting and building the nation must remain a priority.
Furthermore, maintaining bipartisan support from the US Congress is essential, as American military aid and political backing provide Israel with a strategic edge. While we must primarily rely on ourselves, US bipartisan support remains crucial for our survival. We need to dramatically upgrade our high-level cooperation with the US. Despite the growing influence of Russia, Iran, and China, I firmly believe our future lies with the free world.
A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY
These challenging times provide Israel with unprecedented opportunities while posing substantial risks–a combination that highlights the need to form an up-to-date, long-sighted, strategic state security policy. The upcoming Herzliya Conference in June 2025 will serve as a platform to outline a vision for Israel’s future.
Among the main topics discussed during the conference: Will the threat posed by Iran aggravate or weaken? How will Hamas be uprooted from Gaza and the threat removed? What lies ahead for the peace accords? What impact does the Palestinian challenge have and is the conflict expected to continue alongside political prospects? Significant changes are also expected in the global arena –how will they affect Israel? Or the stability of Middle Eastern regimes?
As we navigate this critical juncture, I am confident that these challenging times present historic opportunities; with proper policy decisions, we can secure a better future for Israel.
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead Executive Director, Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS)
THE ARGOV FELLOWS PROGRAM IN LEADERSHIP & DIPLOMACY
/// LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: HOW THE ARGOV FELLOWS ARE PREPARING FOR TOMORROW
The Argov Fellows Program in Leadership and Diplomacy aims to prepare 20 of Reichman University’s outstanding students in all fields for future leadership positions in Israel and the Jewish world. Established to honor the legacy of former Israeli Ambassador Shlomo Argov, the year-long, interdisciplinary program seeks to equip students with the knowledge, tools, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to address the complex challenges facing Israel in today’s global environment.
The Argov Class of 2025, the program’s 19th cohort, demonstrates a strong commitment to civic duty, with 10 IDF officers and 15 active IDF reservists in a class of 20. This dedication to national service, alongside their academic pursuits, highlights the program’s emphasis on developing well-rounded leaders who demonstrate their commitment to the country’s future through their actions.
One of the program’s unique features is its emphasis on experiential learning through study tours abroad and throughout Israel. During the first semester, Argov Fellows engaged in three day-tours in Israel. In Jerusalem, the students got inside access to the Haredi community, led by a guide from the CarlinStolin Hasidic community. A trip to the Gaza Envelope led by an Argov Fellow from Kfar Aza exposed the efforts to rebuild Israel’s south in the aftermath of the October 7th events. On a trip to the Upper Galilee, the fellows were honored to be accompanied by the head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council Giora Salz, to tour the communities on the northern border and learn more about their challenges.
During the semester break, students will embark on a study tour to the United States, with stops in Washington, D.C., Boston, and New York. This will be followed by a second study tour to Taiwan at the end of the second semester. This international component is a cornerstone of the program, designed to broaden the student’s perspectives on global affairs and diplomacy. During the study tours, fellows have the opportunity to meet with leaders in academia, business, government, and the non-profit sector, as well as members of local Jewish communities.
A trip to the Gaza Envelope led by an Argov Fellow from Kfar Aza exposed the efforts to rebuild Israel’s south in the aftermath of the October 7th events
/// THE ABBA EBAN INSTITUTEEXPANDING IMPACT
The Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy & Foreign Relations together with the Samson Family Chair continue to contribute and enrich continues to contribute and enrich both Reichman University students and government and policymaking through its academic engagement, applied research, and direct involvement in policy discussions. In the face of prolonged war, the Institute has adapted its activities to meet evolving needs, ensuring that its work remains relevant and impactful around three main strands: providing tailored policy advice and support at the highest levels of decision-making, deepening the Institute’s international engagement, and, maintaining the University’s strong commitment to teaching and applied research.
By integrating scholarship with practical experience, the Institute provides a platform for advanced study, strategic dialogue, and diplomatic engagement, ensuring that students, policymakers, and researchers gain the tools to navigate today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
The Institute’s leadership and team are deeply engaged in academic activities across Reichman University, teaching credited courses at the BA and MA levels for both local and international students. Students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also direct exposure to practitioners at the forefront of diplomacy, advocacy, international cooperation, and national security.
One example of this approach is the course “Wargaming in a Changing Middle East” taught by the Institute’s Executive Director, Goor Tsalalyachin. The course examines the shifting landscape of the Middle East and Israeli foreign relations. The latest cohort of students engaged in an in-depth exploration of recent historical geopolitical developments, such as the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as well as a looming nuclear Iran and its regional implications for Middle Eastern and global stability. The course highlights the role of experiential learning in cultivating critical thinking skills for analyzing complexity and assessing the role of diplomacy.
The Abba Eban Institute continues to provide material support along with academic teaching for the Public Diplomacy Honors Program, led by Prof. Moran Yarchi, as a joint endeavor of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy, and the Sammy Ofer School of Communications. The program trains select students in international communications, strategic messaging, and advocacy, all in the global context of contemporary international relations and regional shifts. Most recently, students conducted field study visits in the Negev communities near the Gaza border and at the site of the Nova Music Festival, reflecting on how diplomacy and public perception shape narratives during times of conflict. They also visited the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs HQ in Jerusalem, where they engaged in discussions with serving diplomats on issues ranging from digital diplomacy to international development and foreign aid.
Students from the Public Diplomacy Honors Program, led by Prof. Moran Yarchi, on a field study visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza’s youth neighborhood, which was one of the deadly targets in the October 7th terror attack
Amb. Mark Regev Chairman of the Abba Eban Institute
Beyond the classroom, the Abba Eban Annual Internship Program connects students with highlevel practitioners who operate at the intersection of diplomacy and security. A recent session featured Lt. Col. (Res.) Amit Gnatek, a Reichman University alumnus, who shared insights into the evolving defense partnerships between Israel, the US, and other partners in the Middle East, which reached its peak during the recent war in support of Israel’s defense. The discussion highlighted the delicate interplay between military strategy and diplomacy, particularly in times of crisis, offering students a firsthand perspective on real-world challenges and how diplomacy is applied to safeguard national interests.
In addition to its academic role, the Institute remains active in shaping policy debates and contributing to international strategic discourse. Continuing the work carried out with the support of a major grant secured for applied research in the field of illicit use of financial systems, our Policy & Technology Program, led by Daniel Cohen, plans to publish key findings in leading academic journals.
The Institute’s Asia Policy Program and IsraelGulf Program are deeply engaged in multilateral diplomacy through several cooperation channels connecting Israel, the Far East, Europe, and the Middle East. Building on relationships cultivated in recent years with institutions such as the University of Tokyo, the University of Bonn, and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, the heads of programs, Dr. Gedaliah Afterman and Dr. Yossi Mann, bring a much-needed Israeli perspective to international fora, while also bringing international insights back into critical Israeli policy debates.
Executive Director, Goor Tsalalyachin, guiding students through an interactive wargame, unlocking the complexities of the Middle East and global affairs through experiential learning
They both contribute to media and academic analysis on Israel and regional energy diplomacy, Gulf politics, and the changing geopolitical landscape, particularly in view of the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords and the prospect of establishing official Saudi-Israeli relations. These engagements provide an important platform for shaping long-term strategies and strengthening Israel’s international cooperation, as recently seen in the RAISINAMiddle East Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi, which was attended by high-level officials, including the Indian and Emirati Foreign Ministers, where Dr. Afterman represented the Institute.
The Institute’s prestigious Israel Story Fellowship aims to build capacity for civilian professionals positioned in roles where they can contribute more effectively to Israel’s public diplomacy, equipping them with the tools to communicate effectively in their own voice, showcasing the diverse mosaic of the Israeli story. As the Institute plans for the next cohort of fellows, it takes special pride in past successes and in the news that one alumnus of the program has recently joined the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is now in training for a future diplomatic post.
The Arena magazine has positioned itself as an important platform for promoting a well-informed discourse on diplomacy and foreign relations. It offers in-depth thematic issues with articles and opinion pieces featuring contributions from scholars and practitioners in Israel and abroad.
The Abba Eban Institute remains committed to advancing research, international engagement, and contributing to the training of future young leaders in diplomacy and strategy. Thanks to the much-valued support of our friends and partners, the Institute is prepared to continue expanding its impact and reach while adapting to meet new and evolving challenges of our time.
/// THE INSTITUTE FOR LIBERTY AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Institute for Liberty and Responsibility continuously evaluates the state of Israeli democracy, warns of the threats it faces, and, since the outbreak of the war, has focused particularly on how the war affects democratic resilience.
The war that started with the tragic events of October 7th, 2023, presents a major challenge to Israeli democracy, which has been progressively weakened over the years. In the past year, the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility has examined the decline of democratic institutions in Israel, decreasing public trust in political leaders, and waning support for universal values like liberty, equality, and democratic commitment. Due to the systemic weaknesses within Israel’s democracy, the government functions with minimal institutional oversight. Amid escalating security threats and rising public anxiety, the commitment to democratic and liberal principles is faltering—particularly concerning free speech and minority rights.
On November 28th, 2024, on the eve of the historical date marking the UN vote on the partition plan that led to the recognition of the State of Israel, the Institute held its annual conference. This year’s event focused on the oversight of government in wartime and the obligation of the government to uphold liberal and democratic values, even during times of crisis. Participants examined how various actors—government institutions, Israeli society, the media, and the international community—can guide and oversee government actions to ensure the government operates responsibly within its authority while safeguarding democratic norms and human rights.
At the conference, Prof. Amnon Cavari, head of the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility, stressed that preserving Israel’s democratic character requires the government to act transparently and responsibly while upholding human rights, moral principles, and the laws of war. He emphasized the need for an independent police force, judiciary, and prosecution system, free from political pressure, as well as a critical and independent media. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of speech and movement, ensuring public participation, and fostering civic engagement. Without these elements, the country would quickly backslide to a lesser democracy.
Prof. Amnon Cavari and MK & former Chief of Staff, Gadi Eisenkot at LIBRES annual conference
A key moment at the conference was the call for a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th massacre, made by several speakers, including MK and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. He criticized the government’s lack of a structured decision-making process, its failure to discuss alternative strategies, and its reluctance to hold votes or ensure the proper implementation of decisions. Speakers agreed that such an inquiry is essential—both to honor the civilians and soldiers who were killed and to identify failures, strengthen national security, prevent future disasters, and begin the process of healing in Israeli society.
As in previous years, the conference concluded with the presentation of the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility’s annual awards for outstanding academic work by students from across the university. This year’s winning projects focused on national identity, civilian evacuation during war, and civil protest.
PUBLIC TRUST AND RESEARCH INITIATIVES
The Institute conducts monthly surveys throughout the year to measure public trust in Israeli government institutions and opinions on key national issues. These surveys form the basis for a monthly public trust index and a series of studies on Israeli society. Notable research from this year includes:
• Prof. Amnon Cavari’s study warns of declining trust in the political system, weakening social cohesion, and rising public anxiety, all of which contribute to the growing public distrust in democracy and increasing support for non-democratic principles.
• Prof. Asif Efrat’s research indicates a significant rise in religiosity among Israelis since the war began; approximately one-third of Israelis report that their faith in God has strengthened since October 7th. Consequently, the war accelerates an ongoing trend of increasing religiosity, particularly among young Israelis
• Dr. Omer Yair’s study indicates a rise in national pride since the war’s outbreak. This growing pride reflects Israelis’ satisfaction with how the country has addressed the immense challenges of war
• An in-depth study of the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community, led by Dr. Shachaf Zamir and Dr. Esti Reider-Indorsky, found that while Haredi individuals express feelings of belonging to and pride in Israel, their connection to state institutions remains weak. The study also highlighted the Haredi community’s opposition to military conscription, a key issue in today’s political debate over exemptions for yeshiva students from military service.
Prof. Amnon Lehavi, Prof. Amnon Cavari, and students Omer Bashari, Noa Gur and Noa Sfadia
DEMOCRATEAM PODCAST AND ANTISEMITISM RESEARCH
This year, the Institute launched a new podcast, “DemocraTEAM,” that brings together leading scholars and public figures to discuss vital political issues, the challenges confronting Israeli democracy, and the latest findings in social science research
To mark the International Day Against Antisemitism, the podcast hosted Irina Nevzlin, Chairwoman of ANU–Museum of the Jewish People and author of The Power of Identity: The Strength to Know Who You Are. She spoke with Dr. Haim Weizmann, the Institute’s head of political affairs and podcast host, about Israel’s relationship with the Jewish diaspora, the global rise in antisemitism following October 7th, and the distinction between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of Israel.
The episode also presented findings from a public opinion survey on antisemitism and attitudes toward Israel among the American public, conducted in September 2024 by Professors Amnon Cavari and Mark Tessler of the University of Michigan. The results are concerning:
Approximately 25% of respondents believe that Jews exert excessive control over financial institutions in the US An even higher percentage thinks that Jews are more loyal to Israel than to their home country. A quarter of respondents indicated that Israel negatively influences democracy in the US.
Dr. Chaim Weizmann speaking with Irina Nevzlin, President, Nadav Foundation on the DemocraTEAM podcast
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES FOR DEMOCRACY
The Institute is committed to educating children and youth on democratic and liberal values and has launched two key initiatives:
1. “Guardians of Liberty and Responsibility”: A civic education program in Herzliya developed in collaboration with Dr. Adi Koll, Dean of Student Affairs at Reichman University. The program aims to instill core democratic values in children and teenagers by teaching them essential civic skills, critical thinking, and active citizenship. Students from Reichman University, who possess strong social awareness and teaching experience, lead the initiative, which will expand to all schools in Herzliya next year with the support of the city mayor.
2. The Institute’s Honors Workshop, led by Prof. Amnon Cavari , is a selective program that brings together top students from across the university to engage with political processes and policymaking. The workshop combines theoretical studies, group projects, educational field trips, and meetings with political figures. This year, students have chosen to focus on political education and values-based discourse as part of Israel’s formal education system. Given the current war and the challenges facing Israeli democracy, this topic has taken on increased urgency. By addressing it, the students demonstrate their commitment to fostering a shared civic foundation based on liberal and democratic values in Israel.
The Institute’s Honors Workshop–Led by Prof. Cavari, a selective program that brings together top students from across the university to engage with political processes and policymaking
“Guardians of Liberty and Responsibility”–A civic education program in Herzliya
Pictured: Prof. Reichman, Dr. Koll, Prof. Cavari, the education team of “HaYovel” High School in Herzliya, and student-instructors, Lihu Amidor and Shaked Efraim
BARUCH IVCHER SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY
Changing the world through science.
Prof. Anat Brunstein Klomek, Dean
Baruch Ivcher
/// PROJECT ALPHA: EXPLORING
INTERGENERATIONAL RESILIENCE AMID MODERN CHALLENGES
Project Alpha, founded at Reichman University, is a groundbreaking study that merges psychological and biological sciences to understand how traumatic events shape our minds and bodies across generations. The project, now rapidly growing, includes over 100 children and 200 families. Its uniqueness lies in tracking families from before their first pregnancy through childbirth and beyond, examining epigenetic, psychological, and physiological patterns.
In light of the current challenges following the events of October 7th, 2023, the research offers a timely perspective on resilience. Findings reveal how past traumas, such as the Holocaust, leave biological imprints on subsequent generations.
For example, grandchildren of Holocaust survivors exhibit enhanced activity in the oxytocin system—a system that fosters social bonding and mutual support—alongside heightened stress reactivity, providing sustained energy for prolonged action. Unlike the first generation, the third generation does not show signs of psychological pathology but rather displays notable resilience, characterized by a drive not only to survive but to build collective strength with others.
Additionally, encouraging insights emerge from studies on children who have experienced the loss of a parent. Initial phases of emotional detachment eventually give way to a unique “compensation” mechanism involving a highly active social system and enhanced creative and innovative motivation. These children, despite their pain, often succeed in forming meaningful social connections and transforming their personal struggles into tools for growth and progress.
Project Alpha is not merely a scientific documentation of complex processes but a call to rethink how we approach trauma in today’s world. The optimism embedded in these findings underscores that even in the face of the most profound challenges, we possess the capacity to build both personal and collective resilience—together.
Students in the Alpha Project presenting at the International Conference on Social Neuroscience of Relationships, Attachment & Caregiving in August 2023
/// SUPPORTING ASD STUDENTS: INCLUSIVE PROGRAM AT REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
Reichman University’s Baruch Ivcher School Clinic has opened its second year of the inclusive program designed specifically for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Student life presents significant social and academic challenges for students with ASD, including social challenges within the campus, managing academic programs, interactions with professors and various university staff members, and dealing with stress, among other things. To ensure that these students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, the Baruch Ivcher School Clinic offers a unique program that includes personal socio-emotional tutoring, group physical training sessions, and workshops throughout the academic year. The personal tutoring sessions are tailored to the individual needs of each student and cover various aspects, including building confidence on campus, enhancing social skills and emotional regulation, and strengthening academic-related issues, such as time management.
The workshops aim to help them acquire coping skills in daily life and enhance their well-being. The tutors are carefully selected BA students and graduates from therapeutic fields, ensuring highquality, personalized support for each student.
Our team includes: Dr. Rony Pshedetzky Shochat, Senior Clinical Psychologist and Head of Reichman University’s Baruch Ivcher School Clinic, who oversees the program; Dr. Lior Eadan Bar-Nahum, a clinical psychologist specializing in ASD support in academia, supervising the program; and Ms. Gaia Dudkiewicz, the Program Coordinator.
Ms. Gaia Dudkiewicz
Dr. Rony Pshedetzky Shochat
Dr. Lior Eadan Bar-Nahum
TIOMKIN SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
Preparing the global financial leaders of tomorrow.
Prof. Itzhak Gilboa, Dean
Judy and Avi Tiomkin
/// THE REICHMAN UNIVERSITY ANNUAL FORUM FOR FINANCIAL ECONOMICS
CAPITAL MARKETS IN TIMES OF WAR
On December 22nd, 2024, the MA program in Financial Economics hosted its 10th annual financial markets forum, focused on the economic impact of the “Swords of Iron” war. The event began with Prof. Zvi Eckstein’s presentation, in which he shared the findings and policy recommendations of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy. This was followed by a macroeconomic analysis of war financing and long-term economic implications by Prof. Jesús Fernández-Villaverde of UPenn.
The presentations led into a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Prof. Dani Tsiddon, Founder and General Partner of Viola Fintech. Panelists included: Prof. Eugene Kandel, Chairman of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and founder of the RISE Israel Institute; Ms. Ronit Harel Ben-Zeev, CEO of S&P Ma’alot; and Mr. Ronen Nir, Managing Director at PSG Equity. The panel explored investment trends in Israel, addressing macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical risks, and the implications of recent government credit rating downgrades.
The evening concluded on an optimistic note, highlighting Israel’s innovative spirit and resilience as key drivers for navigating the challenges of war and embarking on a path to recovery.
From left: Dr. Yael Hadass, Dr. Yael Eisenthal-Berkovitz, Dr. Moran Ofir and Prof. Yaniv Grinstein
From left: Mr. Ronen Nir, Ms. Ronit Harel Ben-Zeev, Prof. Dani Tsiddon, and Prof. Eugene Kandel
Prof. Zvi Eckstein, Founding Dean of the Tiomkin School of Economics and Head of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy
/// STUDENTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS IN ECONOMICS VISIT
THE BANK OF ISRAEL VISITORS CENTER
Third-year students of the International Programs in Economics participated in a unique seminar of Applied Economics in which they heard guest lectures from senior economists in the public sector, private sector, and academia.
Guest lecturers included: Prof. Zvi Eckstein (former Dean and Head of the Aaron Institute); Itzik Devash (founder of Atudot L’Israel, the biggest leadership program for Israel’s public service employees); Prof. Joseph Zeira from the Hebrew University; Ms. Nurit Felter Eitan and Vered Yefet from the management of the Bank of Israel; Dr. Yigal Menashe, a senior economist from the Bank of Israel; Yaron Malka, Director of the Bank of Israel’s Visitor’s Center who
led a tour; Dr. Hila Axelrad and Dr. Idit Kalisher from the Aaron Institute; Ronen Nir (Managing Director of PSG’s venture fund and a board member for the Aaron Institute); Dana Erell, Partner at EY Global Consulting who presented with two of her team, Noam Zetouni and Zeina Ighbareh, both alums of the Economics program.
One of the highlights of the seminar was the visit to the Bank of Israel Visitors Center in Tel-Aviv, in which they not only heard the lecture given by Dr. Yigal Menashe but also took a guided tour of the exhibition of the history of the bank of Israel and banknotes. The tour was guided by Yaron Malka, director of the Center,
As the number of students in the international economics program keeps growing, this year, Dr. Yael Hadass co-led the seminar with Dr. Boaz Zik, TA Yoav Hochberg, and Academic Literacy lecturer Dr. Esther Lopatin
Students of the Applied Economics Seminar visit the Bank of Israel with Dr. Yael Hadass, Dr. Boaz Zik, and the Director of the Bank of Israel’s Visitor’s Center, Mr. Yaron Malka
Yaron Lotan, Deputy Chairman of the Aaron Institute’s Board of Directors, Prof. Martin Eichenbaum, Member of the Aaron Institute’s Board of Directors, Yogev Gardus, Director General of the Budget Department at Israel Ministry of Finance, Shlomo Dovrat, Founding Chairman of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy, MK Benny Gantz, Chairman of the National Unity Party
/// AARON INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC POLICY
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE OF THE AARON INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC POLICY
The Aaron Institute for Economic Policy held its 10th anniversary conference on July 9-10, 2024, at Reichman University, titled “A Country in Turmoil–Threats and Opportunities in Israel’s Economy.” The event opened with speeches by Reichman University’s Founding President and Chairperson of the Board, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron, Former US Ambassador the honorable Jack Lew, and Institute leaders Shlomo Dovrat and Prof. Zvi Eckstein. Sessions addressed economic strategies for security challenges, integrating Haredi and Arab communities into the economy, and the cost of living. Speakers included Yogev Gardos, Budget Director at the Ministry of Finance; MK Moshe Arbel, Minister of Interior; and National Unity Party Chair and former Chief of Staff of the IDF MK Benny Gantz. The conference concluded with a call for long-term economic policy solutions.
Prof. Zvi Eckstein, Head of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy
Prof. Zvi Eckstein, Head of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy, Former US Ambassador to Israel, the honorable Jack Lew, Chairman of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy, Shlomo Dovrat
MK Benny Gantz, Chairman of the National Unity Party
THE FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CENTER FOR ECONOMIC POLICY OF THE ARAB SOCIETY AT THE AARON INSTITUTE
On December 4th, 2024, the Aaron Institute held the first annual conference of the Center for Economic Policy of the Arab Society, titled: “Impact Strategy: Quality Employment and Equal Opportunities for Young Arabs.”
An innovative partnership was launched with the Yad Hanadiv Foundation and the Authority for Economic Development to promote socio-economic integration and create equal opportunities for Arab youth. Panel participants featured representatives from the Authority for Economic Development, the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Labor, alongside academics, civil society leaders, and leading entrepreneurs.
The conference provided a successful platform for discussing challenges and policy solutions to advance quality employment and equal opportunities while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Ayala Partush, scholar at the Aaron Institute, Rana Kassis, Research Assistant at the Aaron Institute, Prof. Zvi Eckstein, Head of the Aaron Institute, Dr. Marian Tehawkho, Head of the Center for Economic Policy of the Arab Society, Aaron Institute, Dr. Or Cohen-Raviv, Senior Scholar at the Aaron Institute, Sabaa Jabali-Sirhan, Scholar at the Aaron Institute, Dr. Amit Lowenthal, Senior Scholar at the Aaron Institute
Dr. Marian Tehawkho, Head of the Center for Economic Policy of the Arab Society, Aaron Institute
FROM UNIFORMS TO INDEX: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DRAFTING THE ULTRA-ORTHODOX
The Aaron Institute for Economic Policy held a symposium of the Center for Economic Policy of the Ultra-Orthodox Society in collaboration with the Israeli Economic Association. The event, which took place on January 29th, 2025, at Reichman University, focused on the economic implications of drafting ultra-Orthodox individuals into the IDF. It featured lectures by leading experts such as Prof. Zvi Eckstein, Dr. Hila Axelrad, and Prof. Eyal Kimchi, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Finance, military officials, and key figures from the ultra-Orthodox community.
Prominent figures, including former Minister of Education, Rabbi Shai Piron moderated panels. Discussions revolved around the economic cost of manpower in the IDF, the demographic characteristics of the ultra-Orthodox community, security needs, and inequality in burden-sharing. The symposium provided a platform to address Israel’s security, social, and economic challenges and proposed policy solutions, emphasizing the integration of the ultra-Orthodox into the workforce and national defense. The event concluded with a call for enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders.
Lt. Col. (res.) Rabbi Gabi Cohen, commander of the Israeli Society Cell and partner in developing the IDF Haredi recruitment project Phase II, Yisrael Cohen, Haredi journalist and political commentator, Rabbi Yitzhak Ravitz, head of the Kiryat Ye’arim–Telz-Stone local council, Rabbi Shai Piron, former Minister of Education, President of the Pnima Movement
Yitzik Crombie, Director of Employment and Innovation Centers for the ultra-Orthodox
SCHOOL OF SUSTAINABILITY
Preparing students to tackle global climate and sustainability challenges.
Dr. Asaf Tzachor, Acting Dean
/// LAUNCH OF THE YANNAY INSTITUTE FOR ENERGY SECURITY AT REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
As the new academic year begins, Reichman University, the School of Sustainability, and businessman and philanthropist Mr. Ofer Yannay, announce the establishment of the Yannay Institute for Energy Security.
Operating within the School of Sustainability, the Institute is a pioneering initiative designed to address pressing challenges in energy security, both in Israel and globally.
Its ambitious agenda is already taking shape, with rigorous research published in leading journals, op-eds in prominent media outlets, and plans for exclusive roundtable discussions with top industry and policy decision-makers this December.
The decision to create the Institute stems from the growing urgency surrounding Israel’s energy security, particularly amidst the ongoing war and geopolitical tensions. Recent discussions among political and security leaders have underscored concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure—power plants, the Israel Electric Corporation, and other essential facilities—to potential attacks by Iran and Hezbollah. Such threats could result in severe disruptions to public services, economic continuity, and national security, including the risk of extended blackouts with cascading impacts on daily life.
As the first institute of its kind in Israel, the Yannay Institute for Energy Security aims to lead the discourse on this vital issue. Its activities include cutting-edge research, in-depth policy analyses, and the organization of high-level discussions among stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. The institute recognizes that energy security transcends technical considerations, carrying profound political, regional, economic, and environmental implications.
A cornerstone of the Institute’s mission is its focus on academic excellence and leadership development. The Yannay Internship Program will offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by participating in research, drafting policy papers, and engaging with key organizations in Israel and abroad. Through this program, the Institute is cultivating a new generation of energy sector leaders equipped to navigate and solve the complex challenges of tomorrow.
The Institute owes its establishment and funding to Yannay, Chairman and Founder of Nofar Energy, a renewable energy group. Yannay, who was named one of the 50 most influential Jews globally last year, has an extensive track record of philanthropic initiatives spanning education, healthcare, and economic development. Commenting on the Institute’s launch, Yannay emphasized the unique challenges and opportunities facing Israel as an “energy island” and expressed his vision for the country to lead the global transition to a renewable energy economy.
This initiative further cements Reichman University’s School of Sustainability as a leader in addressing global challenges and advancing innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
From left to right: Prof. Boaz Ganor, President of Reichman University; Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Reichman University; Mr. Ofer Yannay, Chairman and Founder of Nofar Energy Group, Founder of Yannay Institute for Energy Security; Dr. Ayelet Ben-Ezer Gelbard, CEO & Vice President, Reichman University;
Mr. Avri Schechter, Head of Yannay Institute for Energy Security
GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT AT REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
/// NEW AGREEMENTS AND MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING IN TIMES OF WAR
Reichman University recently signed three new agreements, including Student Exchange Agreements and general Memoranda of Understanding with the following institutions:
• Richmond American University London, UK
• Torcuato Di Tella University (UTDT), Buenos Aires, Argentina
• The Luxembourg School of Business, Luxembourg
Attribution: Webutdt, CC BY-SA 3.0
Torcuato Di Tella University
The Luxembourg School of Business, Luxembourg
Attribution: Ipigott, CC0
/// ITALIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’
DELEGATION TO REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
January 14th, 2025
In response to the turmoil at Italian universities surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict after the events of October 7th, 2023, several non-Jewish students from various institutions across Italy came together to draft a “Manifesto for the Right to Study.”
This manifesto stands as an important call for dialogue and balance in academic spaces. To recognize the efforts of these students who are advocating for Israel despite never having visited, and to provide them with resources and connections to strengthen their support, the Italy-Israeli Friendship Association of Savona organized a trip to Israel from January 12th–16th, 2025, offering these students a valuable opportunity to explore the country and deepen their understanding.
Reichman University hosted the group on campus, allowing them to interact with both local and international students and faculty members, fostering a broader perspective on the issue. This kind of exchange can be pivotal in promoting understanding and creating lasting connections in such a charged environment.
“Coming into Israel, it was clear in our mind why we were doing this: fighting mis/disinformation, protecting democratic values, and making sure antisemitism will not have a place in our universities back at home. The journey… showed us the tragedy that this country endured and it is still trying to overcome, but coming to Reichman University was different: it showed us your strength and the kindness of your souls, which managed to survive despite what many of you had to do and see in order to defend their country.”
“Meeting with students of our age and hearing their stories taught us about a reality that we couldn’t even imagine, and this is what we will bring back to Italy: we will tell them the truth about you, about the sacrifices you had to make in order to protect your country and keep studying at the same time, something that is truly unthinkable in any part of the world”, stated Pietro Balzano, student at Statale University, Milan Università degli Studi di Milano).
Participant list: Pietro Balzano, student, Statale University, Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano); Filippo Leon Buffa, student, Statale University, Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano); Davide Filippi, student of history, Turin University; Francesco Moro, student, Statale University, Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano); Andrea Ninzoli, student of economics, Bocconi University, Milan; Cristina Franco, lawyer and President of the Italy-Israel Friendship Association of Savona; Angelo Vaccarezza, member of the Regional Council of Liguria; Franco Modigliani, Vice President of KKL-Italy and member of ItalyIsrael Friendship Association of Savona; Sharon Nizza, Delegations Coordinator, American Jewish Committee (AJC).
/// VISIT BY
BRAZILIAN FACULTY
TO REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
February 4th, 2025
On February 4th, the university had the honor of hosting a group of distinguished academic professors from renowned universities across Brazil on campus. The visit was organized in collaboration with “Conexión Israel” and Mr. André Lajst, Executive Director of StandWithUs and a former student of Reichman University. Attendees participated in an insightful discussion led by Prof. Assaf Moghadam, Head of the Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Program and Former Dean of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy.
They explored topics such as the Swords of Iron War, Hamas, and counterterrorism with Dr. Eitan Azani, Director of Research at the International Institute for Counterterrorism (ICT), Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy. Additionally, they gained valuable international perspectives from Mr. Jonathan Davis, Vice President of External Relations and Head of the Raphael Recanati International School.
/// STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
In the last academic year, 160 exceptional students from Reichman University took part in the student exchange program, allowing them to integrate into universities across various countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, Brazil, Argentina, the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, France, England, Italy, Sweden, and Spain.
Brazilian faculty delegation
RAPHAEL RECANATI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AT
REICHMAN UNIVERSITY
Over 2,500 Raphael Recanati International School students from over 90 countries
Israel’s first and only private and non-profit university, founded by Prof. Uriel Reichman
The largest international school in Israel for students pursuing full-time degrees
Founded as a Zionist University, based on the Israel Declaration of Independence
Over 3,200 positions posted through the career center yearly
Ranked #1 in Israel in student satisfaction
22 unicorns founded by Reichman University alumni
Ranked #7 globally in Entrepreneurship in the category of small universities (15,000 students or fewer) by PitchBook’s Entrepreneur Rankings
LIVE IN ISRAEL, STUDY IN ENGLISH
Over 1,200 worldwide companies founded by Reichman University alumni
