AFHU News Fall 2022

AFHU NEWS 

Vol. 29 / Fall 2022 

KNOWLEDGE 

MOVES 

US

PAGE 2 

AFHU National Leadership 

PRESIDENT 

Clive Kabatznik 

CHAIR OF THE BOARD 

Marc O. Mayer 

VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD 

Richard S. Ziman 

VICE PRESIDENTS 

Kenneth L. Stein 

Ronald M. Zimmerman 

HONORARY PRESIDENTS 

Stanley M. Bogen 

Marc O. Mayer 

George A. Schieren 

Daniel I. Schlessinger 

Ira Lee Sorkin 

TREASURER 

Joshua M. Olshin 

ASSISTANT TREASURER 

Michael S. Kurtz 

HONORARY VICE 

PRESIDENTS 

Ernest Bogen 

Rita Bogen 

Michael G. Jesselson 

Herbert L. Sachs 

Charles A. Stillman 

Stanley R. Zax 

SECRETARY 

Pamela N. Emmerich 

ASSISTANT SECRETARY 

Richard D. Weinberg 

HONORARY DIRECTORS 

Alan Fiske 

Charles H. Goodman 

Brindell Gottlieb 

Marvin Jubas 

Brad Karp 

Ellen Klersfeld Hechtman 

Marla Lerner Tanenbaum 

Mark Vidergauz 

HONORARY CHAIRS 

OF THE BOARD 

Stanley M. Bogen 

Michael S. Kurtz 

George A. Schieren 

Daniel I. Schlessinger 

Ira Lee Sorkin 

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR 

James Matanky

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY 

AFHU NEWS VOL. 29 PAGE 3 

Letter from Leadership 

Dear Friends, 

Welcome to the Fall 2022 edition of 

AFHU News. This newsletter reflects the 

educational and research dynamism found 

at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem 

and documents the many ways American 

Friends of the Hebrew University provides 

enthusiastic support to the university and its 

programs. 

This issue features news on the June meeting 

of the Board of Governors in Jerusalem, 

the first in-person board meeting in three 

years. Other articles in this issue include 

introductions to new team members, a 

feature on the new AFHU Western Region 

President, a profile of a devoted AFHU 

family, an update on the first cohort of the 

AFHU LEAD program, links to news you may 

have missed, and memorials to three dear 

American friends. 

We hope you enjoy reading about the worldclass 

research and innovation that make lives 

better for people around the globe, and the 

many ways AFHU aids the Hebrew University 

in its mission to expand the boundaries of 

knowledge. 

Thank you for your interest, advocacy, 

and generosity. The quality educational 

opportunities and creative innovations found 

at the university depend upon funds provided 

by American friends, and AFHU is deeply 

grateful for your continued support. 

With best wishes, 

Joshua W. Rednik 

Chief Executive Officer

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8 

22 

26 

SPOTLIGHTS 

NEWS & UPDATES 

FINANCIAL PLANNING 

30 

36 

43 

ALUMNI UPDATES 

SIGNATURE EVENTS 

REGIONAL OFFICES 

CONTENTS



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT 

MONICA LOEBL AT 305.336.5775 OR MLOEBL@AFHU.ORG OR 

JUDITH SHENKMAN AT 847.533.5247 OR JSHENKMAN@AFHU.ORG

PAGE 6 

SPOTLIGHTS


AFHU NEWS VOL. 29 PAGE 7

PAGE 8 

The Weber Family: How Respect for 

Tradition Informs a Love of Nature 

and Respect for Others 

“There are so many life lessons to learn if we 

are thinking of others and not just ourselves.” 

This quote from Wallace Weber summarizes the 

Weber family’s approach to life, careers, and 

philanthropy. 

Wally and his sister, Cheryl, grew up on a farm in 

Central Kansas that has been in their family for 

generations. “We are Czech—our grandmother 

immigrated to America when she was very small. 

She learned English when my mother came home 

from school and helped her learn,” Cheryl said. 

Wally added: “As a part of Austria-Hungary, our 

great-grandfather wanted to keep his sons out of 

‘those crazy European wars,’ as he would say, so, 

despite the hardships found settling in Kansas, 

they chose a new life in post–Reconstruction 

America.” 

Growing up on the farm wasn’t easy: there was 

no indoor plumbing, and the groundwater was 

undrinkable. “Rainwater from the roof–brought in 

one bucket at a time–was our household water,” 

Cheryl said. Drinking water was typically obtained 

from their grandmother’s home by refilling gallon 

glass jugs. The family outhouse, built through the 

Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935– 

which created the Works Progress Administration, 

more commonly called the WPA, currently resides 

at the Kansas Museum of History. The family’s 

Czech and Jewish heritage has always been an 

important part of their lives: “Judaism began as a 

religion of agriculturalists, of course, and during 

Torah study, I could always chime in with the 

agricultural aspects at the root of our holidays,” 

Wally shared. “My first trip to the Czech Republic 

was during my honeymoon,” Cheryl continued. “I 

always feel at home there.” A later trip proved 

especially moving: “When my husband and I were 

in Prague, we saw a gravestone that had our 

grandmother’s family name and the Star of David 

on it. That made it seem much more real.” 

While college took them away from the farm, the 

lessons of interconnectedness and responsibility 

for others never left them. “I started out as a 

social worker in Abilene, determining welfare 

benefits,” Cheryl said. “I remember going to a 

fair and saying hello to many people—welfare 

recipients—I knew through my job. A friend 

asked in amazement, ‘How do you know all 

these people?’ I later became manager of a 

large project which would take the Kansas state 

government from pencil and paper to state-ofthe-art 

computers. It went very well—the federal 

government held us as an example of a successful 

transition. I later worked as a project manager in 

Alaska and loved it! I didn’t want to leave. People 

are wonderful there. Everyone pulls together— 

you have to—the weather is unforgiving,” she 

added. Wally adds: “What Cheryl didn’t mention 

is that she’s a Master Gardener and writes for the 

state county extension service newsletter. She’s 

the go-to person for any questions about growing 

things.” 

Wally has had three different, but interconnected, 

careers: in addition to a lifetime of farming, 

Wally became an ROTC cadet in 1961, was 

commissioned in 1965, and retired from the U.S. 

Army in 2003. He served in the First Gulf War as 

a flight surgeon with the 82nd Airborne Division, 

and, later, as commanding officer of the 410th 

U.S. Army Reserve Evacuation Hospital in Topeka, 

Kansas. As a physician, Wally qualified for board 

certifications in dermatology as well as special



competency in dermatopathology. Responsibility 

for others has proven to be the common thread 

through Wally’s career: “On the farm, you’re 

always in service to your animals; a commander’s 

primary responsibility is to his or her troops; and, 

as a physician, you’re definitely in service to other 

people. All three of my careers were in service to 

others,” he said. 

It was Wally’s career as a dermatologist that led 

to his involvement with Hebrew University, when 

fellow dermatologist and AFHU board member Dr. 

Beno Michel reached out to colleagues, inviting 

them to learn more about AFHU and HU. Wally 

was convinced, “If it’s good enough for Beno 

Michel, it’s good enough for me,” Wally stated. 

Visits to the university, especially the Robert 

H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and 

Environment, highlighted the important research 

occurring at Hebrew University, prompting 

years of generous support from the Webers. 

Overuse and misuse of resources, along with 

the challenges of climate change, are important 

issues in agriculture, and especially important to 

the Webers. 

“On one trip to the Rehovot Campus, I saw bees 

on a sort of turnstile,” Cheryl said. “The idea is 

to use the instinct of bees and other creatures 

to prompt them to do what is needed, rather 

than using force to get what you want. That’s 

a philosophy we’ve practiced for many years,” 

Wally said, adding, “Here in the United States, 

we’ve lost 30% of our topsoil. I’ve had a longtime 

interest in regenerative agriculture—moving 

beyond conservation to help build back the soil, 

put back a balance in nature by reintroducing 

predatory insects to take care of disease, and 

using soil to sequester carbon. These are the 

things that matter to me, and they are the sort 

of research occurring at the Smith Faculty of 

Agriculture.” As Cheryl likes to say, “Don’t mess 

with Mother Nature—she’ll win every time.” 

But the Smith Faculty of Agriculture isn’t the 

only thing to admire at Hebrew University: 

“The diversity found at HU—including different 

people from all over the world—is an inspiration,” 

Cheryl said. Wally added, “Some of the things I 

admire are the university’s outreach to third 

world countries, especially their work in water 

reclamation and desalination. But that’s not all, of 

course: the university excels in so many different 

fields. There’s truly something for everyone at 

HU.” 

L-R: Wallace Weber and Cheryl Weber

PAGE 10 

85th Annual Board of Governors 

Highlights 

Held from June 10 to June 15, 2022, those who 

attended the 85th annual meeting of the Hebrew 

University of Jerusalem Board of Governors (BOG) 

labeled it a complete success. Under the theme 

Leadership for Tomorrow, the Jerusalem event 

was the first fully in-person meeting in three years. 

The BOG also featured important milestones in 

medical research at HU, including the dedication 

of the Barry Skolnick Biosafety Level 3 National 

Laboratory,dedication of the Bradley and Sheryl 

Schwartz Live Tissue Wing of the Biosafety Level 

3 Laboratory, and the laying of the cornerstone 

for the new Institute for Computational Medicine. 

Festive Gala - “Celebrating Together in Jerusalem” 

In his report to the governors, Hebrew University 

President Asher Cohen shared news of a year 

that saw the university’s return to in-person 

classes while maintaining flexibility for remote 

learning accessibility. Expanded academic 

activity included several new interdisciplinary 

research centers, including the Center for Urban 

Innovation, the Center for Sustainability, and the 

Center for Human Evolution and Ancient DNA. 

(L-R) HU President Prof. Asher Cohen, Barry Skolnick and Missy 

Brody 

(L-R) HU President Prof. Asher Cohen, Sheryl and Brad Schwartz 

HU President Prof. Asher Cohen



On June 16, the university marked the dedication 

of the Bogen Family Department of Economics 

with a ceremony in honor of Roberta and Stanley 

Bogen. Over the years, the Bogens have been 

inspiring supporters of the department, funding 

lectureships, an endowed Chair, and numerous 

scholarships. The naming of the department is an 

affirmation of the couple’s longstanding and vital 

connection to the university and will enable the study 

of economics to flourish at HU for years to come. 

Devorah Jacobs-Lepor, William J. Kilberg, 

Barry I. Skolnick, and Evelene Wechsler. 

Honorary Doctorate recipients and the recipients of the 

Bublick and Rothberg Prizes 

(L-R) Chairman of the HU Board of Governors Daniel I. Schlessinger, 

Prof. Eric Gould, Stanley and Roberta Bogen, HU President Prof. 

Asher Cohen 

This year’s meeting witnessed the official launch 

of the 100 Legacies Bequest Campaign. Timed to 

coincide with the centenary of the opening of the 

university’s doors in 1925, the worldwide campaign 

seeks 100 of Hebrew University’s most dedicated 

supporters to become a part of the university’s 

future through a bequest intent of $1 million or more. 

The BOG also saw the completion of the first 

cohort of the AFHU LEAD program. The program 

is designed to prepare a cadre of dedicated AFHU 

leaders to meet the opportunities and challenges 

of the 21st century. The return to an in-person 

event allowed HU to celebrate the contributions of 

noted friends of the university. Ceremonies were 

held for Honorary Doctorate recipients including 

filmmaker Quentin Tarantino as well as AFHU 

supporters Stanley M. Bergman, Jose Mugrabi, 

and Joseph Neubauer. AFHU supporters among 

the newly named Honorary Fellows include Helen 

William J. Kilberg speaking on behalf of Honorary Fellowship 

recipients 

HU President Prof. Asher Cohen presenting an Honorary 

Fellowship to Helen Devorah Jacobs-Lepor 

The 85th annual meeting of the Hebrew 

University of Jerusalem Board of Governors 

was a time to celebrate dedicated supporters 

of the university, meet new acquaintances, 

renew old friendships, and learn the latest 

HU news from the university’s leadership.

PAGE 12 

85TH ANNUAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS 

DEDICATIONS OF INSCRIPTIONS 

WALL OF BENEFACTORS 

In loving tribute to Dr. Lawrence and Sheila Pakula 

Robert I. Schattner Foundation 

Henry Schein Cares 

Schwartz Family in Loving Memory of Dr. Harold & Judy Wittman 

Skolnick Family Charitable Trust Barry Skolnick 

WALL OF LIFE 

Family of Paula Blumenfeld & Joe Gantz 

Steve Frankel & Dan Ricketts 

Robert Elliot Friedman & Family 

Elliot S. & Faye Deborah Gershon 

Patricia Hewitt & Sarah Ellin Siegel 

Rhoda E. Kaufman 

Bill and Bobbie Kilberg 

The Sanford and Gabriella Kuvin Foundation 

Norman, Helen, and Marissa Lepor 

Maurice Amado Foundation 

Stacy Mandel Palagye and Keith Palagye 

Schwartz Family in Loving Memory of Dr. Harold & Judy Wittman 

WALL OF FOUNDERS 

Mintz & Gold LLP 

Gideon Goldstein and Dr. Nirit Goldstein Peer in memory 

of Sara Nissenbaum Goldstein 

In loving memory of Esther & Bension Spack by Monica Loebl 

Dr. Samuel and Miryam Tarica 

LEGACY TREE 

Dennis & Beth McCoy in memory of Barbara Mandel 

Annette E. Pakula 

Patricia Hewitt & Sarah Siegel 

Dr. Wallace N. Weber M.D. and Cheryl Weber



Hebrew University Awards an Honorary 

Fellowship to Evie Wechsler 

On June 15, 2022, in a ceremony held in New York 

City, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem presented 

celebrated artist, photographer, and philanthropist 

Evelene (Evie) Wechsler with an Honorary 

Fellowship. 

Evie earned her bachelor’s degree from Hofstra 

University and, following careers in fashion 

and interior design, became a celebrated artist 

and photographer. Her photographs are held in 

numerous private collections and by the Museum of 

Modern Art in New York. She became involved with 

American Friends of the Hebrew University in 2005 

and continued funding for the Wechsler Student 

Dormitory that had been established by Abraham 

and Pauline Wechsler, parents of her then-husband. 

Recognizing the importance of the university’s 

leading role in Israeli higher education, Evie’s 

commitment to Hebrew University has been 

expressed by donations made through the Wechsler 

Foundation and membership on the AFHU Board 

of Regents and Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s 

Board of Governors. She generously sponsors annual 

scholarships for international graduate students at 

the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food. 

and Environment, has contributed to the Professor 

Menahem Ben-Sasson Chair for the Study of 

Judaism and Islam, and is an avid supporter of the 

Koret School of Veterinary Medicine. In recognition 

of her many contributions to the university, her 

name was inscribed on the Wall of Life in 2012. 

with gratitude for her meaningful support and 

maintenance of the Wechsler School dormitories; 

in recognition of her sponsorship of annual 

scholarships at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of 

Agriculture, Food, and Environment for international 

graduate students; in acknowledgment of her 

generosity towards human rights, animal rights, and 

environmental organizations in the U.S., connecting 

her passion for animals with her concern for 

improving the well-being of people.” 

AFHU extends warm congratulations to Evie and 

thanks her for her leadership, dedication, and 

generous support. 

L-R: HU Chancellor Menahem Ben-Sasson and Evie Wechsler 

Paying tribute to Evie, HU Chancellor Menahem 

Ben-Sasson welcomed her into the elite group 

of Honorary Fellowship members “in sincere 

appreciation of her long-term commitment and 

devotion to the Hebrew University alongside her 

success as a celebrated artist and photographer;

PAGE 14 

LEAD in Israel 

On June 7, 2022, 11 AFHU LEAD participants made 

their long-awaited trip to Israel. Despite delays 

caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, members of 

Cohort I became a true team, ready to tackle 

the leadership challenges ahead. These future 

leaders are enthusiastic supporters of AFHU and 

its mission of support for the Hebrew University 

of Jerusalem. 

Participants began their visit with a dinner 

that included Hebrew University of Jerusalem 

President Asher Cohen; Hebrew University Vice 

President and Director General Yishai Fraenkel; 

and Isaiah (Shy) Arkin, CEO and founder of 

ViroBlock, professor of biological chemistry at HU, 

and former HU Vice President for Research and 

Development. The event was typical of evenings 

to come, where HU leadership visited LEAD 

participants, offered greetings from the university, 

and got to know AFHU’s future leaders. 

During their trip, LEAD members visited HU 

campuses, starting with Mt. Scopus, where 

they met a delegation of Student Diversity 

Ambassadors, visited international development 

students in the GLOCAL International 

Development Program, and learned about 

assistance offered by Faculty of Law students as 

a part of the Clinical Legal Education Center. 

At the Hebrew University Edmond J. Safra 

campus, the LEAD team met Professor Naomi 

Habib of the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for 

Brain Sciences and learned about her research 

into aging-related pathologies. Participants 

later engaged in “startup speed dating,” where 

entrepreneurs from ASPER-HUJI Innovate 

described their businesses and sought feedback 

from the group. 

Agriculture included a stop at the Bravdo Winery 

as well as an introduction to the research of 

bees, farming, and more. The day after their 

visit to Rehovot, they enjoyed a special event 

with Hebrew University alumni and food tech 

startups held at the Peres Center for Peace and 

Innovation. 

The week featured further meetings with program 

leaders, including an introduction to Alon Granot, 

commander of the HU/IDF elite training program 

Talpiot, an opportunity to visit the university’s 

Institute of Archaeology, as well as a meeting 

with Professor Yossi Tam at the Multidisciplinary 

Center for Cannabinoid Research. 

In addition to learning about the first-rate 

educational opportunities and world-class 

research found at HU, the schedule included 

sightseeing, allowing the LEAD team to enjoy 

Jerusalem nightlife. The team participated in 

a graduation ceremony held during the AFHU 

Leadership Dinner, an occasion that capped 

their experience as Cohort I of the AFHU LEAD 

program. 

Over the duration of the program, the members 

of Cohort I developed into a cohesive team, 

fast friends who have come to realize that their 

graduation ceremony was not the end of a 

program, but the beginning of a future committed 

to AFHU, HU, and Israel. 

The LEAD team’s visit to HU’s Smith Faculty of



LEAD Visit to the Peres Center for 

Peace and InnovationIsrael

PAGE 16 

American Friends of the Hebrew 

University Announces Northeast 

Region Executive Appointments 

Maura Milles was promoted to Executive Director 

of the AFHU Northeast Region in September 

2022. The region encompasses the tri-state New 

York Area and the northeastern states. Maura is 

a fundraising leader with more than 20 years of 

experience in higher education, arts and culture, 

healthcare, and social change organizations. 

Prior to joining AFHU in 2015, Milles worked with 

organizations including NYU Langone Medical 

Center, the New York Botanical Garden, and the 

Jewish Museum. She received a Bachelor of Arts 

degree in Psychology from Boston University and 

attended Tel Aviv University’s Overseas Student 

Program. 

Maura Milles 

Also joining the Northeast Region office is Robin 

Milich as senior philanthropic officer. Prior to joining 

AFHU, Milich served as the New York Tri-State 

executive director for the American Committee for 

the Weizmann Institute of Science. Prior to that, 

she was president of the NYC-SNY and LI Chapters 

of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society where 

she worked for 20 years. 

Milich earned master’s degrees in social work 

and public health from Columbia University and a 

Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from SUNY 

Binghamton. She resides in Morristown, New 

Jersey with her family. 

Robin Milich 

“We’re pleased to enrich our presence in the Northeast Region with two 

highly talented individuals eager to engage our existing donor base and expand 

support for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,” says AFHU CEO Josh Rednik. 

“Maura and Robin are a great team and I look forward to working with them.”



AFHU Welcomes Justin Pressman as 

Western Region Executive Director 

American Friends of the Hebrew University is 

pleased to welcome Justin Pressman as AFHU 

Western Region executive director. Justin has a 

varied fundraising background in both the arts 

and Jewish community organizations, primarily 

on the West Coast. 

Prior to joining AFHU, Justin worked at American 

Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra 

(AFIPO), where he served as executive director 

for the West Coast. During his tenure, Justin 

mobilized national and regional leadership 

cohorts to exceeded ambitious fundraising 

goals, launched new chapters in San Diego and 

Dallas to expand the institution’s donor base, 

and leveraged the Philharmonic’s virtual and 

live programming to reach new and diverse 

audiences. Prior to his time at AFIPO, Justin 

worked in development at the Los Angeles LGBT 

Center and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. 

Justin received his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet 

Performance from the University of Miami. As a 

Fulbright Scholar at the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov 

St. Petersburg State Conservatory, Justin 

researched the concertgoing culture of Russian 

musical institutions and was a conducting 

student at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory 

and St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre. 

Justin—an avid gardener, beekeeper, and 

proficient amateur baker—makes his home in 

Los Angeles.

PAGE 18 

AFHU Western Region Welcomes 

Barbara Natterson-Horowitz as New 

Regional President 

American Friends in Southern California were 

delighted to welcome Barbara Natterson- 

Horowitz, M.D., as the new AFHU Western 

Region President during the Evening of Tribute 

Recognition Reception, held on May 25, 2022 at 

the Brentwood Country Club. 

AFHU Western Region Chairman Richard Ziman 

presented Dr. Natterson-Horowitz with the 

president’s gavel and welcomed her as the new 

regional president, initiating her term of office. 

She acknowledged outgoing AFHU Western 

Region President Mark Genender, thanking him 

for his five years of service in the role, adding, 

“I am hopeful that I can make a difference as 

regional president to continue our wonderful 

achievements and make the AFHU Western 

Region even stronger than it already is.” 

Dr. Natterson-Horowitz has been a member 

of AFHU’s Western Region Board of Directors 

since 2015. She is a cardiologist and evolutionary 

biologist whose research explores the natural 

world and evolution for insights into human health 

and development. The New York Times bestselling 

author of Zoobiquity and Wildhood, Dr. 

Natterson-Horowitz is on the faculties of Harvard 

Medical School, David Geffen School of Medicine 

(UCLA), and Harvard Department of Human 

Evolutionary Biology. She served as elected 

director for Harvard University; president of the 

International Society of Evolution, Medicine, and 

Public Health; and trustee for Southern California 

Public Radio.



May Their Memories Be a Blessing 

It is with heavy hearts we share with you the loss of three dear AFHU 

colleagues. We miss their friendship, professionalism, and passion, and 

we extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends. 

Jenna Julien 

Executive Office 

Administrative Coordinator 

Jodi Perlmuth (z”l) 

Associate Executive Director, 

Northeast Region 

Seth Bloom (z”l) 

Seth Bloom, former Director, 

Philadelphia Office

PAGE 20 

NEWS & UPD



ATES

PAGE 22 

HU News & Updates 

NEW ALBERT EINSTEIN MUSEUM TO BE 

BUILT AT HEBREW UNIVERSITY 

The Israeli government announced the 

establishment of a new Albert Einstein Museum 

at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Edmond 

J. Safra Campus with $18 million in funding (64 

million NIS). 

One of the Hebrew University founders, Einstein 

bequeathed his archives to the university, which 

houses the world’s most extensive collection of 

his documents. 

UCLA AND HEBREW UNIVERSITY 

RECEIVE GRANT FOR INTERNATIONAL 

COLLABORATION TO DETER SCHOOL 

VIOLENCE 

A $650,000 grant from The Rosalinde and 

Arthur Gilbert Foundation will support a new 

partnership between UCLA and the Hebrew 

University of Jerusalem (HU). Experts from 

both institutions will work together to develop 

strategies to prevent school violence. 

The program will operate in both California and 

Israel under the leadership of two internationally 

recognized experts in school safety: UCLA 

Prof. Ron Avi Astor and HU Prof. Mona Khoury- 

Kassabri. 

HEBREW UNIVERSITY RETAINS TOP 

RANKING 

The Hebrew University maintained its status as 

the leading academic institution in Israel and 

was ranked number one in half of the academic 

subjects assessed by Shanghai Ranking’s Global 

Ranking of Academic Subjects. Further, Hebrew 

University was ranked among the 50 best 

academic institutions in the world in mathematics, 

law, communications, and public policy. 

HIGHER POTENCY: HEBREW UNIVERSITY 

ENGINEERS ENHANCE CANNABIS STRAIN 

WITH 20% MORE THC 

A higher power: researchers at the laboratory of 

Professor Alexander (Sasha) Vainstein at HU’s 

Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, 

and Environment, in partnership and with funding 

from Mariana Bioscience Ltd., successfully 

engineered a cannabis plant with higher levels 

of medically important substances, such as THC. 

Prof. Vainstein said, “These study results will be 

valuable both to industry—to increase the yield of 

active substances—and to medical researchers— 

to cultivate and develop new strains for medical 

cannabis users.” 

HEBREW UNIVERSITY APPOINTS NEW 

RECTOR: PROFESSOR TAMIR SHEAFER 

HU’s Senate chose Professor Tamir Sheafer as 

the university’s new rector. For the last six years, 

Sheafer has served as Dean of HU’s Faculty of 

Social Sciences, and his field of expertise is digital 

and comparative communications. Over the past 

two decades, Sheafer has led several international 

research groups to study the impact of political 

systems and the strength of a democracy on a 

country’s political processes and communications. 

HU STUDY EXAMINES ‘DIVERSITY 

ILLUSION’ OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUS 

Do you see what I see? Attempts to build a 

more equitable and inclusive society took a step 

forward with the discovery of a “diversity illusion” 

by a team of researchers at Hebrew University. 

Their findings clearly show that within a social 

setting, most people significantly overestimate the 

presence of a minority—and this overestimation 

is made not only by the majority, but also by the 

minority themselves.



HEBREW UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS 

AWARDED 2022 KRILL PRIZE FOR 

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 

Dr. Moran Yassour of the Hebrew University 

Department of Microbiology and Molecular 

Genetics and Dr. Haitham Amal, from HU’s 

Institute for Drug Research and the School of 

Pharmacy received the prestigious Krill Prize for 

Excellence in Scientific Research, administered 

by the Wolf Foundation. The Krill Prize is awarded 

each year to 10 outstanding young researchers 

who have not yet been granted tenure. 

HEBREW UNIVERSITY CONFERS 

HONORARY DEGREE TO QUENTIN 

TARANTINO 

Lights, camera, action! Filmmaker Quentin 

Tarantino received the honorary Doctor 

Philosophiae Honoris Causa from the Hebrew 

University of Jerusalem at a festive ceremony 

during the 85th annual Board of Governors 

meeting. 

INFERTILITY SOLUTIONS COULD BE 

FOUND VIA NEW HEBREW UNIVERSITY 

RESEARCH 

New research from Hebrew University may 

provide insight into infertility. In HU’s Faculty of 

Medicine, Dr. Yaniv Elkouby’s lab focused on the 

development of the immature egg cells (oocytes) 

of zebrafish. Dr. Elkouby used zebrafish because 

humans share about 70 percent of genes with 

these small transparent fish in addition to other 

similarities that make it an ideal animal model for 

the study of many human diseases and biological 

processes. 

FIRST SPACE MEDICINE RESEARCH 

COURSE IN ISRAEL BEGINS AT THE 

HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is launching 

a new academic course that’s out of this world, 

Israel’s first university course for space medicine 

focused on drug development research in orbit. 

Hebrew University Professor Sara Eyal, a clinical 

pharmacist who also heads the Space Lab, 

focuses on microgravity and how it affects human 

biology. Nearly 40 students enrolled from a variety 

of disciplines that include medicine, pharmacy, 

nursing, and biology. 

KINOKO-TECH WINS HEBREW 

UNIVERSITY’S 2022 ASPER PRIZE FOR 

EMERGING STARTUPS 

Founded by scientists Drs. Dalia Feldman, Jasmin 

Ravid, and Hadar Shohat, Kinoko-Tech is the 

2022 winner of Hebrew University’s Asper Prize 

for Emerging Startups. The 100,000 NIS cash 

prize was awarded by ASPER-HUJI Innovate, the 

Innovation Center of the Hebrew University—a 

center created to nurture an entrepreneurial 

spirit among students, researchers, and alumni at 

Hebrew University. 

WHERE WERE HEROD THE GREAT’S ROYAL 

ALABASTER BATHTUBS QUARRIED? 

A bath from the past! From the Middle Bronze 

Age, Egypt played a crucial role in the appearance 

of calcite-alabaster artifacts in Israel. However, 

new research from HU showed that such calcitealabaster 

objects as Herod the Great’s alabaster 

bathtubs were quarried in Israel rather than Egypt. 

UKRAINE PRESIDENT ZELENSKY SPEAKS 

TO HEBREW UNIVERSITY IN VIRTUAL 

ADDRESS 

During a special video address to the Hebrew 

University community in June, Ukrainian President 

Volodymyr Zelensky said Israel must join the 

international sanctions against Russia and allow 

visa-free entry for refugees fleeing Moscow’s 

aggression. The speech was live-streamed on the 

university’s social media channels and followed by 

a Q&A. Watch the recorded Livestream on the 

Hebrew University YouTube and Facebook pages.

PAGE 24 

ESTATE PLAN



NING

PAGE 26 

Financial Planning 

in Volatile Times 

Neal Myerberg 

Principal, Myerberg Philanthropic Advisors 

When inflation is evident and recession may be a 

byproduct, it is a difficult challenge to undertake 

active measures for secure financial planning. If 

inflation generates rising interest rates, one ought 

to expect that yields on cash investments—for 

example, money market and saving accounts 

or certificates of deposit — should rise as well. 

Unfortunately, while consumers are quickly 

subject to higher costs for essential goods, higher 

interest rates on credit card debt, and higher 

interest rates for capital purchases, there is no 

concomitant increase in returns on their cash in 

banks. Banks are charging higher rates for lending, 

but consumers are not yet receiving a reasonable 

return on the money banks hold in their savings 

accounts. It’s no wonder that consumers are 

struggling with the economic implications of rising 

interest rates, and the inflation they are intended 

to ease. 

What happens, therefore, if we fall into any depth 

of recession? Where will prices go for consumer 

goods? Will we have lost the opportunity to 

generate yields on our cash investments because 

we didn’t take advantage of current offers of term 

CDs, albeit at still low rates? 

Finally, what about the stocks, money market 

funds, cryptocurrency, and other investments 

we hold that, while lower in value due to current 

market turmoil, still have embedded gains? 

Let’s summarize some choices, mindful that 

they involve a “partnership” with a charitable 

organization to be most productive. 

Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) 

• CGA rates have risen in light of interest rate 

increases and other assumptions effective 

July 1, 2022. 

• Income tax deductions for contributions to 

establish CGAs have also increased because 

of the substantial increase in the monthly IRS 

applicable discount rate. 

• A substantial percentage of the annual annuity 

amount will be paid to you tax-free. 

• A CGA can run for one or two lives. It may 

begin immediately or, for a higher return, 

be deferred through a deferred gift annuity 

(DGA) to begin at a date in the future. 

• This may be an opportune time for you to 

have a customized calculation of a CGA or 

DGA to help you decide whether the financial 

and tax advantages may be important to you 

now. 

Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) 

• Appreciated assets you want to sell now that 

will generate taxable gains, albeit lower than 

they would have been had you sold them 

before the downturn in investment markets, 

can be transacted in a way that the gain is not 

initially taxed and fixed payments are made 

to you (and others) for life. Most often used 

for appreciated securities, CRTs may also be 

effective when funded with appreciated real 

estate that you have held over the years as



an investment. 

• The income tax deduction for contributions 

to a CRT are quite high considering the IRS 

applicable discount rate now in effect. 

• CRTs may be customized in a variety of 

ways to accomplish financial, tax, and estate 

planning goals. 

• Conversion of capital assets into higher rates 

of return for life at full value (not reduced by 

capital gains taxes when contributed) may 

prove to be a hedge against inflation and 

protect against recessionary downside. 

We can provide some strategies for you to 

consider that make use of Charitable Remainder 

Trusts in financial and estate planning, and in 

particular to help you carry out your plans for 

passing your IRA to your heirs and maximizing 

your estate for yourself and others. 

AFHU has a team of experts available to work 

with you and your professional advisers to develop 

plans for your consideration. All discussions are 

confidential and without obligation. 

By teaming with AFHU, you not only assure 

benefits to you and your family for your lifetime 

but also contribute to the future work of the 

Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

For more information, please contact us at 

plannedgiving@afhu.org or 212.607.8524.

PAGE 28 

ALUMNI UPDA



TES

PAGE 30 

D.J. Gugenheim 

With 20 years of production and development 

experience, D.J. Gugenheim recently finished 

producing Billy Porter’s feature directorial 

debut, Anything’s Possible, for Orion/MGM. 

While president of Andrew Lauren Productions, 

Gugenheim produced Claire Denis’ High Life, 

starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche, 

and Brady Corbet’s Vox Lux, starring Natalie 

Portman and Jude Law. Previously, he was EVP 

of production at Lotus Entertainment, where he 

executive produced Kidnap, starring Halle Berry, 

as well as November Criminals with Chloë Grace 

Moretz and Ansel Elgort, among other films. 

He has also held positions at Universal-based 

Captivate Entertainment, where he worked on 

Robert Ludlum titles including The Bourne Legacy, 

as well as at Paramount Vantage, CAA, and for 

director Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding).



Recent Alumni Events 

JERUSALEM’S HIDDEN GEMS 

Together with the Israeli and International Hebrew 

University Alumni Associations we joined other 

Hebrew University alumni from around the 

world on May 1st for an early celebration of Yom 

Ha’atzmaut with a live virtual tour of Jerusalem. 

Led by experienced guide Ram Kaplan, we 

explored the cobbled streets near the Jaffa Gate 

with stops to explore unique religious sites, biblical 

graffiti, modern street art, and much more. 

FLIP THAT FLOP 

Earlier this year, we had an authentic 

conversation with three leading Hebrew 

University alumni about insights we can gain 

when things don’t go as expected: Micah Hart 

‘00 creator of the hit game show “Who Knows 

One?,” Erez Podoly ‘99, ‘02, ‘08 from Cleveland 

Clinic Ventures, and Lilach Rapaport ‘12 from 

Google. 

WHO KNOWS ONE? 

On April 10th, the HU Alumni Association hosted 

a special presentation of the hit Facebook game 

“Who Knows One?” featuring Hebrew University 

alumni and AFHU friends Saul Korin ‘94, Sam 

Rank, Rabbi Shalom Kantor ‘98, Paula Shoyer 

‘85, David Ochs, and Abby Pitkowsky ‘88. “Who 

Knows One?” is a hilarious game show that 

became a cultural hit in the Jewish community 

during the COVID-19 pandemic, reuniting old 

friends and creating new ones with an innovative 

game that combines Six Degrees of Separation 

and Jewish geography.

PAGE 32 

Hebrew University Cultivates 

Tomorrow’s Skilled Wine Professionals 

By Keri Rosenbluh 

On the picturesque Rehovot campus of Hebrew 

University’s Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, 

Food, and Environment, participants in the M.S. 

program in Viticulture and Enology gather together 

for the first time under the canopy of a spring sky. 

Eager to embark on their studies, they are given a 

personalized gift, equally sentimental and practical—a 

set of pruning shears engraved with their names, 

marking the start of their vineyard cultivation and 

winemaking journeys and the pursuit of their passion 

for years to come. 

In Israel, mountains, fertile plains, and desert are 

often located minutes apart, bringing about diverse 

topography and soil compositions and creating a vast 

range of microclimates. It’s a winemaker’s utopia. 

Situated in the cradle of wine civilization, Israel is one 

of the oldest wine producing regions on Earth, dating 

back to more than 5,000 years ago. While the country 

spans a mere 263 miles from north to south, it boasts 

five vine-growing regions, from the coastal plain to 

the central mountains, and from the Upper Galilee 

to the Negev desert. With over 300 wineries, Israel 

harvests 60,000 tons of wine grapes and produces 

over 40 million bottles of wine annually. 

Rooted in an ancient world wine-producing region, 

Israel’s winemaking industry has undergone a new 

world wine revolution in recent decades. The result 

is a dynamic, hip, and thriving industry that is qualitydriven 

and diverse. From boutique to medium-size 

and commercial wineries, Israeli winemakers are 

raising the bar. By experimenting with indigenous 

grape varieties and novel blends, and integrating 

ancient and innovative winemaking techniques, their 

distinctive wine is grabbing the spotlight on the 

global winemaking stage. Israeli varietals are raking in 

distinguished international awards and rave reviews, 

and the business of growing grapes (viticulture) and 

making wine (enology) in Israel is more relevant than 

ever before. 

In response to this surge in wine production and 

the growing demand for skilled wine professionals, 

Hebrew University’s Robert H. Smith Faculty of 

Agriculture, Food, and Environment launched Israel’s 

first-ever master’s degree program in viticulture and 

enology in 2017. The four-semester program attracts 

connoisseurs, newcomers, and industry workers 

seeking to take their passion for wine one step 

further into practice. 

Headed by Professor Zohar Kerem, a world expert 

in food chemistry, wine, and olive oil research, the 

master’s program explores the growth, production, 

and analysis of wine as well as the profitable 

management of wineries. Winemaking in the Israeli 

context—from an environmental and climatic 

perspective—is central to the program’s curriculum. 

Drip irrigation and other Israeli techniques that were 

developed to tackle extreme climate conditions 

have become increasingly relevant to leading global 

winemaking regions that are coping with rapid 

climate changes. As such, the program attracts a 

widely international audience. 

And that’s not all. Participants in this innovative 

program are prepared to get their hands dirty 

and their palates wet. The program complements 

theoretical studies with hands-on learning at the 

Soreq Winery and Vineyard, providing practical 

expertise from one of Israel’s leading wineries. 

Throughout the program, students tend their own 

row in a vineyard, testing the impact of different 

irrigation levels or whether a varietal can thrive 

in certain soils and climatic conditions. Moreover, 

students participate in a professional workshop in 

Bordeaux, France, and intern at a commercial winery



in Israel or abroad. These experiences lend exposure 

to diverse winemaking cultures, and the opportunity 

to develop a priceless global network of fellow vine 

and wine professionals. 

Lihi Hoch, alumna of the viticulture and enology 

program, is an active member of HaShizra, 

dedicated to enhancing the presence of women in 

Israel’s male-dominated wine industry. With a B.Sc. 

in Biotechnology and Plant Sciences and an M.Sc. 

in Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Hoch has always 

been intrigued by winemaking. She caught wind 

of the master program’s development as early 

as her undergraduate studies, when her interest 

immediately piqued. Once she discovered the 

program would launch, she shifted her academic 

focus and submitted her application. “I couldn’t let 

the opportunity pass me by,” shared Hoch. Through 

the program’s curriculum, Hoch engaged with 

entrepreneurs and winemaking professionals who 

later became friends and colleagues. It was through 

this network that she learned of a job opening at 

Bright Up, an Israeli company that imports raw 

materials and equipment for wine production. Today, 

Hoch is employed by Bright Up as a consultant to 

wineries on the equipment and materials they use 

in their wine production. “Although the program 

is academic in nature, it is significantly integrated 

with Israel’s local industry. I believe that the M.Sc. 

program greatly contributed to my career path by 

opening doors and preparing me for success, and I’m 

extremely grateful.” 

further recognition. At the end of the day, the M.Sc. 

in Viticulture and Enology is not only growing grapes. 

It’s cultivating the next generation of skilled wine 

professionals. 

The Faculty of Agriculture will welcome its next 

cohort of winemaking entrepreneurs in March 

2023. For more information on the M.S. in 

Viticulture and Enology, visit here. 

Like Hoch, entrepreneurs of all walks of life are drawn 

to the master’s program in viticulture and enology in 

pursuit of something grand: the opportunity to bottle 

their passion for wine in an inspiring location, learning 

from renowned experts and honing skills that infuse 

the ancient art of winemaking with Israel’s innovative 

technology and environmentally sound techniques. 

As Israel’s industry earns its place on the world’s 

winemaking stage, Hebrew University is doing its 

part. Alumni are leveraging their acquired expertise 

to carve a way into the industry, contributing to 

the global emergence of Israeli wine and earning it

PAGE 34 

SIGNATURE E



VENTS

PAGE 36 

2022 Bel Air Affaire 

The 13th Annual Bel Air Affaire, hosted at the 

iconic Papillon Estate in Beverly Hills, raised 

more than $2 million for student scholarships 

at Israel’s Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

At the Sept. 10 event, presented by the 

Western Region of American Friends of the 

Hebrew University (AFHU), AFHU presented 

two philanthropic Los Angeles couples with 

the Humanitarian Torch of Learning Award: 

Dr. Jaye-Jo Portanova and Bruce Cooperman 

along with Cindy and Gary Frischling. 

AFHU Western Region President Barbara 

Natterson-Horowitz called the honorees 

“two couples who exemplify what it means 

to be actively and ceaselessly engaged in the 

philanthropic community. We thank them for 

their magnanimous generosity in support of 

scholarships and for continuing to be vibrant 

members of AFHU.” 

the evening featured remarks by Hebrew 

University President Asher Cohen and student 

ambassador Timna Wharton Kleinman, a 

recipient of a past scholarship and a master’s 

degree candidate in the School of Computer 

Science and Engineering. 

Addressing the guests, Wharton Kleinman 

discussed the importance of helping her 

and other students complete their degree 

studies. 

World-renowned illusionist Adam Trent 

provided the evening’s entertainment, and 

catering was by Michelin Star chef Curtis 

Stone. 

Honorary event chairs were Patricia Glaser 

and Sam Mudie along with May and Richard 

Ziman. 

Co-chaired by Joyce Brandman, Renae 

Jacobs-Anson, and Helen Jacobs-Lepor, 

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me 

pursue my goals. I hope that I will be able to pass the benefit 

onto others, whether advancing academic research or by 

educating the next generation." 

-Moti, Ph.D., Economics; Faculty of Social Sciences



(L-R) AFHU honorees Bruce Cooperman and Dr. Jaye-Jo Portanova along with Cindy and Gary Frischling 

(L-R) AFHU Western Region Executive Director Justin Pressman; event Co-chairs Helen Jacobs-Lepor, Joyce Brandman, and Renae 

Jacobs-Anson with Hebrew University President Asher Cohen

PAGE 38 

Northeast Region Einstein Visionaries 

Society Luncheon 

AFHU Northeast Region hosted its annual Einstein Visionaries Society Luncheon on September 13 at 

The Harmonie Club in midtown Manhattan. This celebratory luncheon recognizes generous donors 

who have made a legacy gift to support the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

Our surprise special guest was President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Asher Cohen, who 

shared updates and greetings from Israel. Guest speakers included our distinguished Professor Edwin 

Seroussi, director of the Jewish Music Research Center in HU’s Department of Musicology, who 

shared a fascinating talk on “Hatikvah: Singing a Hope”. The presentation from AFHU planned giving 

consultant Neal Myerberg covered strategies to reduce one’s estate and tax-wise giving. 

Welcoming our guests was AFHU National and Northeast Region Board member, Frances Katz, who 

established a bequest to endow a Chair at the Hebrew University School of Social Work. Fran’s remarks 

always note her deep connection to the university and pay tribute to her late husband, George Katz 

(z”l) and his passion for Hebrew University, Israel, and global betterment. Closing the program was 

Maura Milles, the new Executive Director of the Northeast Region. A big thank you also went out to 

our luncheon sponsor, PNC Bank, who continue to generously help underwrite this important event. 

To learn more about creating your own legacy at the Hebrew University through a planned gift, 

such as a bequest, charitable trust, or charitable gift annuity, please visit AFHU Planned Giving 

or plannedgiving@afhu.org.



2022 Midwest Leaders of Distinction 

Award Gala 

American Friends of the Hebrew University was pleased to gather on May 18th for the 2022 

Leaders of Distinction Award Gala honoring Zev Davis, M.D., and Steven A. Kanner. The 

evening raised $300,000 in vital funds supporting Human Health and Social Justice at the 

Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Thoughtful and generous contributions will enable research 

in computational medicine and pro bono legal assistance at the Clinical Legal Education Center. 

Leaders of Distinction Award Gala Co-Chairs with the 2022 Leaders of Distinction honorees, (L to R) Michael Freed, Mary Ann Tuft, Karen 

Herbst, Zev Davis, M.D., Steven A. Kanner, Barry Golin, Sara Crown Star, Lew Collens

PAGE 40 

52nd Annual George A. Katz Torch of 

Learning Award 

We were thrilled to gather in person on May 10th for American Friends of the Hebrew University’s 

52nd Annual George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award Luncheon. This year, we proudly honored 

two distinguished leaders in our legal community: Robert B. Fiske Jr., Senior Counsel, Davis Polk 

& Wardwell LLP and former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Stephanie 

Goldstein, Global Co-Head of Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings, Goldman Sachs. 

Program highlights included special greetings from Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson, Chancellor 

of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Event Co-chair Staci Yablon presented the Torch of 

Learning Award to Stephanie Goldstein and Elkan Abramowitz, 1992 Torch of Learning Award 

Laureate, presented the Torch of Learning Award to Robert B. Fiske Jr. 

(L-R) Honoree Stephanie Goldstein, HU Chancellor Menahem Ben-Sasson, Honoree Robert B. Fiske, Jr.



NEXUS:ISRAEL 2022 

On March 30th, AFHU hosted the NEXUS:ISRAEL 2022 Virtual Summit featuring disruptive 

entrepreneurs, forward-thinking corporations, cutting-edge researchers, and vibrant investors, 

all of whom demonstrate the collaborative potential of the innovation ecosystem at the Hebrew 

University of Jerusalem. 

We are deeply grateful to the speakers, partners, and participants who joined the dialogue 

around our collective sustainable future. Our sincerest appreciation and gratitude go to our 

NEXUS:ISRAEL Virtual Summit friends and sponsors at Ark Investment Management, the Ike, 

Molly & Steven Elias Foundation, Bank Leumi, Mayer Brown, Paul E. Singer Foundation, Mindy 

and Neil Grossman, and Haddad Brands, whose leadership is essential to the success of our 

community.

PAGE 42 

2022 Mid-Atlantic Scopus Award Gala 

On Thursday, April 28, American Friends of 

the Hebrew University honored Matthew 

and Deborah Brooks & Mark Mellman and 

Dr. Mindy Horowitz with the organization’s 

highest honor, the national Scopus Award, at 

a gala in Washington, DC. Named for Mount 

Scopus, where the Hebrew University’s first 

cornerstones were laid in 1918, the Award 

has come to symbolize the highest ideals of 

the university’s founders. The honorees were 

lauded for their life-long commitments to 

humanitarian causes. 

As part of the event, the prestigious Doctor 

Philosophiae Honoris Causa was presented 

to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (z”l), the 

first Jewish woman to be appointed to the 

U.S. Supreme Court. Her granddaughter, 

Clara Spera, accepted the Award on Justice 

Ginsburg’s behalf. 

AFHU Scopus Award recipients Deborah and Matt Brooks with 

Josh Rednik, CEO, AFHU 

Guests were then treated to an enlightening 

discussion between Israel Ambassador to 

the U.S. Michael Herzog, and United Arab 

Emirates Ambassador to the U.S., Yousef Al 

Otaiba on the impact and expansion of the 

Abraham Accords. The affable exchange was 

moderated by Hebrew University Chair of the 

Board of Governors, Daniel Schlessinger. 

Bill Kilberg, President, AFHU Mid-Atlantic Region, and Clara Spera, 

who accepted the Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa on behalf 

of her grandmother, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (z"l)



2022 Palm Beach Scopus Award Gala 

In keeping with its tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals, AFHU presented its 

prestigious Scopus Award to Florence Kaufman, on April 4, 2022, at The Breakers, Palm Beach. 

The festive gala and awards ceremony honored Mrs. Kaufman for her decades of philanthropic 

leadership in education and healthcare in the Palm Beach community, New York region, and 

Israel. Presenting the award to Mrs. Kaufman was Professor Asher Cohen, president of the 

Hebrew University. Mrs. Kaufman’s gracious acceptance speech reflected on her life as a 

community volunteer, and memories of her late husband, real estate developer, Robert Kaufman. 

The 2022 Palm Beach Scopus Award Gala dinner chairs included: Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bogen, 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Endelson, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Gendelman, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jacobs, 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kozloff, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rome, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Snyder, and Mr. 

and Mrs. Bruce Toll. We also honor the memory of the late Mrs. Diane Belfer, who had planned 

to join the Scopus Award Gala as a dinner chair. The event chairs were Mr. and Mrs. Robert 

Emden, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Fiverson, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fromer, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard 

Rothschild. 

During a pre-event cocktail hour the same evening, Hebrew University’s President Asher Cohen 

conferred an honorary fellowship on Mr. Richard Rothschild, in recognition of his board service, 

dedicated outreach to the Palm Beach community, and generous philanthropy. 

Thanks to the Palm Beach community’s steadfast engagement, the Hebrew University 

continues to be a leader in undergraduate and graduate education, research and scholarship, 

and service to the world. 

President Asher Cohen and Barbara and Richard Rothschild 

Florence Kaufman and Ali Sanders

PAGE 44 

2023 Palm Beach Scopus Award Gala 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT 

MONICA LOEBL AT 305.336.5775 OR MLOEBL@AFHU.ORG



Regional Offices 

Northeast Region 

199 Water Street, 11th Floor 

New York, NY 10038 

T: 212.607.8510 

E: northeast@afhu.org 

Mid-Atlantic Region 

11140 Rockville Pike, Suite 640 

Rockville, MD 20852 

T: 202.363.4600 

E: midatlantic@afhu.org 

Philadelphia Office 

PO Box 2147 

Philadelphia, PA 19103 

T: 215.330.6722 

E: philadelphia@afhu.org 

Southeast Region 

100 West Cypress Creek Road, Suite 865 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 

T: 561.750.8585 

E: southeast@afhu.org 

Midwest Region 

20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2020 

Chicago, IL 60606 

T: 312.329.0332 

E: midwest@afhu.org 

Pacific Northwest Region 

548 Market Street, PMP 90944 

San Francisco, CA 94104 

T: 415.299.8691 

E: pacificnorthwest@afhu.org 

Western Region 

555 W. 5th Street, Floor 35 

Los Angeles, CA 90013 

T: 310.843.3100 

E: western@afhu.org 

Save the Date 

January 13, 2023 

January 14-16, 2023 



June 10-14, 2023 

2023 PALM BEACH SCOPUS AWARD GALA 

AFHU LEAD COHORT II SEMINAR 

WINTER NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 

HU EVENTS AT FRENCHMAN’S CREEK 

86TH INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS

THANK YOU FOR 

YOUR SUPPORT! 

American Friends of the Hebrew University 

199 Water St, 11th Floor | New York, NY 10038 

Tel. 212.607.8500 | www.afhu.org | info@afhu.org

AFHU News Fall 2022

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