In times of great uncertainty, Israel's brightest and boldest researchers are more motivated than ever to create positive change.
TAU is determined to give exceptional new faculty members returning to Israel a supportive home – where their breakthroughs will have the greatest impact on the country and the world.
Cover image: New recruit Dr. Moshe Unger (Management) holds a ceramic balloon he bought in Italy during an academic conference. "It symbolizes solidarity with those affected by the war and the enduring power of optimism in these challenging times," he feels. (Text cont. on p. 44.)
CONTENTS
Reports I p. 2
Campaign I p. 20
Distinctions I p. 22
President's Message I p. 23
Officers I p. 24
Chairwoman's Message I p. 25
Projects I p. 26
Reports, cont. I p. 28
Shedding Light on Dark Matter
Dr. Danieli’s family are fans of the Hapoel Tel Aviv sport club. This team scarf commemorates her husband’s cousin, Yuval, who fell on October 9, 2024, on IDF reserve duty.
“I chose TAU because its astrophysics group is world-class. "
A TAU alumna, Dr. Shany Danieli (Exact Sciences) earned her PhD at Yale University and was a NASA Hubble Fellow at Princeton University and Institute for Advanced Study before joining the campus ranks as an observational astrophysicist. She studies galaxies to uncover key physical processes shaping the universe. Specifically, she focuses on faint and low-mass galaxies, which are challenging to detect, observe, and study, to learn what they can reveal about dark matter – “one of the biggest riddles in cosmology,” she notes. Dr. Danieli has been working with major telescopes in Hawaii, Chile, New Mexico, California, and even in space. Her discoveries have earned her prestigious awards, including the Azrieli Fellowship for EarlyCareer Faculty.
“I received a few job offers from US and Israeli universities,” she says, “but I chose TAU because its astrophysics group is worldclass, with a unique diversity of research topics and a vibrant community of top-notch colleagues.”
CONNECTIONS
How Informal Institutions Shape
Governance
Originally from Argentina, Dr. Pablo Balan (Social Sciences) recently joined TAU after earning his PhD at Harvard. He studies the interaction between politics and the economy in developing countries, focusing on how informal institutions shape government policies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. He has conducted large-scale studies in the Democratic Republic of Congo and published in top academic journals. “I chose TAU because I value working in a country with a robust scientific system and living in a vibrant city like Tel Aviv,” says Dr. Balan.
Mapping the Quantum Frontier
Prof. Michael Galperin (Exact Sciences) is a quantum scientist and TAU alumnus who returned to campus after several years as a faculty member at UC San Diego. His work delves into how individual molecules respond to external influences, focusing on quantum transport, energy transfer, and the complex interactions within microscopic electronic systems. His research bridges between theoretical physics and practical applications in emerging fields like molecular electronics and spintronics, advancing our understanding of how energy and information move through the tiniest possible circuits. “What motivated me to come back after 16 years in California was ultimately the people: my friends at TAU and Israelis in general!” says Prof. Galperin.
Decoding Autism: A Genetic Breakthrough
TAU researchers have uncovered a new biological explanation for autism, studying a genetic mutation in the SHANK3 gene linked to nearly one million cases worldwide. After thoroughly analyzing the neurobiological deficits involved in autism, they used a genetic treatment to successfully restore cell function, marking a major step toward new treatments. Led by PhD student Inbar Fischer and Prof. Boaz Barak (Social Sciences) from the School of Psychological Sciences and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, the study was a collaboration with Prof. Ben Maoz (Engineering) and University of Haifa researchers. The discovery, published in Science Advances, brings new hope for improving the lives of individuals with autism.
Designing Safe Use of AI in the Public Sector
"Pedro" the fish has been with Dr. Haim since high school in India when he and a close friend exchanged stuffed animals – and still do so, until today!
Dr. Amit Haim (Law), who specializes in administrative law, gauges the effects of AI-driven decision-making on the public sector and legal sphere. Can AI be used, he asks, to improve performance and streamline bureaucracy in areas as wideranging as welfare, health benefits, child services, and licensing? Among many projects, he works with the Israel Innovation Authority and Ministry of Justice to advise on the best policies for the safe, effective and ethical implementation of AI. He is also affiliated with TAU’s Chief Justice Meir Shamgar Center for Digital Law and Innovation and takes part in programs run by TAU’s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics.
Dr. Haim was courted by other universities but he felt drawn to TAU’s “welcoming and collaborative atmosphere, intellectual openness and embrace of new methods and ideas.” Prior to joining TAU, he clerked at the Israeli Supreme Court, was awarded a Fulbright, earned his JSD from Stanford, and was a
"I believe that being an academic researcher in Israel is more important now than ever."
postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute. Regarding the timing of his move back to Israel, he says: “I believe that being an academic researcher in Israel is more important now than ever, and I expect to contribute whatever expertise, knowledge and experience I gain to improving institutions and other aspects of Israeli society.”
"Growing antisemitism, fear of my classes being boycotted, and the general anxiety around being openly Jewish and Israeli had a great impact on my experience abroad.”
Kookie, a 15-year-old rescue dog, has been Dr. Karev’s companion throughout her travels.
Revealing Hidden Stories of Ancient Egypt
(Humanities), who is fluent in Greek, Latin and several ancient Egyptian dialects, specializes in Egyptian history and texts on papyrus. Her research focuses on measuring and analyzing people’s physical characteristics and the phenomenon of slavery documented in texts of Late Period Egypt, with two published books on the topics. She has also published extensively on subjects such as slave names, self-sale into religious slavery, disabilities, skin color and racism. Dr. Karev believes that the ancient world has much to teach us about humanity and she is passionate about making it relevant to
A TAU alumna, she earned her PhD in Egyptology at the University of Chicago, then later joined a humanities research project in Italy. Coming full circle, she is now a senior lecturer in the same TAU department where she was a student. “I was eager to come home – to Israel and to the University. I had been abroad for eight years and always felt like an outsider. The growing antisemitism, fear of my classes being boycotted, and the general anxiety around being openly Jewish and Israeli had a great impact on my experience abroad,” she explains.
CONNECTIONS
Ocean’s Silent Killer: Global Sea Urchin Plague
An international research team led by Dr. Omri Bronstein (Life Sciences) from the School of Zoology and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History has identified the deadly pathogen causing mass sea urchin die-offs in the Red Sea and off Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. This highly aggressive waterborne parasite threatens to spread further, potentially reaching the Pacific Ocean. Given sea urchins' vital role in maintaining coral reef health, researchers are launching a global effort to track the disease and protect these key marine creatures. The study was published in Ecology and Current Biology and was featured on the cover of Royal Society Open Science, highlighting the urgent need for conservation action against what Dr. Bronstein is calling an ecological disaster.
Enzyme Evolution for Environmental and Medical Innovation
TAU alumna Dr. Livnat Afriat-Jurnou (Medicine) studies how enzymes evolve and gain new abilities over time. Her research focuses on modifying enzymes to break down harmful substances like pesticides, plastics and microbial toxins. She also explores how certain enzymes can interfere with the way microorganisms communicate, which could lead to new ways to fight infections. Formerly at Tel-Hai College and Migal Institute, she and her family left their kibbutz in the North of Israel at the onset of the Gaza war. This year, she joined the Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine. “What attracted me to TAU was the cutting-edge facilities, the ability to collaborate across disciplines with TAU researchers as well as colleagues abroad, and the opportunity to mentor talented students,” says Dr. Afriat-Jurnou.
New Courses Cultivate Jewish-Arab Exchange
Two new boundary-pushing courses transcend ethnic divisions and foster intellectual exchange between Jewish and Arab students in challenging times. "Sociological Reading of Arab Literature" by Prof. Yehouda Shenhav (Social Sciences) explores Palestinian literature through a sociological lens, examining translation as an act of representation amid asymmetrical power dynamics. Conducted in Arabic and Hebrew, the course engages students in a deep literary and cultural dialogue. "Sociology of the Palestinian Society" by Dr. Maisalon Dallashi (Social Sciences) critically examines Palestinian life in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, addressing governance, identity and education through the lens of Palestinian scholars.
Bioinformatics Experts, Unite!
Hidden Costs of Child Abuse: Pain and Aging
Dr. Noga Tsur (Social Sciences) from the Bob Shapell School of Social Work and Prof. Idan Shalev from Penn State University launched a unique collaboration to explore the long-term health effects of childhood trauma and maltreatment. Prof. Shalev investigates how early experiences affect disease through changes in biological aging, while Dr. Tsur focuses on how child maltreatment influences bodily perception and pain. Together, they plan to study how chronic pain and biological aging are linked in the context of maltreatment. By combining these areas of research, their work aims to provide a clearer, more integrated understanding of the lasting impact of childhood trauma.
Where Business Meets Torah
A recently launched partnership between the Coller School of Management and the Lowy International School at TAU and Yeshiva University is designed for religious American students seeking a unique international educational experience. The program combines business studies with Torah education at the two university campuses. Students earn a degree in Business Administration and Management, with exposure to Israeli and global business environments. As part of the program, TAU offers academic courses, visits to established companies and startups, networking opportunities, and practical enrichment workshops such as investing in the stock market and experimenting with digital tools.
The 6th Annual Workshop, pictured above, of the KoretUC Berkeley-TAU Initiative in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics was held at the Center for Regulatory Genomics (CRG) in Barcelona. A collaboration between UC Berkeley, TAU’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics and CRG, the event focused on advancing computational biology for societal and public health benefits. Co-organized by 2017 Kadar Family Award winner Prof. Ron Shamir (Exact Sciences) and international colleagues, the workshop gathered 43 researchers from Europe, the US and partner institutions for lectures, discussions and networking.
Unlocking Decisions: The Power of Behavioral Economics
The Solomon Lew Center for Consumer Behavior, headed by 2019 Kadar Family Award winner Prof. Ayala Arad (Management), hosted its 8th Annual Conference, focusing on behavioral economics – the study of why people make certain decisions. This field helps businesses, policymakers, and organizations shape choices to improve outcomes, from boosting sales to encouraging positive behaviors. The conference brought together top experts from management, economics, and psychology to share cutting-edge research and practical insights. This year’s event featured leading scholars from the US, Canada and Israel, offering fresh perspectives on how to better understand and influence decision-making.
CONNECTIONS
Training Teachers to Harness AI
Prof. Anat Cohen (Humanities) of the Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education teams up with colleagues from Estonia, Austria, Germany, Finland and Italy to help teachers improve their digital skills and integrate AI into their classrooms. By training teachers to use AI in creative ways, such as through an AI songwriting contest, the project aims to make learning engaging, inclusive and effective for students. A similar collaboration, which brings together universities from Israel, Latvia, Czech Republic and Slovakia addresses critical challenges such as the lack of AI curricula and teacher training, with the goal of creating innovative classrooms that prepare students for the workforce of the future.
Partnership for Jewish Heritage and Peoplehood
The Koret Center for Jewish Civilization, a partnership between TAU and ANU— Museum of the Jewish People, bridges between academic knowledge and the public through education at all levels, including teacher training in Jewish Studies. Among joint activities last year were mapping the needs of Jewish organizations after Oct. 7; a webinar on community resilience; and diverse events such as conferences, lectures, screenings, seminars, podcasts, experiential academic courses, and Jewish leadership instruction. Academic activity, directed by Prof. Youval Rotman (Humanities) at TAU’s Chaim Rosenberg School of Jewish Studies and Archaeology, focused on cultivating international partnerships and supported scholarly publications on topics ranging from identity, religion and culture to antisemitism and Middle Eastern politics. The Center also allocated 25 BA and MA scholarships and recruited 4 post-docs to the Koret Society of Fellows.
Advancing Global Fitness with Science
Prof. Mickey Scheinowitz (Engineering), a former director of the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute, is leading an initiative to combat physical inactivity as part of the WHO’s "Global Action Plan on Physical Activity." He collaborates with colleagues from the University of West Indies, Jamaica, under the leadership of the International Olympic Committee. The initiative includes developing and marketing an online course for key opinion leaders in sports and health worldwide. Prof. Scheinowitz recently participated in the first workshop, held in Jamaica, and the second, held in Kenya, alongside experts from WHO, IOC, and academia to advance this critical effort.
Smart Materials with Memory
Researchers from TAU and Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed "Chaco,” a new meta-material that "remembers" the order of actions performed on it, like a computer storing information. Unlike regular materials, Chaco’s present state depends on past operations, making it useful for memory storage and mechanical computing. The research team included TAU faculty members Prof. Yoav Lahini (Exact Sciences) and Prof. Yair Shokef (Engineering), PhD students Chaviva Sirote-Katz and Dor Shohat and Fulbright postdoctoral fellow Dr. Carl Merrigan. The researchers suggest that smart materials like Chaco could revolutionize the way we process and store information.
Israelis and Palestinians Partner for Children's Well-Being
An Israeli-Palestinian joint initiative, funded by USAID through the Middle East Regional Cooperation program, is underway to examine the impact of a common stomach infection on children’s growth, nutrition and cognitive development. Led by Prof. Khitam Muhsen (Medicine) in partnership with the Al-Quds Public Health Society, the study is being conducted in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with graduate students from TAU and Al-Quds University working together on the project. This cross-border research fosters peace, promotes health, and builds collaborative research and training capacity.
International Team Tackles Heart Health
An international study brought together experts from TAU, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), and top US universities to explore how physical activity changes before and after heart disease events across a biracial cohort. Led by Prof. Yariv Gerber (Medicine) during his sabbatical at the NIH, the research uses data from a long-term US study called CARDIA. The team found that heart disease patients often struggle to stay active, with differences across communities. Their findings highlight the need for better support and policies to help people stay active and improve cardiovascular health worldwide.
Theater as a Space for Connection and Culture
Dr. Ruth Schor (Arts) from TAU and Prof. Meike Wagner from Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) in Munich are leading a research project called Theater as a Third Place, which explores how theater can serve as an additional space for social connection and cultural exchange. Supported by the LMU-TAU Research Cooperation Program, the project includes joint workshops and a publication. A joint seminar, funded by the Lowy International School, has already brought together students from both universities, combining theory with real-world experience through theater visits, meetings with professionals, and hands-on research.
Empowering Societies: A Global Platform for Resilience
The ResWell Multinational Resilience and Wellbeing Research Collaboration was initiated by Prof. Bruria Adini (Medicine) to advance interdisciplinary and cross-border research, support policymaking, and disseminate knowledge. The initiative generates insights on how to strengthen the ability of individuals and societies to cope with diverse kinds of adversity. It also assesses the impact of interventions implemented by philanthropic and governmental bodies worldwide to rehabilitate and reconstruct communities that have been devastated by disasters such as war and epidemics. Launched in 2021, ResWell today brings together some 80 researchers from over 20 countries. Its findings are anticipated to guide policymaking aimed at facilitating more efficient and strategic resource allocation when planning and budgeting interventions.
medicine, physics and neuroscience all at once, enabling me to work alongside equally interdisciplinary students and colleagues.”
Dr. Darshan uses the game of Tangram to teach his two boys, ages 6 and 8, how to solve geometric riddles.
Crunching the Math behind Brain Activity
Dr. Ran Darshan (Medicine & Exact Sciences), of the Sagol School of Neuroscience, focuses on understanding how the brain works, particularly how cognitive abilities like learning, memory, and decision-making emerge from the interaction of neurons. He applies mathematical methods from physics, applied math, computer science and AI to develop new tools for analyzing brain data. His lab then collaborates closely with experimental researchers to bridge the gap between theory and real-world findings. “The cool thing is that the same artificial neural networks that power generative AI can be used to model neural circuits in the brain,” he says. “We try to reduce a very complex system to a series of mathematical equations, then study these models and check their predictions with our experimental collaborators. If, for example, we can identify malfunctions connected to learning difficulties, dementia or disease, we’ll be better positioned to try and fix them.”
Dr. Darshan brought the field of theoretical neuroscience to TAU after completing post-doctoral research at Howard Hughes Medical Institute. “I chose TAU because I could be affiliated with medicine, physics and neuroscience all at once, enabling me to work alongside equally interdisciplinary students and colleagues,” he concludes.
CONVERGENCE Unlocking
the Hidden Potential of New Materials
The Quantum Layered Matter Group, led by TAU alumnus Prof. Moshe Ben Shalom (Exact Sciences), is rapidly advancing the emerging field of “slidetronics,” in which scientists reconfigure the atomic layers of natural materials to better control their electrical, magnetic, optical and conductive properties. In a couple of recent studies published in Nature and Nature Review Physics, Prof. Ben Shalom’s team manipulated layers of graphite – the material found in pencil tips – into storing information and functioning as a tiny memory unit. Such sliding materials could revolutionize technology, offering faster, more efficient memory storage and other applications in electronics, computing and materials science generally.
Better Cities Start Here
TAU’s Azrieli School of Architecture is launching a new master's program in Urban Policy, Planning and Design, in collaboration with the Department of Public Policy at the School of Social and Policy Studies. Integrating both global and local perspectives, the program will equip students with the knowledge and skills to address complex urban challenges such as overpopulation, environmental sustainability and social inequality. Program graduates will influence policy, drive innovative urban projects and contribute to the development of inclusive, resilient communities, ultimately shaping the future of urban living.
Teacher’s Bot Boosts Pupils’ Learning Skills
The outbreak of the war after Oct. 7 forced schools to go remote, led to mass evacuation of children from their homes, and sent many parents to reserve duty – emphasizing the need for children's independent learning skills. To address this, Prof. Anat Cohen (Humanities) of the Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education developed a GenAI chatbot that helps pre-service teachers identify and address pupils’ cognitive and motivational challenges during independent learning tasks. This tool enhances problem-solving skills and empowers teachers to design chatbot-based activities tailored to their schools' needs. The award-winning research could enhance independent learning for both routine and emergency situations.
Using AI to Understand the Building Blocks of Life
Dr. Jerome Tubiana (Exact Sciences) feels privileged to have made aliyah from France despite the challenging times in Israel. Previously a postdoctoral fellow at TAU’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, he joined the Blavatnik School of Computer Science and AI to advance the use of deep learning techniques for understanding the tiniest building blocks of life, such as proteins and DNA. He creates smart computer programs that can help predict and model how these molecules function and works with experimental labs to test potential drug candidates. Dr. Tubiana says, ”I find a deep sense of purpose in our mission at TAU, which is to train the next generation of high-tech and biotech professionals in Israel.”
Redefining the Mind-Body Connection
Prof. Asya Rolls (Life Sciences) and her research group were recently recruited from the Technion, and their groundbreaking work is transforming our understanding of the brain’s influence on physical health. Bridging neuroscience, immunology and medicine, Prof. Rolls’ findings have revealed new biological mechanisms that explain the placebo effect and how motivation and hope lead to improved health outcomes. Her lab’s discoveries provide a new framework for understanding psychosomatic disorders and can be translated into therapeutic applications for stress-related disorders. Prof. Rolls has garnered global recognition beyond the scientific community with articles in Scientific American, The Scientist and BBC. “At TAU there is an incredibly open-minded attitude toward new initiatives and the dean and department have been very supportive,” says Prof. Rolls, who is Head of the BLAVATNIK CENTER for Drug Discovery and also a member of the Colton Center for Autoimmunity.
Fast-Tracking a Humanities Revival
A broad humanistic education is essential for ethical and democratic societies. Yet for decades, humanities enrollment has declined worldwide, as STEM and other career-oriented fields are perceived to offer better job prospects. To counter this trend and attract top students back to the humanities, TAU has launched the Humanities Excellence Program. The program identifies high-potential students before they begin their undergraduate studies, awarding them full tuition and living stipends. Through an accelerated, interdisciplinary curriculum, students earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just four years. The program fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and a deep sense of social responsibility, preparing graduates to shape the future of the humanities in academia, culture and public life.
Using AI to Decipher Memories
Our memories are a fascinating mix of what we see and what we know. When we see a famous person’s photo, we first recognize them by their visual features, but our brain very quickly retrieves everything we know about them, such as where they live or what they’re famous for. Prof. Galit Yovel (Social Sciences) and PhD student Adva Shoham use state-of-the-art AI tools to untangle this blend of visual and semantic (meaning-based) information. They discovered that visual details dominate when we first perceive something, but that meaning and context take the spotlight when we recall something from our memories. Their approach offers a novel way to reveal the hidden dynamics of how we think and remember.
Glass, Heal Thyself!
A team led by PhD student Gal Finkelstein-Zuta and 2015 Kadar Family Award recipient Prof. Ehud Gazit (Life Sciences), of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, has created a self-repairing adhesive glass that forms spontaneously when in contact with water. This marks a world first, not only in the creation of biomolecular glass under simple conditions but, no less important, in its very special properties – it is super strong, is more transparent than ordinary glass, and can repair itself at room temperature. The glass could revolutionize industries ranging from optics and electro-optics to satellite communication, remote sensing and biomedicine. The team’s breakthrough findings were published in Nature
“It is a great honor to be part of the film school team.”
Exploring New Possibilities in Visual Media
A former video artist, Dr. Levin likes buying old cameras at flea markets and discovering random, forgotten images still recorded there.
Dr. Ori Levin (Arts) earned her PhD at TAU’s Steve Tisch School of Film and Television and always aspired to return as a faculty member. “TAU has an incredible film school with impressive faculty who are accomplished and active,” says Dr. Levin. “It is a great honor to be part of the film school team.”
Coming home after a post-doc at USC, she brings back to Israel expertise in early cinema and specifically the relationship between visual culture and technological change. Dr. Levin sees historical continuity between the first filmmakers’ utopian aspirations and the current rise of revolutionary, AI-driven digital technologies. “My fascination with both early cinema and the algorithmic image springs from the same impulse: a curiosity about moments of promise, about spaces of transition and experimentation where new expressive possibilities emerge,” she explains.
Her current research focuses on how cinema was first received by Hebrew-speakers in pre-state Israel as a “realized miracle” and the harbinger of monumental social, political and linguistic change.
Art Seminar Reveals Story behind Unique Emblem
On-site art history seminars allow students to engage directly with artwork in its original context. Prof. Tamar Cholcman (Arts) led a seminar that explored the "seed-scattering hand" emblem of Beit Gordon, a nature museum established in 1941 at Degania Alef, Israel's first kibbutz. Students conducted archival research and interviews, including with the family of the museum’s founder. Their work uncovered how this emblem bridges between the European emblem tradition, dating back to the 16th century, and Zionist ideals and aspirations in Israel's pre-state period. Remarkably, their findings are to be published in a peer-reviewed journal – an exceptional outcome for an undergraduate seminar.
Bringing Different Worlds of Data Together
The AI & biomed team of Prof. Roded Sharan (Exact Sciences), a member of the Blavatnik School of Computer Science & AI and Edmond J. Safra Bioinformatics Center, and a 2015 Kadar Family Award recipient, and systems immunologist Prof. Asaf Madi (Medicine), has developed a novel AI approach to address limitations in single-cell gene expression data by integrating such datasets with a protein-protein interaction network. Incorporating these networks plays a key role in identifying potential drug targets and disease-specific biomarkers. The team’s approach is particularly beneficial for studying disease mechanisms, accelerating drug discovery, and advancing personalized medicine. Their findings were published in Nature Methods
Learning Can Cause a Mental Tug-of-War
Learning can happen in diverse ways. One well-known example is Pavlov’s dog, which learned to associate the sound of a bell with food; this is known as classical conditioning. We can also learn through our own behavior, known as operant conditioning: we repeat rewarding actions and avoid harmful ones. But what happens if the two memory types tell us to do opposite actions? Prof. Moshe Parnas (Medicine) of the Sagol School of Neuroscience published a study that showed, for the first time, that the brain cannot learn simultaneously through classical and operant conditioning. Rather, the brain actively prevents the two types of memories from being formed at the same time. The findings open the door to new behavioral approaches for treating learning disorders.
AI Solutions to Protect Democracy
The World Economic Forum has declared the spread of disinformation as one of the top threats to the stability of democracies worldwide. To tackle this challenge, the Shamgar Center for Digital Law and Innovation led a competition entitled “Designing AI for Democracy,” in collaboration with strategic partners including TAU’s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics, Microsoft Israel, Bright Data, the British Embassy in Israel and more. Forty-one interdisciplinary teams submitted applications, 11 advanced to the development stage and 7 made it to the finals. The President of Israel awarded the prizes to the selected finalists at his official residence. The competition was initiated and led by Prof. Niva Elkin-Koren (Law).
Lest We Forget: Using Machine Learning to
Preserve Oct. 7 Testimonies
Graduate student Talya Ben Shitrit and Prof. Eran Toch (Engineering) are using advanced machine learning (ML) methods to process the vast amounts of testimonies from the Oct. 7 terror attacks and subsequent war. They developed an automated system that identifies key words, names and concepts in Hebrew testimonies, working with PhD student Or Rappel-Kroyzer from TAU’s Oct. 7 Civil Archive based at the Zvi Yavetz School of Historical Studies and supported by the Koret Center for Jewish Civilization. The ML-powered system analyzed approximately 850 testimonies, showing improved performance over traditional methods. It is expected to reduce workload, enhance consistency in organizing testimonies, and improve the archive’s usability for researchers.
How Jewish Migration Shaped the Dynamics of Modern Theater
Dr. Ruthie Abeliovich (Arts), in collaboration with Prof. Berenika Szymanski-Düll of LMU Munich, explored the interactions and cultural exchanges between Jewish and nonJewish theater creators during the global mass migration period of 1830-1920. The research partners created a comprehensive dataset to identify, record and map Jewish theater migrants. Comparing this data with information on European non-Jewish theater migrants, they examined migration patterns, routes and epicenters, revealing significant intercultural exchanges. The resulting database serves as a tool to understand how these cross-cultural interactions shaped modern theatrical forms and practices and highlighted migration's impact on modern theater.
Outsmarting Bacterial Defenses
A study led by PhD student Bruria Samuel and Prof. David Burstein (Life Sciences) of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research revealed how bacterial defense mechanisms can be neutralized. Published in Nature, the research focused on plasmids – mobile genetic elements that can transfer material between bacterial cells via specialized tubes they assemble. The researchers found that plasmids possess an arsenal of genes strategically positioned to overcome bacterial defenses. Their breakthrough could lead to novel approaches for battling antibiotic resistance as well as for other medical, industrial, and environmental applications.
Are you optimistic? Join us on the road to breakthroughs.
Historic $125 Million Gift from Mindy and Jon Gray to Medical Faculty
In honor of a generous gift from the Gray Foundation – the largest in TAU’s history – the University is naming the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, as well as of the School of Medicine and School of Medical Sciences, after the Gray family.
The gift will significantly expand capacity at the Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, improve access for students and elevate the quality of education, training and research. This includes funding for:
• A new 600-bed dormitory, with preference given to underprivileged students
• New advanced teaching and research facilities
• Modernization of the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
• Scholarships for underrepresented groups
• Support for faculty recruitment and retention
• BRCA research and collaboration
• Creation of a memorial for the victims of October 7th
TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat: “The Gray family’s generous gift will enable us to make a true ‘quantum leap’ in both medical education and research. But the importance of their donation goes beyond science and medicine, beyond increasing the number of doctors in Israel. We are living through the most difficult days Israel has experienced since its founding. Mindy and Jon’s donation is a vote of confidence in Tel Aviv University, in Israeli academia, in Israeli science – in fact, in the State of Israel and its future.”
The signing ceremony, from left: The Grays with Prof. Porat
Co-Founders of the Gray Foundation, Mindy and Jon Gray: “We’ve been searching for a way to make a meaningful impact in Israel since the tragic events of October 7th. We can think of no better way to accelerate healing than by supporting an institution that touches the lives of so many. This gift will expand Tel Aviv University’s capacity to educate new healthcare professionals, including underrepresented students, and create state of the art research facilities – building on our longtime support for medical research and access to higher education.”
This gift allows TAU – the largest training institution for doctors in Israel – to increase the number of new medical students by approximately 25%. In addition to doctors, TAU will also aim to increase the number of students in the overall Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences by approximately 20%, training thousands of nurses, therapists, dentists and other healthcare professionals.
To dramatically improve access for students, the Grays’ gift will help create a new 600-bed dormitory, the Mindy and Jon Gray Building, and additional scholarship opportunities. This will include targeted support and recruiting efforts for underrepresented groups at TAU who have faced challenges on housing costs and access.
This gift will also enable a comprehensive renovation of existing medical and health sciences facilities along with the creation of new world-class research laboratories; provide for strategic investment to attract and retain leading biomedical scientists from around the world; and expand work in BRCA-related cancers.
At the ribbon-cutting on campus, from left: First Lady of Israel Michal Herzog; Mindy and Jon Gray; President of Israel Isaac Herzog; TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat; Dean of the Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences Prof. Karen Avraham; and Chairwoman of the TAU Board of Governors Dafna Meitar-Nechmad
DISTINCTIONS
Prof. Lihi Adler-Abramovich, Medical & Health Sciences, Senior Member of US National Academy of Inventors
Prof. Yakir Aharonov, Exact Sciences, Fellow of the Royal Society
Prof. Noga Alon, Exact Sciences, 2024 Wolf Prize in Mathematics
Prof. Yossi Azar, Exact Sciences, STOC 2024 30Year Test of Time Award; 2024 European Association for Theoretical Computer Science (EATCS) Fellow
Prof. Boaz Barak, Social Sciences, 2024 Outstanding Researcher Award from the Israel Coalition for Rare Diseases
Prof. Adi Barzel, Life Sciences, Juludan Prize
Dr. Inbal Ben-Ami Bartal, Social Sciences, Sieratzki Prize for Advances in Neuroscience
Prof. Uri Ben-David, Medical & Health Sciences, Member of the Israel Young Academy
Prof. Jonathan Berant, Exact Sciences, ICLR 2024 Outstanding Paper Award
Prof. Yoav Benjamini, Exact Sciences, 2024 Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics
Dr. Jori Breslawski, Social Sciences, Distinguished Article Award, Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR)
Prof. Eyal Chowers, Social Sciences, 2024 Anthony D. Smith Article Prize
Prof. Jisca Cohen-Mansfield, Medical & Health Sciences, 2024 Robert W. Kleemeier Award
Prof. Kfir Eliaz, Social Sciences, Economic Theory Fellow, Society for Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET); Fellow of the Econometric Society
Prof. Michal Feldman, Exact Sciences, 2023 SIGecom Mid-Career Award; Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Fellow
Dr. Arseny Finkelstein, Medical & Health Sciences, Sieratzki Prize for Advances in Neuroscience
Dr. Mor Geva, Exact Sciences, 2024 Intel Rising Star Faculty Award
Prof. Pavel Ginzburg, Engineering, 2025 Kadar Family Award for Outstanding Research
Prof. Motti Golani, z"l, Humanities, President of the State and Prime Minister’s Prize
Prof. Alexander Golberg, Engineering, Senior Member, US National Academy of Inventors
Prof. Boaz Hameiri, Social Sciences, SAGE Early Career Trajectory Award, Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP)
Prof. Ruth Heller, Exact Sciences, 2024 Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics
Prof. Tamar Herzig, Humanities, Cherasco International Prize in History
Dr. Barak Hirshberg, Exact Sciences, 2023 Journal of Chemical Physics Best Paper by an Emerging Investigator Award
Prof. Alon Klement, Law, Zeltner Prize
Prof. Ayala Lampel, Life Sciences, Nanomaterials Young Investigator Award
Dr. Tal Laviv, Medical & Health Sciences, Sieratzki Prize for Advances in Neuroscience
Dr. Ariel Lellouch, Exact Sciences, J. Clarence Karcher Award, Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)
Prof. Yossi Leshem, Life Sciences, President of the State and Prime Minister’s Prize
Prof. Eliav Lieblich, Law, 2025 Max Planck— Cambridge Prize for International Law
Prof. Oded Lipschits, Humanities, Honorary Doctorate, University of Zurich
Prof. Boris Malomed, Engineering, Nonlinear Science and Complexity 2025 Lagrange Award
Prof. Ben Maoz, Engineering, Juludan Prize
Prof. Liad Mudrik, Social Sciences, 2025 Kadar Family Award for Outstanding Research
Prof. Gal Oestreicher-Singer, Management, 2025 Kadar Family Award for Outstanding Research
Prof. Dan Peer, Life Sciences, Elected Fellow, US National Academy of Inventors
Prof. Brian Rosen, Engineering, Senior Member, US National Academy of Inventors
Prof. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, Medical & Health Sciences, 2024 Tenne Family Prize
Prof. Doron Shabat, Exact Sciences, 2025 Kadar Family Award for Outstanding Research
Prof. Natan Tzvi Shaked, Engineering, Senior Member, US National Academy of Inventors
Prof. Zohar Shavit, Humanities, Israel Prize in Culture and Arts
Prof. Yossi Shiloh, Medical & Health Sciences, Technion Faculty of Biology Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Noam Shoked, Arts, 2024 On the Brinck Book Award; 2024 PROSE Award in Architecture and Urban Planning, Association of American Publishers
Dr. Ran I. Snitkovksy, Management, 2024 Rothblum Award, Operations Research Society of Israel (ORSIS)
Dr. Raya Sorkin, Exact Sciences, Krill Prize for Excellence in Scientific Research
Prof. Yael Sternhell, Humanities, 2024 Tom Watson Brown Book Award, Society of Civil War Historians
Prof. Haya Stier, Social Sciences, Lifetime Achievement Award, European Network for Social Policy Analysis (ESPAnet)
Prof. Yaron Tsur, Humanities, Israel Prize in Jewish History
Prof. Daniel Yekutieli, Exact Sciences, 2024 Rousseeuw Prize for Statistics
Prof. Ines Zucker, Engineering, 2024 Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) Emerging Investigator Award
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
"Keeping top academic talent here in Israel
is vital."
Two events happened this spring that encapsulate the University’s dual commitment to science and society. The first one – a historic milestone in TAU’s growth – celebrated the Gray Foundation’s $125 million gift for expanding and upgrading medical education and research. This transformative donation, so uplifting during these times of crisis, will enable TAU to strengthen biomedical science in Israel and globally, as well as significantly enhance the national healthcare system.
The second event, held a day earlier on the other side of the campus, was the 2nd Tel Aviv Conference on the Future of Israel. With prominent speakers from all sectors and political camps, the gathering tackled wide-ranging social issues that included the erosion of democratic values; shared civic responsibility for the nation’s security and economy; and the physical and mental rehabilitation of people affected by the Gaza War. For each of these issues, Tel Aviv University conducts cutting-edge research and runs dedicated institutes and programs, attesting to its central and active role in responding to societal dilemmas.
Indeed, science and society are intertwined at our University. Take the issue of brain drain, a longstanding problem in Israel – especially in academia – that has only been exacerbated by the Gaza war. TAU’s answer is an ambitious program to attract and retain outstanding Israeli faculty and post-docs who are currently affiliated with top universities abroad. Bringing home leading researchers, however, requires competitive recruitment packages that can cost $1 to $5 million each. In
this, the University is fortunate to have received support from donors who recognize that keeping top academic talent here in Israel is vital for the future technological superiority, economic prosperity and social fortitude of the country.
Last year I reported that over 7,000 of our students had been called up for IDF reserve duty and that TAU was committed to providing them with academic and financial resources to overcome lost study time. Since then, many of our students have been called up again, some repeatedly. But I am pleased to share that, due to the collective efforts of the campus, together with funding from concerned donors, reservist students have kept up their grades and are successfully completing the school year at the same rate as the general student body. Our global community of supporters similarly rallied to help us provide PTSD treatment to hundreds of IDF and civilian patients, and to complete a dedicated building in advance of the anticipated wave of post-trauma sufferers in Israel.
I am optimistic that, with such steadfast backing of our loyal and dear friends, we will continue to apply our expertise to pioneering science, bettering society, and revitalizing Israel after the war.
Sincerely,
Prof. Ariel Porat President, Tel Aviv University
TAU OFFICERS
Lay Leaders
Ms. Dafna Meitar-
Chairwoman of the Board of Governors
Executive Council
Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Governors
Dr. Anita Friedman
Chair of the TAU
Global Campaign, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Governors
Prof. Jacob A. Frenkel, Mr. Robert Goldberg, Mr. Michael H. Steinhardt Chairmen Emeriti of the Board of Governors
Campus Leaders
Prof. Ariel Porat
President
Prof. Mark Shtaif Rector
Mr. Gady Frank Director-General
Prof. Milette Shamir
Vice President, International
Prof. Dan Peer
Vice President for Research and Development
Prof. Neta Ziv
Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Community
Mr. Amos Elad
Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs
Prof. Eyal Zisser
Vice Rector
Prof. Yaron Oz Pro-Rector
Prof. Yael Steinhart
Dean of the Coller School of Management
Prof. Rachel Gali Cinamon
Dean of the Lester and Sally Entin
Faculty of Humanities
Prof. Yishai Blank
Dean of the Buchmann Faculty of Law
Prof. Noam Eliaz
Dean of the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering
Prof. Abdussalam Azem
Dean of the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences
Prof. Amal Jamal
Dean of the Gershon H. Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences
Prof. Karen Avraham
Dean of the Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences
Prof. Eran Neuman
Dean of the Yolanda and David Katz Faculty of the Arts
Prof. Tova Milo
Dean of the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences
Prof. Drorit Neumann
Dean of Students
Prof. Liat Kishon-Rabin
Dean of Innovation in Teaching and Learning
Dr. h.c. Josef Buchmann
Nechmad
Dr. h.c. Sylvan Adams
Dr. h.c. Boaz Dotan
Dr. h.c. Jeremy Coller
Vice Chairmen of the Board of Governors
CHAIRWOMAN’S MESSAGE
"Others talk about positive change. TAU does positive change."
At the time of this Annual Report’s publication, Israel has endured over a year-and-a-half of a bitter, multi-front war. Especially in such difficult times, we can find a source of optimism and comfort in our involvement with Tel Aviv University.
First, we are an amazing worldwide community of researchers, teachers, students, alumni, friends and supporters, numbering in the hundreds of thousands in total. What a powerful force for change! We have recently taken steps to widen the circle of engagement through the NextGen Global Leadership Community that has self-organized into working groups advancing campus and youth programs. Our annual Women’s Leadership Conference brings together influential Israeli women from politics, industry, business and academia – all of them proud graduates of TAU – to network and discuss how to contribute to Israeli society as a whole, and to women specifically. We should celebrate that while others talk about positive change, TAU does positive change.
Second, we can feel great pride in seeing the University’s scientific achievements that translate into smarter technologies, therapies, enterprises and social policies. And despite the everwidening academic boycott movement (BDS), our excellent scientists continue to receive international recognition; for example, this year four of our engineers were inducted into the US National Academy of Inventors, where TAU makes up 70 percent of all Israeli members.
Third, we can find tremendous satisfaction in supporting Israel. TAU is the “up” in Startup Nation. We are the sharpener honing Israel’s technological edge. Much of the progress in security, the economy, healthcare, education, culture and more begins at Tel Aviv University. When the war is over and Israel rebuilds, TAU will stand at the forefront of national rejuvenation and we – the University’s supporters – can directly influence this important effort.
Fourth, we can regard the University as a leading institution representing Israel – and thereby burnishing the country’s reputation in the global arena. When there is so much distressing news coming out of Israel, and even more fake news about the Jewish state, TAU symbolizes all that we love about Israel. It is not surprising that world Jewry spotlights the remarkable people, entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility of TAU to build up appreciation for the State of Israel itself.
Finally, I want to thank you – all our good friends and supporters – who help the University stay resilient, strong and optimistic. I extend special thanks to Jon and Mindy Gray for their recent extraordinarily generous donation to TAU, in benefit of healthcare and medical science in Israel, which brought us joy during troubled times.
This is an opportunity to express hope for the quick release of the remaining hostages, the return home of displaced communities, and more peaceful times for Israel and the region.
With warm regards,
Ms. Dafna Meitar-Nechmad Chairwoman, Board of Governors Tel Aviv University
2025 GLOBAL CAMPAIGN PROJECTS
Academic Development
Support for the Miriam and Moshe Shuster Building for the Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience, and for PTSD Treatment:
• Andrea and David Ades Family Lobby and Entrance Plaza – Brazil
• Karen Cook Annual Giving Fund, UK
• Juliette and Raoul Danon z”l Fund, Israel
• Charles, Evelyn and Sandra Dolansky Floor – Canada
• The Manya Gussack Engineering Advanced Degree Scholarship Fund –Seymour Gussack z"l, USA
• Kadar Periphery Scholarship Fund –Naomi Prawer Kadar Foundation, USA
• Dr. Samuel and Vera Kanovsky Scholarship Fund – Kanovsky Family Foundation, Canada
• Golf Day and Harry Lebovic (Toronto, Canada) Scholarship Fund – Joseph Lebovic Charitable Foundation, Canada
• Daniel Howard Endowment Fund for Student Success – Porter Foundation, Israel
• Support for the Uniform to University Scholarship Fund – Sheba Foundation (Steve Lavin), USA
• Periphery Student Scholarships – Steve Quake, USA
• Reuben Scholarship Fund – UK
• Support for the Uniform to University Scholarship Fund – Moise Y. Safra z"l, Brazil
• Andrei Sakharov Excellence Project –Andrei Sakharov Foundation, USA
• Support for Scholarships – Schwarz Foundation, USA
• Baruch Tegegne Pioneer Leadership Program – Benjamin Ahdoot & Yaffa Tegegne Foundation, Canada
• Eli and Ellen Turkienicz Israel Education Fund – Canada
• Tzemach David Foundation Olim Integration Program – USA
• Wilnai Scholars – Ruth and Amos Wilnai, USA
Community
• Support for Interdisciplinary Arts Program at Youth University – Gertler Family, Israel
• Support for Summer Youth University –Matanel Foundation, Panama
Listed: Projects of $100,000 and above, by alphabetical order within categories
Harnessing TAU Talent for Quantum Computing
"Quantum technologies are a global race, and we want to evolve fast!"
Dr. Ofer Kfir (Engineering) is a specialist in lasers, microscopy, and quantum sensing, having studied materials science and physics at the Technion and actively pursued collaborations in Europe and the USA. He has received several honors, including from the Knesset, European Union, and Israel’s national quantum initiative. When the war broke out, Dr. Kfir and his family were displaced from their home in the north. Yet he remained committed to his students, ensuring international students could continue their work abroad, reservists were taken care of, and those who stayed remained focused on their research.
Dr. Kfir is developing a hands-on, cutting-edge quantum computing lab for engineering students in collaboration with the Israeli Quantum Computation Center (IQCC) that is located on campus. According to Dr. Kfir, "Quantum technologies are a global race, and we want to evolve fast! We aim to create a knowledgeable workforce, cultivate leaders in quantum tech, and create a vibrant ecosystem centered around TAU. Israelis are techno-optimists, which makes doing science in Israel great fun!”
Dr. Kfir's Kibbutz Manara shirt represents his evacuated hometown on the Lebanese border and its disrupted apple industry.
At the Crossroads of Healthcare Research
The School of Public Health at the Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, together with biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and other partners, established the TAU-AZ BEAM Center for Real-World Data Research. This Center, headed at TAU by Prof. Gabriel Chodick (Medicine), aims to enhance patient care and health outcomes globally by sharing insights generated from extensive, demographically diverse data and cutting-edge analyses. The Center connects world-class TAU researchers with a powerful network spanning the healthcare ecosystem including facilities, partnerships and databanks from Israeli healthcare providers.
New Stories on Four Pianos
TAU’s MultiPiano Ensemble saw their latest recording released by Hyperion Records this year. The Ensemble, which features a mix of faculty, alumni and students, recorded with the RSB Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and pianist Prof. Tomer Lev (Arts), first Head of the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music and a TAU alumnus himself. The released album, entitled Unplayed Stories...in 40 Fingers, is the result of roughly a decade of research and preparation. Each recording is a world premiere, including the exciting resurrection of a long-lost work by Mendelssohn. MultiPiano also recently played this work with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, recipient of a 2025 TAU Honorary Fellowship, and on an eight-city US tour including at Carnegie Hall.
Training the Next Deep Tech Visionaries
Set to launch in the 2025-26 academic year, the pioneering Coller DeepTech MBA is a new program designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and business leadership. The program will equip top talent from Israel and around the world with the expertise to lead, scale, and commercialize transformative tech solutions to complex problems. It is tailored for individuals with prior exposure to Deep Tech, such as STEM researchers, entrepreneurs and defense tech experts, who aspire to drive new technological ventures involving a heavy investment in R&D.
TAU Alumni: Defending Israel in World Court
TAU law alumnus Dr. Omri Sender was selected to represent the State of Israel before the International Court of Justice in The Hague in the recent case brought by South Africa against Israel. Over the course of his career, which began with two degrees from TAU, Dr. Sender has established himself as one of Israel's foremost experts in public international law. He has held multiple prestigious positions including Israeli Supreme Court Clerk, Legal Counsel for the World Bank in Washington and Legal Assistant at the UN International Law Commission. In 2023, Dr. Sender joined one of Israel’s top law firms as a partner and head of its Public International Law Department.
Enhancing Animal Welfare at the Research Zoo
TAU is about to launch the Weisfeld Family Charitable Foundation Animal Habitat Initiative at the I. Meier Segals Garden for Zoological Research. The Initiative will upgrade the zoo’s decades-old cages into larger, more modern habitats that meet the latest standards for animal welfare. It will enable the zoo to reintroduce several species as well as reopen its gates to tens of thousands of visitors annually after years of closure to the public. Further, an endowment component will ensure that staff have the resources required to feed and care for the animals and maintain the enclosures in perpetuity. The Initiative will thus have a transformative impact that will be felt for years to come.
Unlocking Skeletal Secrets through Dentistry
A new immigrant from France, Dr. Benjamin Coyac (Medicine) focuses on bone mineralization and tissue regeneration, using advanced techniques and animal models to study healing processes in dental procedures and rare bone diseases. His work has earned international recognition, including the André Schroeder Research Prize. At TAU’s Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, he aims to establish a multidisciplinary center integrating dentistry into skeletal disease treatment, advancing both research and clinical care. Dr. Coyac holds dental and doctoral degrees from Paris Descartes University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford. “I chose to move to Israel because I am a Zionist; the Gaza war only served to increase my motivation to live here,” he says.
An Aversion That’s All Tied Up
Though many envision equality as society’s ideal state, people may actually be naturally averse to equal outcomes. Dr. Meyrav Shoham (Social Sciences), alongside an international team, is investigating the novel phenomenon of tie aversion, wherein people perceive tied outcomes to be more like losses than wins. Her research shows that this perception affects people’s judgment, emotional reactions, and expectations regarding future performance. Dr. Shoham’s work has implications for academic knowledge in multiple disciplines, including marketing, decision-making, social psychology and economics.
Turning Cancer against Itself
How does cancer put the brakes on the immune system, and how can we release this braking mechanism to fight off tumors? Prof. Carmit Levy (Medicine) led a team who discovered that some tumors release a protein which suppresses immune cells, allowing cancer to grow unchecked. They found that inhibiting this protein stimulates the immune system battle against the disease, even in lab models for which current immunotherapies were not effective. The team is now working to develop their discovery into a treatment that can be administered to cancer patients who do not respond to available therapies.
Workplace Dynamics in Times of Uncertainty
The professional and personal life of Dr. Michal Hodor (Management), pictured above, was significantly affected by the Gaza war. Her husband served on the frontlines for nearly six months, leaving her to raise three young children while also conducting research at TAU on decision-making under uncertainty. Her findings provide evidence-based insights that managers and policymakers can use to enhance productivity, foster more effective and collaborative work environments, and manage behavioral responses to uncertainty and incentives. Her work on labor market dynamics bridges theory and practice, offering valuable perspectives that will be instrumental in addressing Israel’s pressing societal challenges in the shadow of the war. “The Coller School of Management is the best in Israel. It is the ideal fit for my research, offering both exceptional research quality and a distinguished faculty,” says Dr. Hodor on what attracted her to TAU.
Dr. Sas-Chen knits to decompress and also uses yarn to teach about chromosomes.
Decoding RNA to Fight Cancer
Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research from the Weizmann Institute, focuses on how RNA regulates gene expression, particularly in cancer and stem cell-related diseases. For example, she studies how cancer cells decide which organ to invade; understanding this lethal process is critical to developing novel treatments.
Since joining TAU, with support from Dr. Kathy Fields-Rayant and Dr. Garry Rayant, she has co-authored multiple papers, secured nine prestigious grants, received the Eclipse Award for Innovation, and participated in 17 conferences at which she presented her studies, all while caring for three children with her husband away on reserve duty. "The Gaza war has deeply impacted my life – my husband has been serving since October 7, and I lost a family member in battle. Two of my students have also served. Despite these challenges, our team remains committed to creating a supportive, stable environment for students and expanding our research and impact.”
"The Gaza war has deeply impacted my life – my husband has been serving since October 7, and I lost a family member in battle."
Setting a Precedent against Discrimination
TAU's Class Action Legal Clinic at the Buchmann Faculty of Law won a landmark class action lawsuit against burial discrimination. In the ruling, the Central District Court ordered the Chevra Kadisha burial society to pay 4.3 million shekels in compensation to families of immigrants from the former Soviet Union who were buried in separate sections of cemeteries. This precedent-setting victory marks the first class action lawsuit in Israel to successfully establish segregation between groups as unlawful discrimination and award significant compensation. The Clinic is one of nine that operate as part of the Elga Cegla Clinical Legal Education Program at the Law Faculty.
How a Brain Parasite Becomes a Brain Cure
The team of Prof. Oded Rechavi (Life Sciences), of the Sagol School of Neuroscience and a 2019 recipient of the Kadar Family Award, has found a groundbreaking way to deliver drugs to the brain. They re-engineered Toxoplasma gondii – the parasite behind “cat disease” – to release therapeutic proteins inside the human brain without itself causing harm. The parasite's ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier and communicate with neurons offered the opportunity to solve the great therapeutic challenge of delivering medications to the brain. The breakthrough, published in Nature Microbiology, could open new doors for treating neurological diseases.
Your Smartphone Could Help Prevent Wildfires
A study by Prof. Colin Price (Exact Sciences) and PhD student Hofit Shachaf of the Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences reveals that smartphone sensors can predict extreme wildfire risk. By analyzing public data from the WeatherSignal app, they assessed vapor pressure deficit (VPD) – a key indicator of vegetation dryness – showing clear VPD anomalies before wildfires in Israel (2016) and Portugal (2013). With over 7 billion smartphones worldwide, this approach could enhance early warning systems, especially in remote areas, turning everyday devices into lifesaving environmental monitors.
A Game-Changer for Plant Science and Food Security
New high-tech greenhouses are driving breakthroughs in plant research and agricultural innovation.
• Advanced plant analysis: Located in the Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden, the greenhouse features Israel’s only custom phenotyping system, enabling in-depth monitoring of plant growth above and below ground.
• Cutting-edge gene editing: The expanded plant transformation facility at the Institute for Cereal Crops Research now develops genetically modified wheat, barley and rice. Prof. Yariv Brotman (Life Sciences) is leading studies into plant metabolism, while other researchers are introducing disease- and droughtresistant genes into wheat, using the greenhouse to assess their potential in real-world conditions.
A World First: mRNA Drugs Delivered Directly to the Gut
VP for R&D Prof. Dan Peer (Life Sciences) of the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research and post-doctoral fellow Dr. Riccardo Rampado have achieved a global milestone in drug delivery. They altered the proportions of lipids in nanoparticles to bypass the liver and deliver mRNAbased drugs directly to the intestine. This innovation, which made the cover of Advanced Science, offers a new approach to treating digestive diseases.
Intel Expands Partnership with TAU
Intel is strengthening its collaboration with Prof. Eran Socher (Engineering) to advance VLSI and chip design research. His team recently secured a grant from Intel Labs for work on ultra-high-speed wireless communication. Intel also awarded an educational grant to the VLSI Lab, enabling students to gain hands-on experience designing circuits using an Intel fabrication process. Additionally, Dr. Ofir Degani, an Intel Fellow and Visiting Professor, leads a unique chip design project whereby Intel engineers mentor students.
Meet Your New Study Buddy: The TAU Digital Tutor!
The TAU Digital Tutor is a novel, AI-powered system that was developed in-house to help students master course material through instant support. Designed by a team of talented TAU PhD and MSc students, the system functions as a smart chatbot that answers students' academic questions on course materials in real time, making learning more accessible and effective. Already in use across a range of courses, it enables students to study independently and receive academic assistance anytime, anywhere. The project, led by Exact Sciences Dean Prof. Tova Milo and TAU Rector Prof. Mark Shtaif, reflects the University’s strong commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into pedagogy.
Shaping AI Policy for Israel’s Future
Prof. Rani Gilad-Bachrach (Engineering) is leading the new Knowledge Center for Artificial Intelligence Policy, a joint initiative between Tel Aviv University and Israel’s Ministry of Science and Technology. The Center brings together government officials, academics, and industry leaders to shape AI policies that impact society. Key issues include AI transparency, its role in education and healthcare, and ethical considerations. Leveraging TAU’s deep expertise in AI –spanning technology, law, and societal impact – the Center is set to drive responsible and effective AI governance in Israel.
IVF Breakthrough Doubles Success Rates
A new imaging and selection method for sperm cells, developed by Prof. Natan T. Shaked (Engineering), is revolutionizing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Already used by Barzilai Medical Center, the method has increased IVF success rates from 34% to 65%. In one remarkable case, a couple who endured 15 failed IVF cycles finally became parents thanks to this innovation. The technology, commercialized by QART Medical with support from TAU’s tech transfer company Ramot, is now being tested in multiple Israeli hospitals and is in use at UCSF Medical Center and University of Tokyo Hospital.
New Way to Measure Oscillations in Nature
From orbiting satellites to electrons in atoms, many things in nature move in cycles – but measuring these movements is tricky. Profs. Lev Buhovsky and Leonid Polterovich (Exact Sciences) with collaborators have developed a new mathematical method using topological data analysis to measure oscillations more accurately. Their approach is stable, meaning that small changes do not affect results. It also helps analyze patterns in mathematical equations, leading to new insights into geometry and physics. By refining classical mathematical theorems, their work offers a better way to understand oscillatory motion – from big orbital cycles to tiny quantum vibrations.
Crossing the Chasm from Academia to the Marketplace
One of the challenges facing academic researchers is translating ideas developed in the lab into real-world products. TAU’s Zimin Institute for Engineering Solutions Advancing Better Lives provides support to select projects with high potential for applicability, to help facilitate the transition from experimental findings to commercialization. One success story is X-trodes, a startup based on wearable technology developed by Prof. Yael Hanein (Engineering) of the Jan Koum Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The Zimin Institute supported a collaboration with Prof. Tom Schonberg (Life Sciences) to test the applicability of the technology, which promises to revolutionize electrophysiological monitoring in areas such as sleep medicine, clinical psychology, sports performance, injury rehabilitation, human-machine interface design, and many others. Pictured: Wearable smart skin technology developed at TAU.
"As a young Israeli Arab woman, I faced many challenges to get to where I am today, but I never let them define my limits."
Applying Big Data to Cancer Prevention
Dr. Samah Hayek (Medicine) is a leading public health researcher in cancer care, focusing on prevention, treatment, and survivorship. She is particularly dedicated to early detection and the prevention of disease recurrence among children. Her work also involves applying advanced statistical methodologies to the analysis of big data, enhancing our understanding of health outcomes. A Fulbright scholar, she works as a visiting Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine, where she is establishing an international cancer research platform.
Dr. Hayek also heads the Integrative Medicine Initiative at TAU sponsored by the Samueli Foundation, and enjoys serving as a mentor and guide to young students. "As a young Israeli Arab woman, I faced many challenges to get to where I am today, but I never let them define my limits. Through perseverance and determination, I turned obstacles into opportunities, and I hope my journey inspires others to do the same,” said Dr. Hayek.
Dr. Hayek's infinity ring was a gift from her mother who wanted to express her endless love for her daughter as she traveled for research purposes.
Accessible Playground to Take Shape on Campus
A unique new outdoor play area is being constructed on campus – the first of its kind in north Tel Aviv. The expansive, specially designed Joseph Baazov Accessible Playground will serve the local community, with the goal of creating a meaningful, inclusive and interactive experience for children of all abilities and their families. It will offer both traditional equipment alongside facilities that offer diverse challenge levels. Demonstrating the importance of the playground, which will be located next to the TAU Student Success Center, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality has committed matching funds to support its construction.
Bringing Academia to Recovering
Soldiers
Initiated by Prof. Liron Barak (Exact Sciences) from the School of Physics and Astronomy, a diverse group of TAU faculty members began visiting injured soldiers in hospitals to introduce them to the groundbreaking research happening at the University. This initiative, which started at Sheba Medical Center and has since expanded to Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, not only raises the morale of wounded soldiers but also opens doors to new opportunities for them at TAU following their rehabilitation. During these visits, faculty members provide academic guidance, answer questions, and serve as personal contacts, helping soldiers navigate their potential future in higher education.
Nano-Leap into Space through Pluralistic Youth Enrichment
Israel has achieved an unprecedented milestone in space research with the launch of Tevel 2, the nation’s largest satellite constellation. This historic initiative, led by Prof. Meir Ariel (Engineering) and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, marks a significant advancement in space exploration and scientific education. What makes this project even more extraordinary is that the constellation, consisting of nine nanosatellites, was designed and built by high school students from diverse Israeli communities, including from Jewish, Arab, and Druze backgrounds. Students from nine municipalities collaborated in cutting-edge satellite labs to bring this ambitious project to life, working under the close guidance of students and staff from the Space Engineering Center at TAU’s Fleischman Faculty of Engineering. The satellites were successfully launched into low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, symbolizing not only a leap in Israel’s technological innovation but also a step forward in social unity.
The Student Success Center is committed to fostering an enriching campus environment to help students reach their full personal and academic potential. In response to the ongoing war, the Center introduced several initiatives for military reservists, evacuees, wounded individuals, Oct. 7 survivors, and bereaved families. These include group therapy; peer support for mental distress; targeted academic accommodations to ensure student retention; creative writing meetings to provide an emotional outlet; career workshops for reservists and a multi-sector forum for maintaining their relevance in the job market; and “Vitality Now,” a campaign promoting enjoyment and resilience. TAU also secured Ministry of Defense approval for a pre-academic support program for disabled veterans, ensuring full funding for their studies. In addition, a financial literacy program for students was launched in collaboration with the TAU Alumni Organization.
New Clinic Treats Stress-Induced Teeth Grinding
The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine recently launched “B-SMART” – the Bruxism, Stress Management, and Anxiety Research and Treatment Clinic. This specialized clinic treats patients suffering from stress-related bruxism, a repetitive muscle activity that can cause severe clinical conditions. The horrific events of Oct. 7 and subsequent war led to prolonged periods of national stress and a substantial increase in bruxism.
Acknowledging this, the Israel Science Foundation awarded a grant to Prof. Alona Emodi-Perlman and Prof. Ilana Eli (both of Medicine) to study the condition. Their research has yielded novel insights into how stress impacts oral health. As Israel’s first clinic of its kind, B-SMART integrates expert care with innovative therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.
Tiny Tips, Big Impact: Teaching through Crisis
In the wake of the challenges educators face in maintaining effective learning environments following Oct. 7 and the Gaza War, Dr. Idit Adler (Social Sciences) and her team launched "One Tip per Day" – a game-changing initiative designed to support teachers in times of crisis. This program delivers daily, research-backed educational strategies in both Hebrew and Arabic, equipping educators with the tools they need to help students navigate trauma and uncertainty. Each tip is practical, actionable, and easy to implement, helping teachers to create more stable and nurturing learning spaces. By offering simple yet impactful adjustments to pedagogy, One Tip per Day has become an invaluable resource, lightening the burden for both students and educators alike.
Pioneering Research on Mental Health in Times of Crisis
Dr. Maya Fennig (Social Sciences) of the Bob Shapell School of Social Work focuses on cross-cultural mental health and the impact of war and displacement on children and families. Her PhD at McGill University explored Eritrean refugees’ perceptions of mental health and earned prestigious awards. She leads a cross-country project on war-affected refugee children, funded by the Azrieli Foundation, offering critical insights into their lived realities. Recently, she collaborated with Schneider Children’s Medical Center to pioneer the first-ever Psychological First Aid Intervention designed specifically for children freed from war captivity, setting a new standard in mass trauma treatment and research.
Dr. Levy became an avid Dodgers fan by following in his grandfather’s footsteps, and their shared love of the team created a special bond.
The Power of Social Media over Minds and Politics
"We still considered Israel our home – we missed it and wanted to be close to family.”
Prior to joining the Eitan Berglas School of Economics, Dr. Ro’ee Levy (Social Sciences) – a TAU alumnus – earned a PhD at Yale and did a post-doc at MIT. He specializes in political economy and social media, and represents a burgeoning group of young economists who integrate empirical field studies into their analyses of, and recommendations for, social policy. In a highly cited paper, Dr. Levy studied the mental health effects of Facebook on college students, finding it worsened depression and anxiety symptoms. His work has influenced US government policy, with mentions in the Economic Reports of the President as well as the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Social Media.
Dr. Levy is happy he chose TAU over other institutions because “the economics school has been amazing, both professionally and socially,” and because he loves Tel Aviv. Mostly, though, he and his wife returned from the US because “we still considered Israel our home – we missed it and wanted to be close to family.”
Sands of History: Tracing Transformation
A historian specializing in Middle Eastern cultural and social history, Dr. Dotan Halevy (Humanities) explores how geographical spaces transform over time, particularly Gaza's evolution from a larger region to the contemporary Gaza Strip. His work challenges traditional historical narratives and, given his expertise and the current high relevance of his topic, he has been a sought-after authority, engaging with civil society organizations, schools, media, and various groups. A TAU alumnus, Dr. Halevy is also developing a project investigating the evolution of the Mediterranean coastal region into an economic and demographic hub. “I've come full circle at Tel Aviv University, where my former professors are now my colleagues and each student reminds me of my own academic journey,” he says.
Changing Haredi Society from Within
A first-of-its-kind study is exploring the groundbreaking and influential activism of a growing cadre of critical Haredi (ultraOrthodox) civic leaders in Israel. Prof. Michal Kravel (Social Sciences), in collaboration with Dr. Tanya Zion Waldoks of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, researches an emerging network of activists who are concerned by an escalating crisis they associate with ”Haredi autonomy” – the political configuration that shapes Haredi society as a secluded yet dependent sector. Perceiving this situation as unsustainable and morally indefensible, the activists engage in dialogue and actions that challenge the foundations of their community – with the aim of forging alternative, mutually beneficial relationships between Haredi society, the State and Israeli society at large.
TAU Alumni: Empowering the Next Generation of Jewish Leaders
Tiffany Harris, pictured above, a graduate of the Lowy International School’s MA in Security and Diplomacy program, currently serves as the Chief Program Officer at Moishe House, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young Jewish adults through community engagement. In her role, Harris supports approximately 230,000 young adults worldwide, prioritizing the development of young Jewish leaders. Following the events of Oct. 7, the need for safe spaces where Jewish young adults can connect, support one another, and strengthen their communities became even more critical, and Harris is equipping young Jewish leaders with the resources to do just that. Prior to this role, Harris built a career in meaningful community-building, working with the Peres Center for Peace and the Peace Corps.
Privacy in Crisis: TAU Law Takes Action to Protect Victims’ Rights
Shortly after Oct. 7, the Buchmann Faculty of Law launched a major voluntary legal project for addressing critical privacy issues for hostages and victims. Aiming to respect the privacy of individuals, the project, founded and led by Prof. Michael Birnhack (Law), and involving attorneys and researchers from other institutions, developed a legal framework to guide hundreds of documentation projects in handling sensitive issues. In addition, the Faculty’s Privacy Clinic joined the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, advocated on its behalf in the Supreme Court, provided guidelines to the government, and instructed authorities on protecting the privacy of returning hostages. Both students and staff actively participated in these activities, and several academic articles resulted from the project.
ExactShe’s Impact Grows Stronger Than Ever
Now in its fourth year, the Ruth Rappaport Mentoring Program for Women in the Exact Sciences, also known as ExactShe, continues to thrive and empower women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The program’s momentum was evident at its 2025 opening event, pictured above, where registration soared to nearly 500 participants, a significant leap from 200 in 2022, the year ExactShe was founded. In 2024, the initiative was expanded on campus through the generous support of the Rappaport Foundation, Crown Family Foundation, Google, and the Shashua Family Foundation. By fostering the next generation of leading female scientists in Israel, ExactShe continues to break barriers.
Dugri: New Course Sparks Critical Conversations
Dugri (“straight to the point”) is an immersive three-day academic workshop designed for Jewish and Arab students across all disciplines and degree levels. Developed in response to the Oct. 7 attacks and the ongoing war, this course fosters honest dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual understanding through in-depth discussions, narrative exchange, and artistic expression. Taught by both Arab and Jewish instructors, Prof. Youssef Masharawi (Medicine) and Prof. Uriel Abulof (Social Sciences), Dugri provides a rare platform for direct, unfiltered conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Students engage in thought-provoking activities, paired assignments and creative projects, which ultimately equip them with tools for empathy, active listening, and meaningful cross-cultural engagement. Profs. Masharawi and Abulof won the 2025 Rector’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for their unique course.
Empowering Ethiopian-Israeli Students through Expanded Support
The TAU Student Success Center has expanded its support for Israeli students of Ethiopian descent with enhanced scholarships, academic resources, and enrichment workshops, thanks to major funding from the Morris and Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation. Substantial scholarships now cover tuition and living costs, ensuring students can focus on their studies while fostering a sense of belonging and academic success. In response to the war, the Center has deepened its focus on community building through group meetings, cultural events, and professional development administered by a dedicated framework for this group of students – called Admas. With 25% of students drafted into IDF reserve duty, counselors offer academic accommodations and psychological support.
From Classroom to Community: Cultivating Humanistic Leaders
The Mandel Program for Humanistic Leadership in the Community, an initiative of the Jack , Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Public Humanities, cultivates ambassadors of the Humanities who lead social change. This pioneering certificate program brings together 25 participants, all holding at least one academic degree, from diverse backgrounds – Jews and Arabs, religious and secular individuals, community leaders, and entrepreneurs. Teachers, artists and public figures also participate in the program. Through training in social and cultural entrepreneurship, participants develop humanistic sensitivities in designing community initiatives. By the program’s end, they organize impactful events and joint commemorations in mixed communities – promoting dialogue, social responsibility, and inclusive leadership. The program strengthens the tangible and transformative impact of the Humanities on society.
TAU Alumni: Championing Inclusive Leadership
For over two decades, Israeli youth movement Krembo Wings has transformed the lives of children with and without disabilities. Since 2016, it has flourished under the leadership of its CEO, TAU Management MBA alumna Talia Harel Bejerano, growing to nearly 100 branches that bring together children from all backgrounds across Israel. Krembo Wings’ unique model integrates children with disabilities as equal, contributing members of the youth group. Since Oct. 7, the organization has also become a safe space and source of community for displaced children with disabilities. “Our youth are not afraid of differences. We are shaping leaders who champion empathy, resilience, and inclusion,” says Harel Bejarano.
Changing the World – One Course at a Time
Many initiatives aim to do good, but only a few achieve significant impact. Now, TAU’s Dean of Innovation in Teaching and Learning is launching a new online course called “Making a Difference,” designed to empower students to bring about meaningful global change. Available on edX and advised by Prof. Yechiel Barilan (Medicine), the course provides analytical tools for evaluating and prioritizing impactful opportunities, as well as evidence-based strategies to tackle urgent global challenges. The course also highlights promising fields where students can make a difference – such as global health, animal welfare, climate change and AI risks.
Next Gen Civic Engagement
TAU’s Global Leadership Community, a joint venture of the University and the TAU Alumni Organization, focuses on cultivating a new generation of influential and active supporters, ages 30 to 55, to help secure TAU’s future success. Through a number of Working Groups and Impact Projects, alumni, young entrepreneurs, and second and third-generation TAU donors are bridging between TAU expertise and the Israeli public, particularly youth. Piloted projects include a mentorship program for 10th-graders from Israel’s social and geographic peripheries in the fields of programming and cybersecurity; and an academic leadership program in the social sciences for outstanding high school students that received support from the Bezeq Group. Two other working groups are devoted to entrepreneurship and Israel advocacy.
(Cont. from inside front cover)
Predicting What Customers Want
With a background in computer science, Dr. Moshe Unger (Management) joined the Coller School of Management from NYU in order to make a real world impact in business. Specializing in information systems, data science and technology, his research focuses on how companies can better understand their customers and offer personalized recommendations – whether for products, services, or entertainment. By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, he develops new ways for businesses to predict what people want and improve their user experience and decisionmaking.
Over the past year, Dr. Unger has balanced his academic work with military reserve duty. In addition to his service, his family has been directly impacted – his sister is a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre. Despite these challenges, he has continued to lead groundbreaking research on how people make choices, using eye-tracking technology to study attention. Dr. Unger is also a visiting scholar at Amazon and his findings have been published in top business and technology journals. “Coller is one of the top schools in entrepreneurship in the world today, and it has the added value of being located in the heart of Tel Aviv’s vibrant business ecosystem,” he says.
Concept and production: Rava Eleasari • Text: Sveta Raskin, Ruth Fertig, Ruti Ziv, Idit Nirel, Cori Shalit, Dikla Kadosh
Additional Photography/Illustrations: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Frank van Beek, courtesy of the ICJ; Sivan Shachor, Ron Shamir, Jean Pascal
Quod, Yael Tsur, Azrieli Foundation, Ronen Cohen, Iris Burstein, Yuval Yosef • Administrative Coordination: Cori Shalit • Printing: Sdar Tzalam • Issued by the Development and Public Affairs Division • Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
LAY LEADERSHIP WORLDWIDE
ARGENTINA
Polly Mizrahi de Deutsch, President
Argentinean Friends of Tel Aviv University
AUSTRALIA
Roger Mendelson, President
Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University (Victoria)
Andrew Silberberg, President
Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University (New South Wales)
AUSTRIA
Dr. Bernhard Ramsauer, President
Austrian Friends of Tel Aviv University
BRAZIL
Marco Perlman, President
Brazilian Friends of Tel Aviv University
CANADA
Dr. Michael Tenenbaum, National President
Tel Aviv University Canada
David Altshuller, Regional Chair
Ontario and Western Canada
Stewart Litvack, Regional Chair
Montreal
FRANCE
Francis Barel, President
French Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFAUTA)
GERMANY
Uwe Becker, President
German Friends of Tel Aviv University
HONG KONG
Sharon Ser, Chairperson
Hong Kong Friends of Tel Aviv University
INDIA
Aaron Solomon, President
Indian Friends of Tel Aviv University
ISRAEL
Yifat Oron, Chairperson
Israeli Friends of Tel Aviv University
MEXICO
Mexican Friends of Tel Aviv University
NETHERLANDS
Dutch Friends of Tel Aviv University
NORWAY
Jan Dante, Chairman
Norwegian Friends of Tel Aviv University
PORTUGAL
Lucienne Kampel, President
Portuguese Friends of Tel Aviv University
SOUTH AFRICA
Jonathan Osrin, Chairman
South African Friends of Tel Aviv University
SPAIN
Patricia Nahmad, President
Isaac Querub, Honorary President
Spanish Friends of Tel Aviv University
SWEDEN
Peter Seideman, President
Swedish Friends of Tel Aviv University
SWITZERLAND
Patrick Loeb-Meyer, President
Swiss Friends of Tel Aviv University
UK
David Meller CBE, Chairman
Tel Aviv University Trust
URUGUAY
Bettina Szames, President
Uruguayan Friends of Tel Aviv University
USA
Dr. Garry Rayant, National Chairman
American Friends of Tel Aviv University
CELEBRATING 1,500 STUDENTS COMING TO ISRAEL
In these challenging times and against all odds, the Lowy International School proudly welcomed 1,500 students from nearly 70 countries this year.
We are grateful to our donor community for opening doors, sharing our message, and standing with our global student community.
