AFHU_News_Vol.21_9.13.18 Spreads (1)

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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
AFHU NEWS VOL. 21 PAGE 31
Dedicating New Lautenberg Center
Laboratories for Cancer Research
On June 13, 2018, American Friends, Hebrew
University leaders, researchers, and medical students
gathered to dedicate a renovated laboratory complex
designed to house the Lautenberg Center for Immunology
and Cancer Research. The eagerly-awaited
upgrade comprises nine laboratories equipped for
cutting-edge research. A campaign spearheaded by
AFHU and headed by Honorary Board Chair, Michael
Kurtz, raised almost $4.7 million to propel construction
of the expanded facility, which also accommodates
added graduate student researchers and new faculty.
Hebrew University President, Professor Asher
Cohen, Vice President for Advancement & External
Relations, Ambassador Yossi Gal, Professor Ofer
Mandelboim, current Director of the Lautenberg
Center, former Director, Professor Eitan Yefenof, and
AFHU leadership attended the June 13th ribbon-cutting
ceremony. Professor Dina Ben-Yehuda, Dean of
the Faculty of Medicine, moderated the program and
articulated the importance of the Lautenberg Center
as an incubator for new approaches to identifying
and treating cancer.
Beth McCoy and Michael S. Kurtz
Operation Backpack: AFHU Helps NYC Students
This summer, AFHU partnered with Volunteers of America and
the Department of Education to provide backpacks filled with school
supplies to homeless New York City children living in shelters. The
back-to-school initiative, to which many staff members contributed
time and funds, gifts kindergarten and pre-K children with colorful
notebooks, art supplies, and writing implements in time for their first
day of school. Each of the 20 backpacks contained a handwritten
note of encouragement from the AFHU team member who packed the
supplies. Operation Backpack is part of a community-engagement
initiative launched by the AFHU Department of Human Resources.
THE GREATEST
RENEWABLE
RESOURCE
Michael Kurtz, who established the Kurtz Family
Wing at the new facility, has long served as Chair of
the Lautenberg Center endowment. During the ceremony,
he expressed his deep appreciation for the
support received, praising the generosity of American
Friends, including colleagues on AFHU’s National
Board of Directors, the Concern Foundation, and the
Rothberg family.
Michael stated: “On behalf of the researchers,
I’m so very grateful to the many donors who contributed
without hesitation and made this dream come
true.” In recognition of his leadership, Michael was
given a facsimile of rare correspondence from HU
founder, Albert Einstein, along with ribbon-cutting
and plaque unveiling honors.
The Kurtz Family Wing
IS HUMAN
INGENUITY
Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed ingenious ways to overcome
global energy and food shortages. Powered by the support of American Friends of the Hebrew
University, researchers continue to develop technology to address challenges that come with
climate change. Because Knowledge Moves Us.
MONICA LOEBL
National Director of Development
T: 212.607.8502
E: mloebl@afhu.org
WWW.AFHU.ORG