AFHU News Winter 2023

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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
AFHU NEWS VOL. 31 PAGE 31
LEAD Israel Mission Highlight
The AFHU Leadership Empowerment and Development (LEAD) Israel Mission was intense, inspiring,
and invigorating! From June 6-14, LEAD members traveled throughout Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to
learn about—and become immersed in—the exciting research and innovation taking place at the
Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU).
During their time together, LEAD members bonded with each other and with the Hebrew University.
LEAD participants met with HU dignitaries including Hebrew University President, Prof. Asher
Cohen; Vice President for University Advancement, Ambassador Yossi Gal; and Vice President for
Strategy and Diversity, Prof. Mona Khoury. They visited labs, met with students and researchers,
and learned about myriad departments and programs, including: HU’s Urban Clinic; the Institute of
Archaeology; the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment; the Israel Institute
for Advanced Studies; Asper HUJI-Innovate, HU’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship;
Yissum, the University’s technology transfer company; the Rachel and Selim Benin School of
Computer Science and Engineering; and more.
The group spent a day and a half in Tel Aviv with HU alumni and visited the HESEG Foundation,
the Tel Aviv Museum, and Start-Up Nation Central, saving time for a tour of the Carmel Market
led by HU Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Food Science, and Nutrition, Zohar Kerem. On the
final day of the mission, participants traveled to the Ein Kerem campus to learn about the Faculty
of Medicine, the new Center for Computational Medicine, the Faculty of Medicine’s School of
Pharmacy, and the Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases.
In discussing their collective experience, LEAD members described what they felt were the
highlights of the trip: meeting students, professors, and leaders and hearing their stories;
understanding the importance of the relationship between the Hebrew University and the state
of Israel; learning about HU’s diversity programs and meeting student ambassadors; realizing the
impact of HU throughout the world, including meet and greets with international students from
the Smith Faculty of Agriculture; witnessing the easy interactions between students and faculty,
seeing the drive and excellence of students throughout the university; and understanding how
passionate donors are about HU.
LEAD participants with Hebrew University Vice President for Advancement and External Relations, Amb Yossi Gal (center)
LEAD participant Milan Chatterjee at Start-Up Nation offices
While the trip is over, the LEAD journey has only just begun. We look forward to working with
participants as they continue their exploration of HU’s many accomplishments and deepen their
commitment to AFHU.
LEAD participants at Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate
LEAD participants visit the Western (Wailing) Wall