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LITTLE THINGS THAT MEAN A LOT
A small humanitarian movement has grown out of a recent visit by Prof. Dalia Gavrieli-Nuri of the Truman
Institute to a refugee center run by volunteers in an old Athens hotel for some 400 people from Syria and
other countries. Upon returning to Israel, Dalia collected donations of perfume for the female residents.
“They have food and clothing, but they don’t have a moment to just be feminine,” she explained. “They
carry much of the burden, especially if there are young children involved, and they don’t receive any special
attention.” After distributing the perfume to grateful recipients, Dalia spearheaded a toy drive in Israel for
the center’s 150 children, and, after consulting with a doctor at the center, also purchased much-needed
medications and toiletries.
Dalia believes that along with providing material support, it is most important simply to be with the
women and children, and speak to them as much as language limitations permit. “After the very difficult
tribulations they’ve gone through, they appreciate humanity and solidarity,” she remarks. “They know that
I’m from Israel and it touches them. Maybe this is a way to make peace.”
DISTINGUISHED AWARDS
Prof. Zehavit Gross has been awarded the Distinguished Scholar
Award from the Religion and Education SIG of the American
Education Research Association (AERA). The award recognizes
her contributions to the fields of religion and education in both
scholarship and service.
The government of Japan has honored Prof. Meron Medzini Prof. Zehavit Gross
with its Order of the Rising Sun, presented in recognition of his
contributions to the development of Japan studies, and his work in
promoting understanding and friendship between Israel and Japan.
Prof. Meron Medzini
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