AFHU_NEWS_May-2018

KNOWLEDGE 

MOVES 

US 

AFHU NEWS

PAGE 2 

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY 

AFHU NEWS VOL. 20 PAGE 3 

KNOWLEDGE 

MOVES 

US 

DEAR FRIEND, 

W 

e’re pleased to share the Spring 

2018 edition of AFHU News 

2018 marks the centennial anniversary 

of the Hebrew University 

pioneering research and academic 

programs, helping to propel interna- 

additional content on our website. 

Thank you for being part of our Hebrew 

which highlights the recent research 

of Jerusalem’s founding, and we 

tional partnerships, and strengthening 

University-AFHU family. 

discoveries by Hebrew University 

look forward to an exciting 81st 

public awareness of HU’s innovations 

experts, HU faculty accomplishments, 

International Board of Governors 

and commitment to advancing our 

Sincerely, 

AFHU activities, leadership profiles, 

meeting in June. AFHU’s outreach in 

understanding of the environment, 

Beth Asnien McCoy 

and other features designed to keep 

support of the university is succeeding 

agriculture, technology, human health, 

you informed of the latest and most 

in powerful ways: we are expanding 

and so much more. 

promising developments in the U.S. 

our network of American Friends; 

Please feel free to share this digital 

and Israel. 

generating new funding sources for 

publication with friends and explore the

PAGE 4 



Sherri Siskin 

Executive Director, Southeast Region 

A 

FHU welcomes Sherri Siskin as 

Executive Director of the Southeast 

Region. A seasoned development 

professional of 14 years, with deep connections 

to the South Florida Jewish 

community and Israel, Sherri brings 

extensive experience and passion to 

her new role. Sherri previously served 

as Executive Director of Friends of 

the Israel Defense Forces in the Palm 

Beach and Broward Region, where she 

designed and implemented a successful 

strategic plan in fund and leadership 

development. She generated major 

gift funding, attracted new supporters, 

forged community partnerships, and led 

missions to Israel. In prior years, Sherri 

used her expertise to advance the work 

of American Friends of Bar-Ilan University 

and the Jewish Federation of Palm 

Beach County. She is a former Director 

of Development and Special Projects for 

the Friedman Commission for Jewish 

Education and worked on behalf of the 

Sherri Siskin 

Jewish Federation of Broward County 

as a Planned Giving Officer. 

An active volunteer, Sherri has participated 

in the Jewish Community 

Relations Council of the Jewish Federation 

of Palm Beach County, the Palm 

Beach Synagogue, and Hadassah’s 

Westport, Connecticut Chapter. She 

has lent her time and energy to various 

organizations dedicated to outreach, 

leadership cultivation, and the provision 

of programs and services. 

Sherri received her B.A. from the 

University of Michigan and studied 

Middle East and Foreign Affairs at the 

Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She 

earned an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern 

University. 

AFHU NATIONAL 

LEADERSHIP 

Board of Directors Officers, Honorary Presidents, and Chairs 

PRESIDENT 

Marc O. Mayer 

CHAIR OF THE BOARD 

Daniel I. Schlessinger 

VICE CHAIRS OF THE BOARD 

Mark R. Gordon 

Frances R. Katz 

Richard S. Ziman 

VICE PRESIDENTS 

Charles H. Goodman 

Kenneth L. Stein 

Ronald M. Zimmerman 

HONORARY PRESIDENTS 

Stanley M. Bogen 

Barbara A. Mandel 

George A. Schieren 

Daniel I. Schlessinger 

Ira Lee Sorkin 

HONORARY VICE CHAIR 

OF THE BOARD 

Lawrence E. Glick 

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR 

James Matanky 

TREASURER 

Joshua M. Olshin 

ASSISTANT TREASURER 

Frances R. Katz 

SECRETARY 

Pamela N. Emmerich 

ASSISTANT SECRETARY 

Richard D. Weinberg 

HONORARY CHAIRS 

OF THE BOARD 

Stanley M. Bogen 

Michael S. Kurtz 

George A. Schieren 

Ira Lee Sorkin

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PROPELLING SUCCESS 

AND ACHIEVEMENT: 

AFHU LEADERS 

-based medical research. The Center for 

Transformative Nanomedicine (CTN), an 

exciting collaboration between 

the Hebrew University and Cleveland 

Clinic, is tackling major health 

threats: cancer, cardiovascular 

A 

FHU lay leaders are actively 

engaged in fostering the 

we shine a spotlight on several 

luminaries whose contributions are 

disease, and neurological diseases 

such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

organization’s mission in support of 

driving the work of the Hebrew 

Longstanding AFHU leaders 

the Hebrew University. The efforts of 

these dedicated individuals produce 

University forward. 

with strong ties to the Cleveland 

community, the Cohns and Michels 

Dr. Beno and Elaine Michel 

countless growth opportunities. Not 

Victor J. Cohn and Dr. Beno Michel 

support causes related to health, 

only do they spearhead fundraising 

The Hebrew University-Cleveland 

higher education, and Jewish 

efforts that launch cutting-edge 

Clinic Center for Transformative 

communal service. 

research initiatives, they partner 

Nanomedicine 

Michael Kurtz 

with AFHU professionals to help 

The Lautenberg Center: Renovating 

develop unique events, raise funds for 

Victor and Ellen Cohn and Dr. Beno 

to Build Research Capabilities 

academic priorities, cultivate new 

and Elaine Michel will receive AFHU’s 

relationships, and highlight the 

National Scopus Award during the 

In less than a year’s time, AFHU 

university’s expertise across seven 

Hebrew University Awards Gala on 

achieved an ambitious goal to raise $4.5 

faculties. Our leaders champion 

May 17 th in Cleveland, OH. The upcom- 

million for the expansion and renovation 

Israeli-led innovations that ignite 

ing gala, along with the leadership of 

campaign of the Lautenberg Center for 

public interest, create connections 

the Cohns and Michels, have helped 

Cancer and Immunology Research at the 

to industry, and attract investment 

propel a $15 million fundraising cam- 

Faculty of Medicine. AFHU Honorary 

philanthropy. In this inaugural section, 

paign in support of nanotechnology 

Chairman, Michael Kurtz, a longtime 

Victor and Ellen Cohn 

supporter of pioneering cancer research,

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Michael Kurtz 

led AFHU’s campaign with drive and 

utmost commitment. 

The renovated complex on the 

Ein Kerem campus, which now 

includes nine upgraded laboratories, 

will be dedicated during the 81st 

International Board of Governors. 

These expanded facilities will 

accommodate additional graduate 

student researchers and new 

faculty members seeking cures and 

prevention of life-threatening diseases 

such as breast, colon, liver, 

blood, and bone cancers. 

Clive Kabatznik 

NEXUS:ISRAEL—Hybrid Solutions 

to Global Challenges 

AFHU hosted the first NEXUS:IS- 

RAEL Conference in New York City 

in May 2017. The program brought 

together investors, innovators, and 

entrepreneurs from across the country 

and Israel. Through presentations 

and panel discussions, NEXUS:IS- 

Clive Kabatznik 

RAEL participants explored the next 

generation of innovations in nanotechnology, 

Brindell Gottlieb 

The Bel Air Affaire 

computing, cybersecurity, 

healthcare, brain sciences, and agriculture. 

The conference was the 

brainchild of AFHU National Board 

Member, Clive Kabatznik, a Hebrew 

University alumnus. Clive is a business 

leader and entrepreneur devoted to 

promoting Israeli-led innovation and 

creating future-forward alliances 

among science, technology, and business 

The Bel Air Affaire has raised 

more than $7 million in support of 

HU student scholarships since its 

inception nine years ago. This event 

attracts LA’s philanthropic, community, 

and cultural leaders to “The Milton,” 

home of Brindell Gottlieb, for a 

spectacular evening of entertainment, 

food, and fun. An AFHU National Board 

sectors. 

To stay informed about the next 

NEXUS:ISRAEL conference and 

ongoing NexusTalks events, go to 

nexusisrael.org or call 212.607.8510 

and add your name to our 

distribution list. 

Brindell Gottlieb (Center) with Bel Air 

Affaire Co-Chairs (L-R) Renae Jacobs- 

Anson and Helen Jacobs-Lepor

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Member and former Western Region 

President, Brindell hosts and sponsors 

the Bel Air Affaire, offering a warm 

welcome to guests, including HU 

students, faculty, and administrators. 

The 10th Annual Bel Air Affaire will take 

place on Saturday, September 15, 2018. 

Herbert L. Sachs 

Philadelphia Advisory Committee 

For many years, Herb Sachs, 

together with his brother Keith (z”l), 

has championed diverse aspects of the 

university’s work—from interdisciplinary 

brain sciences and cancer 

research to new faculty recruitment and 

computer science. Enthusiastic 

about launching a Philadelphia office 

that could serve the greater metro 

area, Herb assumed the critical role 

of Philadelphia Advisory Committee 

Chair. In addition to spearheading 

outreach among community and 

Herbert L. Sachs 

business leaders, Herb and his wife 

Alice hosted a reception in their home 

with Ambassador Yossi Gal, VP of 

External Relations and University 

Advancement, inviting friends and 

colleagues to become part of the 

Hebrew University-AFHU family. 

Herb’s commitment to AFHU’s growth 

has enabled the organization to 

establish a greater presence in 

Philadelphia and expand our reach 

in the region. 

PROFESSOR YAAKOV 

NAHMIAS ELECTED 

AIMBE FELLOW 

P 

rofessor Yaakov “Koby” Nahmias, 

the Director of Hebrew University’s 

Alexander Grass Center 

for Bioengineering and head of the 

MicroLiver Technologies Laboratory, 

was elected to the American 

Institute for Medical and Biological 

Engineering (AIMBE) during AIMBE’s 

Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. 

AIMBE is a nonprofit organization 

whose membership consists of the 

most accomplished individuals in 

medical and biological engineering. It 

is committed to providing leadership 

and advocacy in medical and biological 

engineering for the benefit of society. 

Professor Nahmias, a trailblazer in 

the field of tissue engineering and the 

inventor of new medical diagnostic 

tools, is the fourth Israeli to be admitted 

to AIMBE. Professor Nahmias is a 

dedicated educator, and co-creator 

of Biodesign Israel, a multidisciplinary, 

team-based approach to medical 

innovation at Hebrew University. 

Professor Yaakov “Koby” Nahmias

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2018 ISRAEL PRIZES 

I 

srael’s most prestigious honor, the 

Israel Prize, is awarded annually on 

Independence Day in recognition of 

Israelis who have displayed excellence 

in their respective fields and made 

unique contributions to culture and 

society. This year, four Hebrew 

University faculty members and an 

HU Honorary Doctorate recipient were 

among this elite group. 

Professor Sergiu Hart, a member 

of the Department of Economics, the 

Einstein Institute of Mathematics, and 

a founder of the Federmann Institute 

for the Study of Rationality, was 

recognized for his expertise in 

economics and statistics. Professor 

Hart specializes in game theory, 

dynamic models of learning, and 

adaptation and evolution with 

“bounded rationality.” 

Professor Edwin Seroussi is a 

member of the Department of Musicology 

and Director of the Jewish 

Professor Sergiu Hart 

Professor Edwin Seroussi 

Music Research Center. Internationally 

respected for his groundbreaking 

research in culture, the arts, and 

musicology, Professor Seroussi 

focuses on ethnomusicology, the 

musical cultures of the Mediterranean 

and the Middle East, and the 

interactions between Jewish and 

Islamic cultures as they relate to 

music genres. 

Professor Izchak M. Schlesinger 

is an emeritus faculty member of the 

Department of Psychology. An expert 

in psycho-linguistics, Professor 

Schlesinger is identified with the 

development of a novel theory for 

native language acquisition. His wideranging 

research extends to sign 

languages and Talmudic argumentation. 

Professor Alex Lubotsky, a member 

of the Einstein Institute of Mathematics, 

is renowned for his research at the 

intersection of mathematics and 

computer science. Professor Lubotsky, 

the recipient of numerous awards and an 

Honorary Doctorate from the University 

Professor Izchak M. Schlesinger 

Professor Alex Lubotzky

PAGE 14 



of Chicago, is widely recognized for 

his work in the field of Group Theory. 

David Grossman, a Hebrew 

University alumnus, is a novelist and 

nonfiction author whose works have 

been translated into more than 

30 languages. Acclaimed for his 

intellectual contributions to Israeli 

society, Grossman received a Hebrew 

University Doctor Philosophiae 

Honoris Causa degree in 2017. He 

is the first Israeli recipient of the Man 

Booker International Prize for Literature. 

The Israel Prize winners will be 

celebrated at a reception hosted by 

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin during 

the Hebrew University’s 81st International 

Board of Governors Meeting. 

David Grossman 

AN EVENING 

IN ANCIENT 

JERUSALEM 

(L to R) Andrea Stark, Lori Gendelman, Judy Snyder, Robbi Toll, Barbara Rothschild, 

Roberta Bogen, Marjorie Emden, Michelle Jacobs, Sherry Endelson 

O 

ur community of dedicated 

philanthropists came together 

to celebrate American Friends of the 

Hebrew University at The Breakers in 

Palm Beach on January 13th. Guests 

were treated to a special performance 

by Michael Bolton and the proceeds 

from the event benefitted the Palm 

Beach Memory and Cognitive Research 

Fund. Dinner Chairs were Roberta and 

Stanley Bogen, Barbara and Richard 

Rothschild, Michelle and Joseph 

Jacobs, Lori and Bruce Gendelman, 

Robbi and Bruce Toll, and Judy and 

Robert Snyder. 

The Event Chairs were Marjorie and 

Robert Emden, Andrea and John Stark, 

and Sherry and Kenneth Endelson. 

Save the date for the 2019 Palm 

Beach Gala: Saturday, January 19, 2019, 

honoring Marjorie and Robert Emden.

PAGE 16 



ALEF: 

KNOWLEDGE 

MOVES US 

FARM TO TECH AND 

ISRAELI TECH STARTUPS 

Ken Stein and Dr. Aron Troen 

N 

ational security, Middle 

East affairs, and med-tech 

breakthroughs were top of mind 

during AFHU’s Annual Leadership 

Education Forum (ALEF) in Florida 

this past January. 

Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer, the 

former U.S. Ambassador to Israel 

and Egypt, delivered the keynote 

address at the Four Seasons Resort 

in Palm Beach. HU faculty members 

Dr. Aviv Mezer, head of the Belgian 

Friends Laboratory for the Study of 

Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dr. Aron 

Troen, head of the Nutrition and Brain 

Health Laboratory at the Institute 

of Biochemistry, Food Science, and 

Nutrition, and Dr. Merav Stern, a recipient 

of a grant through the Mortimer 

Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program, 

led an enlightening discussion 

entitled “New Pathways to Health 

and Healing: Advances in Medicine, 

Nutrition, and Brain Sciences.” 

Dr. Yossi Tam, Director of HU’s 

revolutionary Multidisciplinary Center 

on Cannabinoid Research, spoke 

about the latest breakthroughs in 

human health. 

In addition to the ALEF in Palm 

Beach, two additional conferences 

were held in Frenchman’s Creek and 

Miami over the same weekend. 

I 

n January, NEXUS:ISRAEL launched 

NexusTalks, a new series of events 

designed to continue the dialogue 

about technology, innovation, and their 

application to global challenges. 

NexusTalks kicked off on January 

30th in the AgTech arena with “FARM 

to TECH.” Aaron Grosbard, Co-founder 

and COO of FarmersWeb and Elana 

Karp, Co-founder and Chief Culinary 

Officer of Plated, participated in a discussion 

moderated by AFHU board 

member Jeremy Merrin, Founder and 

CEO of the Havana Central Restaurant 

Group. Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel 

LLP hosted the event. 

On February 7 th , NexusTalks presented 

a “Fireside Chat with Israeli 

Tech Startups,” showcasing HU alumni 

who founded successful startups in 

NYC, each disrupting a different industry. 

Panelists included Mark Gazit, 

NEXUSTalks Panel & Co-Chairs (L to R) 

Victor Rosenman, Daniel Schreiber, 

Itai Tsiddon, Daniel Ramot, Yaakov Ringler, 

Andrew Shapiro, Laura Lande-Diner, 

David Dabscheck 

ThetaRay; Laura Lande-Diner, Flagship 

Pioneering; Daniel Ramot, Via; 

Victor Rosenman, Feedvisor; Daniel 

Schreiber, Lemonade; and Itai Tsiddon, 

Lightricks. Hebrew University alumni 

David Dabscheck, GIANT Innovation; 

Yaakov Ringler, Morgan Stanley; and 

Andrew Shapiro, Broadscale Group 

co-chaired the event, which was graciously 

hosted by Arent Fox LLP.

PAGE 18 



EDWARD P. AND 

GAYLE ROSKI: 

NATIONAL SCOPUS AWARD 

C.L.A.S.S.: ENJOYING 

HEBREW UNIVERSITY’S 

GREATEST ASSETS 

C 

lass is in session. AFHU’s Southeast 

Region recently launched 

a lively new Contemporary Adult 

Learning Speakers Series (C.L.A.S.S.) 

program. This new program provides 

attendees the opportunity to learn 

from Hebrew University faculty and 

Gayle and Edward P. Roski 

alumni with expertise in a variety of 

subjects. In addition to discussing 

H 

igh achievement deserves high 

praise. Edward P. and Gayle 

Richard Ziman, Chair of AFHU’s 

Western Region, praised the Roskis as 

contemporary and historical topics, 

participants can socialize and expand 

Roski were honored at the Scopus 

“champions of higher learning, the arts, 

their professional and personal net- 

Ambassador Yossi Gal and Steven Glueck 

Award Gala in Los Angeles on April 

medicine, and many other transfor- 

works. 

19th. The event paid tribute to the 

mational causes.” The Scopus Award 

Past C.L.A.S.S. programs 

Director of HU’s Autism Center, 

Roskis’ landmark achievements and 

Gala attracted 425 guests and raised 

featured Ambassador Yossi Gal, 

and HU alumni Professors Roni Avissar 

humanitarian activities which have 

more than $1.6 million to advance new 

Hebrew University’s Vice President 

and Anton Post. 

empowered organizations and insti- 

faculty recruitment at the Hebrew Uni- 

of Advancement and External 

tutions around the world. 

versity and to support AFHU’s mission. 

Relations, Professor Cory Shulman,

PAGE 20 



HEBREW 

UNIVERSITY 

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 

Medicine/Health 

-- 

One Drug Could Treat 

Alzheimer’s, MS, Crohn’s, 

and More 

Agriculture/Food 

-- 

Hebrew University Researchers 

Show Which Foods Prevent/ 

Promote Dementia 

-- 

The Pomegranate Potential 

-- 

Can Israeli Scientists Save 

Darwin’s Finches? 

Science/Tech 

-- 

Pollution’s Impact on 

Weather and Crops 

Humanities 

-- 

Is This Seal the Earliest Evidence 

of the Prophet Isaiah? 

-- 

Merck Opens Jerusalem 

Innovation Lab 

-- 

Albert Einstein Collection Heads 

to Taiwan

PAGE 22 



IN REMEMBRANCE: 

KEITH L. SACHS 

Keith L. Sachs 

A 

merican Friends of the Hebrew 

University and the Hebrew 

University mourn the passing of 

our friend and colleague, Keith 

L. Sachs. A dedicated civic and 

philanthropic leader, Keith maintained 

a four-decade relationship 

with Hebrew University and AFHU, 

providing leadership and supporting 

medical, scientific, and 

high-tech innovation. 

Keith served as AFHU President 

from 1996-2000 and as Chair from 

2000-2005. A member of Hebrew 

University’s International Board 

of Governors, Keith received an 

Honorary Doctorate in 2003. Benefactors 

of Hebrew University, Keith 

and his brother, Herb, established 

the Bernard L. and Mary T. Sachs 

Chair in Cancer Studies, the Sachs 

Family Chair in Computer Science, the 

Sachs Family Development Chair in Brain 

Sciences, and the Sachs Family 

Computer Science Wing. 

Keith and his beloved wife Kathy 

also maintained a steadfast commitment 

to leading arts, educational, 

and medical institutions in the United 

States. 

We extend our deepest condolences 

to Kathy and to the couple’s 

children: Deborah Sachs Rothman 

(Michael), Judy Sachs (Todd) and 

David Sachs (Lauren), grandchildren: 

Alexandra, Katelyn, Mara, Noah, and 

Ashley, and to Herb and Alice Sachs 

and their family. May they be comforted 

among the mourners of Zion.

PAGE 24 



TODAY’S 

INVESTMENT 

FUNDS 

TOMORROW’S 

INNOVATION 

AFHU HEBREW UNIVERSITY GIFT ANNUITY RETURNS 

AGE 65 70 75 80 85 90 

RATE 6.0% 6.5% 7.1% 8.0% 9.5% 11.3% 

Rates are based on single life. Cash contributions produce annuity payments that are substantially tax-free. 

By creating a secure American Friends of the Hebrew University Gift Annuity, 

you’ll receive great rates, and the knowledge that your investment will fund 

solutions for mankind’s greatest challenges. For more information on the 

Hebrew University of Jerusalem and AFHU Hebrew University Gift Annuities, 

please contact AFHU National Director of Development, Monica Loebl. 

CALL OR EMAIL NOW. 

Receive excellent returns, and 

secure a brighter future for all. 

T: 212.607.8502 

E: mloebl@afhu.org 

Arrange a Planned Gift: 

https://www.afhu.org/cga

PAGE 26 



UPCOMING EVENTS 

REGIONAL OFFICES 

THURS. 

MAY 17 

SUN. 

JUNE 3 TO 

WED. 

JUNE 13 

Scopus Maimonides Award Dinner 

2018 President’s Mission to 

Berlin and Jerusalem 

Midwest Region 

National 

Pacific Northwest Region 

180 Grand Avenue, Suite 955 

Oakland, CA 94612 

T: 415.299.8691 

E: pacificnorthwest@afhu.org 

Western Region 

16633 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 715 

Philadelphia Office 

2100 Arch Street 

Philadelphia, PA 19103 

T: 215.330.6722 

E: philadelphia@afhu.org 

Mid-Atlantic Region 

5100 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 

FRI. 

JUNE 8 TO 

WED. 

JUNE 13 

81 st International Board of 

Governors (BOG) Meetings 

National 

Encino, CA 91436 

T: 310.843.3100 

E: western@afhu.org 

Suite 250 

Washington, DC 20016 

T: 202.363.4600 

E: midatlantic@afhu.org 

MON. 

JUNE 18 

48 th Annual George A. Katz Torch 

of Learning Award Luncheon 

Northeast Region 

Midwest Region 

20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2020 

Chicago, IL 60606 

Southeast Region 

100 West Cypress Creek Road, 

Suite 865 

T: 312.329.0332 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 

SAT. 

10 th Annual Bel Air Affair Western Region 

E: midwest@afhu.org 

T: 561.750.8585 

SEPT. 15 

E: southeast@afhu.org 

SUN. 

SEPT. 16 

Board of Directors Meeting 

National 

Northeast Region 

One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Floor 

New York, NY 10004 

T: 212.607.8510 

E: northeast@afhu.org

National Office 

One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Floor 

New York, NY 10004 

T: 800.567.2348 

E: info@afhu.org 

WWW.AFHU.ORG 

facebook.com/AmFriendsHU 

twitter.com/AmFriendsHU 

youtube.com/AmFriendsHU 

instagram.com/AmFriendsHU 

linkedin.com/company/afhu

AFHU_NEWS_May-2018

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