AFHU News Fall 2024

AFHU NEWS

Vol. 33 / Fall/Winter 2024

Photo Credit: Yonit Schiller

KNOWLEDGE

MOVES

US

PAGE 2

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY

AFHU NEWS VOL. 33 PAGE 3

AFHU National Leadership

Letter from Leadership

PRESIDENT

Pamela Nadler Emmerich

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Clive Kabatznik

VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Richard S. Ziman

VICE PRESIDENTS

Kenneth L. Stein

Ronald M. Zimmerman

HONORARY PRESIDENTS

Stanley M. Bogen

Clive Kabatznik

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

I. Steven Edelson

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Alan Fiske

Brad Karp

Ellen Klersfeld Hechtman

Dr. Steve Rubinow

Lynne Silbert

Robert Snyder

Marla Lerner Tanenbaum

Mark Vidergauz

HONORARY CHAIRS

OF THE BOARD

Stanley M. Bogen

Michael S. Kurtz

Marc O. Mayer

George A. Schieren

Daniel I. Schlessinger

Ira Lee Sorkin

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Fall 2024 edition of AFHU News,

highlighting discovery, progress, and shared

accomplishments. This issue is packed with

stories that highlight the resilience of the Hebrew

University community and its profound impact on

education, research, and society, particularly during

these uncertain times.

In these pages, you’ll read about inspiring individuals

like Drs. Melina and Eric Esrailian, who are advancing

education and human rights through their support

of the University’s Armenian Studies Program.

You’ll explore Hebrew University’s groundbreaking

Institute for Traumatic Stress and Recovery, which

is addressing trauma with innovative mental health

solutions in the wake of recent crises. You’ll also

learn about HU’s new three-year undergraduate

degree program in English, and much more.

As we prepare to mark the centennial anniversaries

of both the University and our own American

Friends organization, we reflect on 100 years

of transformative achievements, celebrate the

University’s enduring commitment to excellence

and inclusivity, and look ahead to a bright future.

Dive into this issue to connect with the milestones,

achievements, and aspirations of this extraordinary

institution. Your engagement makes these

accomplishments possible, and we’re grateful to

have you with us on this journey.

With best wishes,

Joshua W. Rednik

Chief Executive Officer

NATIONAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR

Herbert L. Sachs

Finally, this issue highlights the dedication of our

American Friends community, including new board

members and alumni who are leading efforts to

support the University’s mission globally.

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3LETTER FROM DRS.

LEADERSHIP

19

REGIONAL BOARD

UPDATES

30

NEWS & UPDATES

10

MELINA AND

ERIC ESRALIAN

24

MENTAL HEALTH

TRAUMA CENTER

42

EVENT RECAPS

16

HU: A CENTURY

OF PROGRESS

26

NEW B.A. PROGRAM

IN ENGLISH

CONTENTS

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PAGE 8



SPOTLIGHTS

PAGE 10



Funding Education to Recognize

and Prevent Genocide

parents to relocate to other countries before his

parents settled in the U.S., fuels his dedication to

educate people about the Armenian narrative and

advocate for worldwide recognition.

Diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine

at UCLA. He has garnered numerous accolades in

these areas, including the Lincy Foundation Chair

in Clinical Gastroenterology in 2021.

Armenian and Jewish peoples has contributed

significantly to this important field of study. In

recognition of their generous contributions, the

Esrailians were honorees at the 15th Annual Bel Air

Affaire on Sept. 14, 2024 in Beverly Hills, where they

were presented with the 2024 AFHU Humanitarian

Torch of Learning Award.

Advocating Through Film and Mass Media

Dr. Esrailian is committed to storytelling with

a purpose and his artistic filmmaking vision in

producing The Promise was part of a bold political

strategy. “We approached this as a project to get

the Armenian genocide recognized by the United

States government,” he said. “Everything else was

secondary.”

Dr. Esrailian graduated from the University of

California at Berkeley with a major in Integrative

Biology and a minor in English. He subsequently

graduated from the Loma Linda University School

of Medicine and completed his residency and

fellowship in Internal Medicine at the University of

Southern California. There, he obtained a Master

of Public Health degree with the assistance of an

NIH-sponsored training grant.

Drs. Eric and Melina Esrailian

Never Again.

While this haunting phrase resonates deeply for

Jewish people, it also speaks to Armenians whose

ancestors survived a devastating genocide at the

hands of the Ottoman Empire.

Dr. Eric Esrailian is a renowned Los Angeles

gastroenterologist and Emmy-nominated filmmaker.

He and his wife Melina—a dentist with a background

in public health—are combating genocide denial to

ensure “never again” really means never again. Their

focus on education is where their relationship with

the Hebrew University of Jerusalem begins.

Drs. Eric and Melina Esrailian were first introduced

to Hebrew University by their dear friend and

AFHU Western Region vice chair Patricia L. Glaser.

For over 50 years, Hebrew University’s Armenian

Studies program has integrated the study of

Armenian language, culture, and history within the

broader context of the Caucasus, Middle East,

and Eastern Christianity. The program’s focus on

the shared histories, resilience, and unity between

“Armenians share a strong connection with the

Jewish people because of the Holocaust,” Dr. Eric

Esrailian says. “I grew up hearing stories about my

own family and the Armenian genocide, and of

course learning about the Holocaust in school and

from my dear Jewish friends. While Armenians know

our story to the point that it’s in our soul, many

people are sadly unaware of these historic events

and the connections between our communities.

I hope we can continue to build bridges based

on our shared histories, values, resilience, and

perseverance.”

Jerusalem’s Armenian Heritage

The Armenian community’s history in Jerusalem

dates back to the 4th century CE and remains the

most important center for the Armenian community

outside of its homeland. The Jerusalem Christian

Armenian community of approximately 2,000 now

faces gentrification due to high demand for its real

estate located on the road from Jaffa Gate to the

Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall.

An estimated 1.5 million Armenians died from 1915

to 1923 under the rule of the Ottoman Empire,

now the Republic of Turkey, which continues to

deny a genocide took place. The miracle that Dr.

Eric Esrailian’s great-grandparents survived the

Armenian genocide, allowing his grandparents and

The Promise, starring Christian Bale, was inspired by

true events showcasing survival, love, and faith. Dr.

Esrailian simultaneously produced the documentary

Intent to Destroy: Death, Denial & Depiction, which

analyzes the Armenian Genocide, its historical

context, and ongoing denial. Intent to Destroy was

nominated for an Outstanding Arts & Historical

Documentary Emmy in 2018.

“I had the honor of producing The Promise

alongside Patty Glaser and our mutual mentor, Kirk

Kerkorian,” Dr. Esrailian says. “We partnered with

advocacy groups, Armenian groups, and others

that had a track record for advocating for historical

truths.”

In 2019, their efforts were rewarded when

Congress, and the United States Library of

Congress, recognized the Armenian genocide. After

decades of U.S. government denial, President Biden

ultimately recognized the Armenian genocide in

2021—more than 100 years after it began.

Human Rights and Patient Care

An accomplished physician and biomedical

innovator, Dr. Esrailian’s focus on caring for

humanity is also omnipresent in his connections

between medical health and human rights and

improving patient care. Dr. Esrailian is chief of the

Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive

He also completed the Executive Program in

Management at the UCLA Anderson School of

Management. In 2017, the University designated

Dr. Esrailian a UCLA Optimist, joining notable

alumni and faculty dedicated to solving the world’s

problems.

Dr. Esrailian was also appointed to serve on the

Medical Board of California by Governor Arnold

Schwarzenegger from 2010-2011.

Decades of Community Philanthropy

UCLA also figures prominently in the Esrailians’ local

philanthropic endeavors. They have been closely

involved in establishing The Promise Institute for

Human Rights at the UCLA School of Law and

The Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA. These

organizations protect Armenian scholarship, history,

language, and culture.

Dr. Eric Esrailian also facilitates community

engagement with a number of other schools,

other UCLA departments, and their Los Angeles

community partners. He was on the UCLA campus

steering committee for the Centennial Campaign and

is one of the co-chairs for the University’s Second

Century Council. He also serves on the boards of

several philanthropic organizations, including the

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Hammer

Museum, and the Motion Picture & Television Fund.

Continued on p.12

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Continued from p. 11

Funding Education to Recognize

and Prevent Genocide

Supporting Education: The Key to Preventing

Human Rights Violations

Restitution of

Nazi-looted Art

After 83 Years

AFHU’s New Chief

Financial and

Operations Officer

Jeffrey Kuvin

Supporter

Testimonial

The Esrailians’ focus on education as a way to repair

the world, or tikkun olam in Hebrew, has touched

many. “It’s clear that education is the key to not

only providing a better life for people, but to also

preventing human rights violations and atrocities

around the world,” says Dr. Eric Esrailian. “If you

think about the perpetrators of genocide, and those

who continue to deny the Holocaust and other

genocides around the world, many are uneducated,

which is why it’s so important to champion

education in this important field.”

Dr. Esrailian’s journey is a testament to the

impact one individual can have when driven by

passion, dedication, and a commitment to making

a difference. In accepting the Torch of Learning

Award, Dr. Esrailian said, “Melina and I are grateful

to AFHU and the Hebrew University, which serves

as a beacon of higher education throughout the

Middle East, Israel, and Jerusalem, educating people

from all backgrounds and faiths in one of the most

historic cities in the world.”

He continues, “We look forward to collaborating

with American Friends of the Hebrew University to

support, educate, and inspire leaders who will make

the world a better place for Jews, Armenians, and all

people in Jerusalem and beyond. This award, for us,

is truly a mechanism to build a bridge between the

Armenian community and the Jewish community,

and to champion education in Jerusalem and the

Middle East.”

To learn more about Armenian studies at the

Hebrew University, see related article on page 39

to read more about the 2024 Bel Air Affaire, see

page 37.

After 83 years, artwork

that was seized by

the Nazis from the

Hansi (Johanna) Share

collection/estate of

Marion Tolnai in 1941

was returned to Ms.

Share’s heirs, including

AFHU. The item,

described as the head

of a Buddha figure

from what was believed

to be a full-body

sculpture (14th-17th

Credit to Paul Schimweg © MARKK.jpg

century China), had

been acquired by the Museum am Rothenbaum

(MARKK). Upon hearing the news of the restitution,

AFHU’s President, Pamela Nadler Emmerich, remarked:

“American Friends of the Hebrew University is grateful

for the restitution of this work of art seized from the

Hansi (Johanna) Share Art Collection in 1941. After 83

years, its’ just return to Ms. Share’s heirs is a positive

outcome to a very dark period of history. We extend

our heartfelt thanks to the MARKK Museum am

Rothenbaum, to Dr. Mara Wantuch-Thole, Dr. Ewald

Volhard, Andrea Enderlein, and to all those who have

worked to make this day possible. The resources

provided by this restitution through the estate of Marion

Tolnai, Ms. Share’s daughter, will further scholarship,

research, and academic excellence at the Hebrew

University of Jerusalem. It is an honor to witness the

full realization of Ms. Tolnai’s intentions.”

Ariel Londoño assumed the

role of Chief Financial and

Operations Officer this

past spring, following the

departure of former CFO/

COO, Elissa Fishman. Ari

joined AFHU in 2017 and

served as Controller for three

years before being named

AFHU’s Director of Finance

and Administration in 2019.

During his tenure, Ari has led key elements

of the Finance Department’s work, including

budgeting, the annual audit, preparation of IRS

Form 990 and financial statements, and much

more. In addition, he has served as the primary

contact for AFHU’s IT consultant, and has

brought innovative, cost-saving new ideas and

platforms to our work, including a new online

accounts payable system, an improved travel

expense system, and a digital budgeting solution.

Prior to his work at AFHU, Ari worked as the

Assistant Controller at Girl Scouts of the USA

and as an Audit Manager in the not-for-profit

practice at Grant Thornton. Ari received his

History and Accounting B.A. degrees from

Queens College CUNY and is a certified public

accountant in the state of New York.

Dr. Jeffrey Kuvin, Northwell Health’s senior vice

president of cardiology, co-director of the Sandra

Atlas Bass Heart Hospital, chair of cardiology at

North Shore University Hospital and Long Island

Jewish Medical Center, and the Lorinda and

Vincent de Roulet Professor of Medicine and

chair of cardiology at the Donald and Barbara

Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell,

serves as the AFHU Northeast Region Board

President and Chair of the International Advisory

Committee of Hebrew University’s Sanford F.

Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and

Tropical Diseases, a Center founded in 1976 by

his father. Learn more about Dr. Kuvin and his

intergenerational connection to HU.

PAGE 14



Ambassador William (Bill) A. Brown (z”l)

American Friends of the Hebrew University was

saddened by the news of Ambassador William (Bill)

A. Brown’s passing in July of this year. A dedicated

friend to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,

Ambassador Brown served as an honorary member

of the Board of Trustees for the Harry S. Truman

Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace

at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem from 2006-

2014. In 2014, he served as the Acting Chairman of

the Board of Trustees; his term lasted until 2019.

A retired career diplomat, the Honorable William

A. Brown, held the government post of Chief of

Mission at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv from

1993 to 1994. During this time, he was heavily

involved in negotiations with Prime Minister Rabin

and Foreign Minister Peres, which led to the

historic White House meeting among Rabin, Yasser

Arafat, and President Clinton. Ambassador Brown’s

36-year diplomatic career included assignments in

Hong Kong, Taiwan (twice), Singapore, Borneo,

Russia (twice), India, and Thailand, where he also

served as Ambassador. During his three tours in

Israel, he was a prominent participant in various

post-Camp David negotiations, in cease-fires for

conflicts along the Israeli-South Lebanon border,

in mobilizing a U.S. response to Saddam Hussein’s

Scud missile attacks on Israel, and in structuring

peace process negotiations between Israel and the

Palestinians, Jordanians, Syrians, and Lebanese.

He was appointed by the Clinton Administration

as a member of the Board of Trustees of the

American Institute in Taiwan, which conducts U.S.

relations with the people of Taiwan, and also as

Special Envoy for Burma (1996.)

Sheldon (Shelly) Hechtman (z”l)

American Friends of the Hebrew University

(AFHU) and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

(HU) are deeply saddened by the passing of

leader, humanitarian, and philanthropist, Sheldon

Hechtman (z”l). An ardent supporter of Israel and

Jewish causes, his decades-long devotion to the

Hebrew University of Jerusalem will live on.

Shelly instilled a strong love of Israel and education

in his family. He served on the Hebrew University’s

Board of Governors for over ten years and received

an Honorary Fellowship in 2015. He was a trustee

of the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the

Advancement of Peace, (2013-2014) and served

on AFHU’s Board of Regents (2008-2011) and on

the Board of Directors (2011-2016). Shelly was

a past president of AFHU’s Southeast Regional

Board and a dedicated board member for many

years.

In addition to his significant support of the Hebrew

University, Mr. Hechtman and his wife, Ellen

Klersfeld, were generous donors to Florida Atlantic

University’s Center for Holocaust and Human

Rights Education. The family’s philanthropy extends

to the Jewish community, higher education, and

more.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Ellen

Klersfeld, AFHU Honorary Director and Southeast

Regional Board member, and to the extended

Hechtman family. May they be comforted among

the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

AFHU extends its deepest sympathies to the

extended Brown family. May they be comforted

among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

PAGE 16



Hebrew University:

A Century of Progress

Yishai Fraenkel is the Vice President and Director

General of Hebrew University, responsible for

advancing a vision that he anticipates will firmly

establish the University as one of the top centers of

higher learning in the world.

As CEO of American Friends of the Hebrew

University, Joshua Rednik oversees an ambitious

and continuously expanding development effort

manifested by what he describes as the “inextricable

bond” between the American community and the

University.

that the daily pursuit is about creating a better future

for all people to be able to live and thrive together.”

That pursuit to better society is what has helped

forge relationships between the University and

the international community, driving philanthropic

investment in its forward development. “My

experience has been that people view support of the

Hebrew University as a fundamental way to achieve

two meaningful ends: fulfill their commitments to

Zionist ideals and improve the world around us,”

Joshua says.

On the 1st of April 1925, in a ceremony attended by

dignitaries from across the region and the world, the

Hebrew University of Jerusalem officially opened its

academic doors.

After decades of thought and over seven years of

construction—from the setting of the cornerstones

in 1918 to the start of classes in 1925—the

University’s official opening marked the start of

a new era, setting the stage for the institution to

become a beacon of academic excellence and an

internationally-renowned incubator of discovery and

innovation.

100 years on, the Hebrew University is linked to new

inventions and schools of thought that impact on

nearly every walk of life; from the foods we plant

and eat, the medicines and machines we use to treat

disease, the air we breathe, the nature of political

and social discourse—among countless other areas

where the University has left its mark.

In looking back on the University’s achievements

over the past century, we know that for the people

of Israel and her friends and supporters around the

world, the Hebrew University has become far more

than just a center of learning and productivity.

Indeed, the accomplishments reached within its

many halls and campuses have been instrumental in

charting the forward progress of the State of Israel,

a nation blessed with tremendous success even in

the face of ongoing challenges and threats to its

very existence.

Alongside the founding of the University itself,

committees around the world were created to

support its development. As such, American Friends

of the Hebrew University will also celebrate its 100th

anniversary in 2025, marking one hundred years of

partnering in growth.

To mark the onset of this historic year, we took

the opportunity to speak to top executives at the

Hebrew University and its American Friends to hear

first-hand why this anniversary is so important for

Israel, for the Jewish people, and for the world at

large.

Both say that what sets the Hebrew University apart

is how it is far more than just an academic institution.

It has become a pillar of Israeli society, with its

success being instrumental in both the founding and

remarkable growth of the State of Israel and the

modern Zionist movement.

Yishai points out that the initial concept for the

Hebrew University can be dated back to the First

Zionist Congress in 1897 and that its founding,

more than two decades before Israel declared its

independence, “can be seen as the first major project

of modern Zionism.”

Joshua adds that it would be shortsighted to view

the success of the University as solely an Israeli, or

even Jewish, enterprise. “The vision of the Hebrew

University really is about creating a better world

for all people. Whether it’s through developing

better medicines, a healthier and more sustainable

environment or any of the countless areas with which

the University is involved, it is no exaggeration to say

Yishai points to specific examples of how the

University is charting an academic course that will

benefit people far beyond Israel’s borders. “Our

motivating vision is to see Israel as a light unto the

nations in areas of science and forward-thinking.

This manifests itself in essential research in areas

including climate science and sustainability but no

less so in educating the community on how minority

populations can live together or how to advance

social justice and greater inclusion.”

Like the early Zionist movement itself, the Hebrew

University faced many challenges in its early years,

and sadly those challenges have remained an everpresent

reality even all these decades later.

As the University prepares to mark this 100th

anniversary, Israel finds itself amidst another deeply

tragic and increasingly costly war. “Sadly, this is far

from the first time where we as a university community

have been forced to respond to the pressures of war.

Continued on p.18

PAGE 18



Continued from p. 17

Hebrew University: A Century of Progress

The cornerstone of Hebrew University was laid while

World War I was still raging and we have been here

for every moment of tension,” Yishai says. “But our

mission then and today has been to remain resilient

and utilize all the means at our disposal to grow and

support a diverse and inclusive Hebrew University

community, one that reflects the democratic and

multi-cultural values of Israeli society.”

Since the beginning of the war over 7,500 Hebrew

University students have been called to militaryreserve

duty and all-too-many people from within the

HU community have fallen or were injured in battle.

That sense of dedication is something which both

Yishai and Joshua say is the ultimate mark of

achievement, and what they believe will carry the

University forward over the next century.

“While the miracle of the modern State of Israel might

have happened even without Hebrew University, we

take incredible pride in the fact that we supported it

and were at the heart of making Israel the economic

powerhouse and international success that it is today,”

says Yishai. “The halls of Hebrew University have truly

expanded the boundaries of human knowledge and

science. As we now look towards this second century,

it’s about doing all we have been doing and much

more, with the specific goal of becoming one of the

top twenty universities in the world.”

For Joshua, the next century is about harnessing

what he believes firmly is the University’s greatest

resource—its people. “Without the right people

teaching, researching, and leading an institution,

nothing else matters. Everywhere you turn in Israel,

you will see leaders and achievers who trace their

paths directly back to the University. I am very

confident that if we continue to focus on our people

and maximizing their potential, in 100 years’ time,

humanity will look back at this moment and be able

to state with certainty that the Hebrew University

was instrumental in creating a better world.”

American Friends of the Hebrew

University Appoints Four New

Southeast Region Board Members

“We welcome these generous and dedicated board

members to the AFHU Southeast Region,” says

Region President Jane Feinstein. “Their energy and

enthusiasm will be vital in helping to spread the

word about the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s

contributions to Israel in the past, present, and

future.”

Dr. Jillian Frieder is a dermatologist in Boca

Raton and Palm Beach Gardens. She has authored

numerous peer-reviewed publications and book

chapters in medical journals and textbooks. A

Cleveland native, her community involvement

extends beyond medicine, including the Cleveland

Jewish Federation, Cleveland Jewish Food Bank,

Montefiore Jewish Nursing Home, as well as Chabad

in several cities. She earned her MD from Wayne

State University in Detroit, and her undergraduate

degree from the University of Arizona. She was a

member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor

Society.

Jeremy Schreier, from Atlanta, Georgia, is a

business consulting manager with EY, a global leader

in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services.

AFHU and Hebrew University are longstanding

traditions in his family. His grandparents, Gabrielle (z”l)

and Sanford (z”l) Kuvin, were longtime supporters,

founding the Hebrew University Kuvin Center for the

Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases.

His current community service includes participation

as Atlanta City Captain for Birthright Excel alumni at

Chabad Intown Atlanta synagogue, and involvement

with the Chabad Intown Atlanta young professionals’

community. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in

History from Stanford University and a Master

of Business Administration degree from Emory

University.

Dr. Frieder and Mr. Schreier both participated in

AFHU’s Leadership Empowerment and Development

(LEAD) program, an immersive leadership training

program that identifies and develops future leaders

to become ambassadors for the Hebrew University.

AFHU LEAD is an 18-month program that includes

three U.S.-based seminars and a week-long Israel

experience, in which participants are hosted by the

University.

Ellen Levine has enjoyed diverse careers as an

educator, entrepreneur, and interior designer. She

has spent most of her adult years as a direct service

volunteer, life coach, and mentor of women and

children. Ellen and her husband, Dr. Mark Levine,

have a strong love for Israel and the Hebrew

University, due in part to their participation in AFHU

Frenchman’s Creek mission to Israel and the UAE in

October of 2022. She has been immersed in AFHU

gatherings and events, meeting with professors and

researchers in a number of disciplines.

Sherry Norris, of Palm Beach Gardens, serves on

AFHU’s National Board of Regents. Her career as

an English teacher and crisis intervention counselor

at Grover Cleveland High School in Queens,

NY, spanned 35 years, during which she earned

numerous city-wide honors. Norris, along with her

husband, John Bauman, received AFHU’s Leaders of

Distinction award in 2023. She received a Master’s

degree in English Education from Boston University,

a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Long

Island University, and a Bachelor’s degree in English

from Queens College.

PAGE 20



American Friends of the Hebrew

University Appoints Three New

Mid-Atlantic Region Board Members

from the Washington DC Area

“It is an especially important time to be expanding

our leadership engagement as we approach both

the Hebrew University and American Friends of the

Hebrew University centennials,” said President of

AFHU’s Mid-Atlantic Region, William J. Kilberg. “We

welcome our three new Board members, who will

help spread the word about the Hebrew University

of Jerusalem’s meaningful role in Israel’s past,

present, and future.”

The new Mid-Atlantic Region Board

Members include:

Jesse Phillips, Chief

Financial Officer at

Sourcescrub, the world’s

leading data service for

firms looking to research,

find, and connect with

bootstrapped companies.

A graduate of American

University with a BSBA

degree in Finance,

Accounting, and Economics, Phillips participated

in AFHU’s Leadership Empowerment and

Development (LEAD) program.“I am pleased to

have been selected to serve on the Mid-Atlantic

Region Board and to help advance the exciting

research, innovation, and scholarship at Hebrew

University,” Phillips said. “There has never been

a greater need to support Israel and affirm

its future.”

Galia Messika

Greenberg is General

Counsel and Director of

Firm Initiatives at Potomac

Law Group, PLLC. She is

an alumna of the Hebrew

University Faculty of Law

and was selected for the

Mishbatim Law Review.

Following her graduation

from Hebrew University, she served as the law

clerk to the Honorable Aharon Barak, who at the

time was the presiding Chief Justice of the Israeli

Supreme Court. Messika Greenberg is currently

a member of the JCRC of Greater Washington

executive committee. She received an LL.M. in 2001

from the NYU School of Law, where she graduated

with honors.

“As a graduate of Hebrew University, I am delighted

to continue to be involved in supporting and

promoting my alma mater,” Messika Greenberg said.

“We have a terrific Board of Directors in the AFHU

Mid-Atlantic Region, and I look forward to working

together to expand our reach.”

Salo Zelermyer is Vice

President and Counsel for

Federal Affairs at Valero

Energy Corporation. In 2000,

Zelermyer attended the

Hebrew University Rothberg

International School. Since

2017, he has served on the

Board of Directors of the National Brain Tumor

Society. In 2016, Zelermyer received the Hero

Award from Unlikely Heroes—a leading non-profit

organization dedicated to combating human

trafficking and slavery. He graduated with a B.A.

in Political Science from George Washington

University in 2001 and a J.D. from Boston College

Law School in 2004.

“Since attending the Hebrew University Rothberg

School, I have always had a strong connection

to the University and am inspired by the spirit of

resilience, the learning and the innovation taking

place there,” Zelermyer said. “This is a great

opportunity to help. I look forward to adding value

and support to AFHU.”

Anna Ravvin, AFHU Mid-Atlantic Region Board

Member, said, “I am so excited to be welcoming

these three generous and dedicated Board

members to the AFHU Mid-Atlantic region. Each

of our new Board members has their own special

connection to Hebrew University and will bring their

energy and engagement to the Donors of Tomorrow

Development Initiative.”

PAGE 22



Congratulations to the Graduates

of LEAD Cohort II and Welcome

LEAD Cohort III

Alumni Profile:

Michelle Rosenbach

Earlier this year, AFHU welcomed fourteen new

members to its leadership ranks. LEAD Cohort II

participants graduated from the 18-month leadership

program while in Austin, Texas last spring. These

young men and women have since joined AFHU

regional boards and the AHFU Board of Regents,

and they are taking on regional and national

leadership roles throughout the organization. The

final LEAD seminar, held at the Miraval Resort in

Austin, provided LEAD participants with a variety of

experiential leadership development opportunities,

including the Heartfelt Leadership: Herding with

Horses equine program, hiking through the local

Balcones Canyonland Preserve, and a special LEAD

graduation ceremony with AFHU CEO, Joshua

Rednik.

In addition to expressing appreciation for the

learning experiences and the friendships formed,

LEAD members demonstrated their commitment to

AFHU by pledging a joint $75,000 gift. After careful

discussion and deliberation, LEAD Cohort II members

elected to support HU student scholarships at the

International School of Agricultural Sciences and the

Clinical Legal Education Center’s Emergency Hotline,

providing immediate advice, information, and useful

links on subjects related to the current war.

With an eye toward the future, AFHU recently

selected the third group of young leaders for the

LEAD program. LEAD Cohort III represents a diverse

group of twelve young men and women from across

the US, all of whom are eager to get involved and

learn with AFHU. You can read more about the new

LEAD members here.

With twenty-five LEAD graduates and a new class

of LEAD members on board, the program continues

to grow and impact our organization. AFHU is

pleased to announce that Dave Donenberg has

been selected to chair the LEAD program. Dave,

a resident of Chicago, IL, is a graduate of LEAD

Cohort I. He is the Chief Operating Officer at Enfield

Capital Partners LLC and serves on AFHU’s Board of

Regents and Midwest Regional Board. In his role as

LEAD Chair, Dave will work with the LEAD group on

programming, engagement, and fundraising efforts,

as well as help to develop the ongoing engagement

of program graduates.

For more information or to apply to a future

cohort, contact Laura Abrams, National

Director of Leadership Development, at

561.948.3344 or labrams@afhu.org.

From Israel to Los Angeles

and back to Israel, Michelle

Rosenbach’s early experience

at the Rothberg International

School helped shape a life

driven by tikkun olam. Born in

Israel, Michelle and her family

moved to Los Angeles, CA,

when she was four years old.

Her childhood would bring

her back to Israel frequently

to visit family in Haifa, but the Hebrew University’s

Rothberg International School was her first chance

to experience the country like never before. “This was

my only time spending an extended length of time

in Jerusalem. I loved getting to know Jerusalem. We

were incredibly lucky to be there when it was still

possible to explore the old city freely, pre-intifada.”

These experiences shaped Michelle’s outlook on Israel,

and her love for the Hebrew University.

Michelle happened upon the Hebrew University during

her time at UCLA. Two close friends were attending

the Rothberg program and encouraged Michelle to

join. “I was excited to do so, for the adventure and to

reconnect with my Israeli roots.” Michelle found the

experience to be transformational. “It was the first

time I could recall living in a place where I didn’t need

to think about being Jewish. I felt Jewish simply by

breathing the air around me. I felt a level of community

and connectedness that I’d never experienced growing

up in Los Angeles.”

What are her favorite memories from HU? There are

so many! “Two highlights that stand out: I studied

Russian language in Hebrew. That was crazy and

honestly didn’t last beyond one semester. I was a

second-year Russian language student, and my

Hebrew was pretty good, but not good enough

for that! Another highlight was a course about the

history of Jerusalem, which included several field

trips. I loved it!”

Beyond classes, Michelle flourished and transformed

on so many levels. “My year in Jerusalem was my first

time being truly away and on my own. I grew in so

many ways, as an individual, and as a student. I also

met my husband there. We were both part of the UC

EAP program, and we’ve now been married for 33

wonderful years.”

Michelle has kept that feeling alive and brought

it back to AFHU and her local community. She is

currently a co-chair of AFHU’s Western Region

Alumni Group. Along with fellow alumni Mindy Mann

and her husband, Marc Rosenbach, they have put on

several events designed to engage alumni in the Los

Angeles area. They have hosted speakers from the

Hebrew University, done a wine tasting, organized an

event at an Israeli restaurant, and more. Their goal is

to grow the alumni group and create programming

to keep the alumni active. “I think it’s important to

grow support for AFHU in whatever ways we can.

Keeping alumni engaged and reminding them of

the joy they experienced studying at Rothberg is

personally satisfying as well as important for the future

support of the University. My hope for the future is

to keep alumni engaged and excited about their time

at Rothberg. Doing so is a beautiful way of creating a

community that we can all benefit from. I also hope

that an active alumni group will help encourage more

students to attend Rothberg.”

PAGE 24



Israeli University Launching Unique

Mental Health Trauma Center Spurred

by Distinctive Nature of Oct. 7 Attack

By Elana Sztokman

How do you deal with the trauma of the deadliest

day Jews have experienced since the Holocaust?

This was the question Israeli trauma experts faced

in the wake of Oct. 7, 2023, when over 1,200 Israelis

were killed and some 250 taken captive in Hamas’s

attack on Israel.

The massive attack by terrorists was immediately

followed by additional traumas: The displacement

of tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes in

the conflict zones. The subsequent war, which has

left hundreds more soldiers dead and thousands

wounded. Emotional scarring on a national scale.

At the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, some of

Israel’s foremost trauma experts set to work to

design new clinical approaches and train therapists

to deal with these traumas.

“These experiences are beyond anything we have

seen,” said Professor Asher Ben-Arieh, dean of the

University’s Paul Baerwald School of Social Work

and Social Welfare and CEO of the Haruv Institute

for the Study of Child Maltreatment, noting that

some children were taken hostage and witnessed

their parents’ murder or kidnapping. “The tools we

have used until now are not sufficient. We need

new solutions and new ideas for how to treat these

traumas.”

Ben-Arieh estimates that 25% to 50% of those who

experienced trauma were likely to develop problems

such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),

depression, anxiety, complex grief, or difficulties in

marital, social, or occupational adjustments.

To meet these new needs, Hebrew University’s

Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health

set about to launch the Institute for Traumatic

Stress and Recovery to create a multidisciplinary,

academic-clinical hub to address trauma-related

research, training, prevention, treatment, and

resilience promotion.

The Institute for Traumatic Stress and Recovery

aims to give therapists and trauma survivors

evidence-based practices and technologies,

accessible via Israel’s public health system, to

enhance the healing and recovery of Israelis

grappling with the enormity of these traumas. The

Institute will conduct research, train therapists in

new evidence-based practices, and provide patientcentered,

comprehensive, coordinated care.

“This proactive approach will not only enhance

the capacity for timely and effective trauma

intervention, but also contribute to a more informed

and resilient community as a whole,” said Hebrew

University psychology professor Jonathan Huppert,

who is involved in the project.

“Trauma manifests in many ways and can be

different for different people,” Huppert said. “Not

everyone has PTSD. Some have stress, grief, and

difficulty coping with the effects of being relocated.

Since Oct. 7 people are more stressed in general.

They may experience more negative thinking,

trouble sleeping, more physical aches and pains,

muscle tension. Things may set them off more

easily.”

Many experts in the field say it long has been clear

that Israel needs to improve its overall approach to

mental health. There has been insufficient training

of mental health professionals using evidencebased

best practices treating trauma, a lack of

integration between research and practice, and a

lack of awareness among the public at large about

the impacts of collective traumatic stress.

The events of Oct. 7 drew attention to those

problems while adding the urgent need for new

approaches to trauma specific to this historical

event.

The new institute, which will offer a rare combination

of research with clinical practice, training, and

advocacy, has raised 25% of its budget so far and

is actively seeking support for the remainder.

“We need enough money to have a stable center to

think out of the box,” Ben-Arieh said. “And we need

it urgently. We’re not even post trauma. We are not

past this. It’s still happening.”

After the shock of the initial Hamas attack,

Ben-Arieh and his colleague Ofrit Shapira Berman,

a Hebrew University professor who specializes

in treating adult survivors of complex childhood

trauma, joined an October 7 National Task Force to

care for children who were abducted.

Working with Israel’s Ministry of Social Services

and other governmental bodies, the task force

trained the security services who first greeted

the abducted children upon their release in late

November 2023 to ensure the children would not

be retraumatized in the process of their release.

They also worked with their parents.

The task force identified six groups of children at

high risk since Oct. 7: child hostages; those who

witnessed severe violence and murders; newly

orphaned children; children who lost a parent,

sibling, or other relatives; children whose friends

or peers were killed or kidnapped; and children

displaced from their homes.

“There is a deep issue of betrayal in childhood

trauma,” said Ben-Arieh. “In these cases, these

events often happened in places that their parents

said were the safest in the world. Parents could not

save their children. Or they had to choose. We have

new forms of trauma that we don’t understand. ”He

added, “We need to change the field.”

PAGE 26



Hebrew University launches

new B.A. program in English

By Zev Stub

Early in her senior year in high school in Washington,

D.C., Elie Ravitz-Basser realized that the Israel-Gaza

war would upend her college plans.

“I applied to four universities in the United States

early in the fall, but everything changed after

October 7,” she said. “At that point, I decided to

attend college only in Israel, surrounded by people

who share my Jewish values.”

Ravitz-Basser is set to start her bachelor’s degree

this fall in Jerusalem, pursuing a double major in

English and Liberal Arts at Hebrew University’s

Rothberg International School. She’ll be part of

a brand-new, three-year undergraduate degree

program, offered in English for the first time at

Hebrew University.

“This is a unique opportunity to study in Jerusalem

and immerse myself in the Israeli culture,” Ravitz-

Basser said. “I’m excited about the classes I’ll be

taking and I feel a deep connection to my greatgrandparents,

who came to Israel from Poland in

the 1920s with the vision of reestablishing their

homeland.”

Ravitz-Basser is among many recent high school

graduates who have reconsidered their college plans

in light of the anti-Israel protests that swept across

U.S. campuses this year. For her, the breaking point

came during the violent protests and encampments

that spread from coast to coast this spring, many

of which were seen as not just anti-Zionist but

antisemitic.

“That made it clear that I wouldn’t attend any college

where I couldn’t feel safe without hiding my identity,”

she said.

Hebrew University is not just a top-tier Israeli

academic institution but also consistently ranks

among the top 100 universities in the world. As it

prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next

year, the University has long offered a wide variety

of programs in English for international students,

including semester- and year-long programs for

undergraduates as well as about 40 different master’s

programs.

However, the new three-year undergraduate program

in English marks the first time overseas students can

complete an entire B.A. degree at the Jerusalem

institution.

“The Rothberg International School has been

developing this program for a few years,” said Naama

Oryan, director of Hebrew University’s International

Marketing Division. “Our original goal, which remains

unchanged, was to offer a top-tier academic program

that celebrates the diversity of Jerusalem and Israel.

Students now have the option of studying for a B.A.

in English at HUJI. We will support them and make

HUJI their home away from home while they’re here.”

Degree tracks are available in English, Business,

and Liberal Arts, and all undergraduate students are

required to pursue a double major.

“We offer it this way to encourage our students to

engage in multidisciplinary learning,” Oryan said.

About 25-30 students are expected in the first year,

primarily from North America but also from Japan,

India, France and Germany. Additionally, some new

immigrants to Israel who prefer to take classes in

English will join. Classes began in November, right

after the Jewish holiday season.

Unlike other programs, students have the option to

transfer their credits from the English program to the

university’s regular Hebrew tracks in their second

year, allowing them to better integrate Hebrew

classes as their language skills improve. Additionally,

they have the option to take Hebrew classes to

further enhance their language proficiency.

The tuition cost is one of the program’s biggest

selling points. The undergraduate program costs

$15,000 per year—a fraction of the price of most

U.S. colleges. Master’s degrees typically range from

$5,000 to $10,000 per year.

After securing scholarships for U.S. students, Ravitz-

Basser expects to pay about $7,000 for her tuition

in the program.

“Many of the U.S. colleges I applied to were around

$85,000 a year,” she said. “That’s amazing.”

These scholarships are made possible in part by

American Friends of the Hebrew University.

Hebrew University accommodates a diverse student

body of 25,000 across six campuses in Israel,

including three in Jerusalem and one in Rehovot.

Approximately 10% of its students hail from overseas,

representing over 90 countries worldwide.

Beyond academics, campus life at Hebrew University

offers robust student support services and a wide

range of extracurricular activities, from yoga classes

and Shabbat programs to parties and Jewish

learning opportunities. “Our office of student life has

significantly expanded its services in recent years,

now providing 24/7 support for nearly all student

needs to ensure they feel cared for and at home,”

Oryan said.

The University campus serves as a vibrant hub

where students encounter Israel’s diverse population,

encompassing Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze.

Despite political tensions, relationships between

Jewish and Arab students have remained peaceful

throughout the war. Approximately 20% of the

University’s student body consists of Christian

and Muslim Arabs, reflecting their proportional

representation in Israel’s population.

For more information, please visit www.

studyinjerusalem.com.

PAGE 28



Charitable Gift Annuity–a

Versatile Strategy for Personal

Investing and Philanthropy

Neal Myerberg

Principal, Myerberg Philanthropic Advisors

For decades, the charitable gift annuity (CGA) has

been a valuable vehicle for individuals who sought

high, lifetime, fixed-rate income accompanied by

tax benefits. Rates, governed by approved life

expectancy tables, enabled individuals to establish

lifetime income plans (for one or two beneficiaries)

in order to assure a predictable stream of income

throughout their retirement years. The fact that

the balance of the annuity would be paid to the

issuing charity at the end of the lifetime/s of the

beneficiary/ies, and not to a commercial annuity

company, added significant meaning to the CGA

for many.

Over the years, many individuals established multiple

CGAs in order to obtain higher fixed rates at older

ages and to build a nest egg of assured fixed income

to help pay for their costs of living. Often, CGAs

became akin to a “lifetime certificate of deposit”

with the additional benefits of income tax charitable

deductions and annual tax-free income.

The rules were quite clear. The charity would be

qualified in regulated states to issue gift annuities

and would assume the obligation to pay the

annuitants throughout their lifetimes, even if the

annuitants outlived the life expectancy tables.

In highly regulated states such as New York (where

AFHU has its principal offices), charities issuing gift

annuities are required to maintain statutory reserve

amounts in segregated trusted accounts in order

to assure that obligations for payments of annuities

are fulfilled.

Here’s how it works

Assume an individual, age 75. The fixed, lifetime

gift annuity rate from the approved tables is 7%.

Assume that the contribution amount for the gift

annuity is $20,000. Therefore, the annual annuity

amount for the individual’s lifetime would be $1,400,

usually payable quarterly. If cash is used to fund the

gift annuity, 67.4% of the annual annuity amount

would be paid to the individual tax-free for the first

12.4 years (life expectancy). If the individual outlives

life expectancy, the annuity continues to be paid

and is taxed as ordinary income. In addition, there

is an income tax charitable deduction in the amount

of $8,303 which can be used to reduce taxes (if

the individual itemizes) in the year the gift annuity

is established.

Gift annuities may be for one or two lives. The rates

for two life gift annuities are lower than the rate

for the younger person individually since joint life

expectancy is calculated actuarially to be longer

than the life expectancy for the individual life of

either party.

The rate from the gift annuity tables is based on

life/lives to the nearest birthday. Thus, if in the

example above the individual is currently age 75

but will be age 76 in less than six months, the gift

annuity rate would be based on age 76 (7.2%).

Using IRA funds to establish a gift annuity

While IRA withdrawals could always be used to fund

a gift annuity, they would first be subject to federal

(and, sometimes, state) income taxes. While the

income tax charitable deduction and the high, fixed,

lifetime annuity rate would soften the tax cost of

the IRA withdrawal, there wasn’t much appetite for

this strategy.

For years there was debate in the U.S. Congress

about some tax-advantaged use of IRA withdrawals

for gift annuities since they are charitable in

character and benefit the charity when the

annuitant dies. Nothing resulted until the passage

of the Legacy-IRA Act as part of Secure Act 2.0,

effective on and after January 1, 2023.

Beginning on that date, an IRA owner could

establish a gift annuity using IRA funds (most often

funds that would be part of a Required Minimum

Distribution - RMD) to fund a one-life gift annuity

(or for two lives if the other is the spouse of the

IRA owner) without obligation to pay income tax

on the IRA withdrawal. This vehicle, often called a

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) CGA, has

specific rules since tax-free IRA funds are used to

establish it.

For 2024, the amounts that can be withdrawn

tax-free from an IRA for a QCD CGA cannot

exceed $53,000 and must be applied up to that

limitation in the calendar year. There is no carryover

permitted for unapplied IRA funds to a subsequent

year. If spouses both have IRAs, they can withdraw

up to $106,000 (2 X $53,000) to either establish

individual gift annuities or a joint and survivor gift

annuity.

In exchange for the tax-free withdrawal from the

IRA (thus, a tax-free withdrawal of all or a portion

of the RMD), there is no income tax charitable

deduction (which does not impact those who do not

itemize deductions), and the annual annuity amount

is taxed as ordinary income.

Many individuals made use of this opportunity in

2023 when the maximum amount was $50,000.

Adjusted based on inflation to $53,000, those who

waited until 2024 can take advantage of the higher

allowable amount. It is important to note that under

the current law, the use of one or more QCD CGAs

must occur in one calendar year.

It is evident that more individuals are taking advantage

of the QCD CGA in 2024 now that there has been a

positive experience in 2023 with this vehicle.

How to proceed

Feel free to ask AFHU to provide you with a

confidential calculation of a traditional or QCD gift

annuity. That information can also be shared, if you

wish, by AFHU with your professional advisors.

AFHU will be pleased to provide information to you

without obligation on your part.

Please contact us at plannedgiving@afhu.org

or 212.607.8524.

PAGE 30 AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY

AFHU NEWS VOL. 33 26 PAGE 31

NEWS & UPDATES

PAGE 32



Hebrew University Climbs in

Prestigious Shanghai Ranking,

Demonstrating Continued Academic

Excellence Among Top 100 Universities

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has climbed

five places in the prestigious 2024 Academic

Ranking of World Universities and now ranks

81st among the top 100 universities worldwide. In

addition, the University now ranks 14th globally in

both Mathematics and Communication and 42nd in

Law among the world’s top universities.

The Shanghai Ranking, published annually by the

ShanghaiRanking Consultancy, is considered one of

the most trustworthy academic rankings globally.

The rankings evaluate the quality of research at

academic institutions based on various indicators,

including the number of faculty members and alumni

who have won Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, as

well as the quantity and quality of publications in

leading journals. The ranking includes approximately

2,500 universities. Among the top 100 institutions,

38 are in the United States, and three are in Israel,

including the Technion and the Weizmann Institute.

“The Hebrew University’s rise to 81st place in the

world’s most prestigious academic ranking is a

testament to the groundbreaking research and

commitment to excellence that we uphold as a way

of life,” said Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the

Hebrew University. “We take pride in and extend our

gratitude to the University’s researchers, academic

staff, and administrative team, who continue to

promote excellent research daily. We will continue

to be the most important civilian institution for the

city of Jerusalem, the State of Israel, and a source

of international pride. In addition, the presence of

three Israeli universities in the list of the top 100

universities globally is an exceptional achievement

in such a challenging and complex year.”

“For nearly 100 years, the Hebrew University has

remained committed to excellence in research and

teaching,” says Hebrew University Rector Prof. Tamir

Sheafer. “Thanks to our outstanding researchers, we

are at the forefront of the global scientific stage,

making a decisive impact on humanity’s progress

towards a better future. We recently concluded

the academic year amidst the longest war since

the establishment of the State of Israel. Through

the united efforts and unwavering dedication of our

academic staff, we provided academic, financial, and

social support to all the Hebrew University students

serving in the reserves, ensuring that each and

every one of them could complete the year without

being left behind.”

Awards & Prizes

Leo Foundation Awards Significant Grant

to Advance Wound Healing in Aging Skin

The Leo Foundation awarded a $600,000 grant to

Prof. Yossi Buganim’s lab at the Hebrew University

of Jerusalem to support groundbreaking research

on fibroblast dysfunction in aging skin. This

project aims to develop innovative technology

to rejuvenate aged fibroblasts to improve wound

healing.

Prof. Yossi Buganim

Fibroblasts are essential in skin wound healing,

playing roles in fibrin clot breakdown, extracellular

matrix synthesis, collagen formation, and wound

contraction. Their multifaceted contributions are

critical to skin repair after injuries, which initiate

a series of synchronized healing mechanisms.

Aging impairs fibroblast functionality, leading to

prolonged and ineffective wound healing, making

chronic wounds and scarring more likely.

In elderly individuals, delayed wound healing

is partly due to reduced cell division in aged

fibroblasts and decreased production and

attraction of fat cells to the wound area. This

results in thinner skin and greater vulnerability

to injuries. Additionally, aging cells exhibit slower

regeneration, compromised bacterial defense

mechanisms, and increased inflammation, further

hindering the healing process.

“We are deeply honored and grateful to receive

this grant from the Leo Foundation,” said Prof.

Buganim. “This funding will significantly advance

our research on the mechanisms behind fibroblast

dysfunction in aging skin and help us develop

cutting-edge rejuvenation technologies to improve

wound healing in the elderly.”

Addressing these age-related impairments is

crucial for advancing wound care strategies. Prof.

Buganim’s project aims to elucidate the molecular

mechanisms behind fibroblast dysfunction in

aging and leverage novel partial reprogramming

technology to rejuvenate aged fibroblasts,

enhancing wound healing outcomes. The research

seeks to develop innovative interventions to

alleviate the burden of chronic wounds and

scarring in the aging population, ultimately

improving quality of life and healthcare outcomes.

PAGE 34



Hebrew University Scholars Awarded Prestigious

Institute for Advanced Study Fellowships

Hebrew University Prof. Haitham Amal Receives

Large Grant for Autism Research from the

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is proud

to announce that two of its esteemed faculty

members, Dr. Orit Raz and Prof. Ari Shnidman

from the Einstein Institute of Mathematics, have

been selected as Members of the Institute for

Advanced Study (IAS) for the 2024 academic

year.

This highly competitive fellowship is a testament

to the exceptional research and academic

contributions of both scholars. The Institute

for Advanced Study, located in Princeton, New

Jersey, is renowned for fostering transformative

research and intellectual inquiry across various

disciplines.

Prof. Ari Shnidman and Dr. Orit Raz

Prof. Haitham Amal, from the Hebrew University

of Jerusalem, is one of the world-class

researchers who has received part of a sizeable

$17M consortium grant for pioneering autism

spectrum disorder (ASD) research from the

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

(CIRM).

Prof. Amal’s laboratory is the only research facility

outside the United States selected to participate

in this vital project dedicated to unraveling the

molecular mechanisms driving ASD. The grant will

focus on researching the possible link between

air pollution and other environmental factors that

may lead to ASD as well as fund Prof. Amal’s

ongoing work in the discovery of ASD biomarkers

and potential treatments.

A world-renowned expert in nitric oxide and brain

disorders, Prof. Amal’s interdisciplinary approach

has resulted in groundbreaking ASD discoveries.

His team was the first to identify a direct link

between nitric oxide levels in the brain and ASD,

a finding with profound implications for ASD

treatment.

ASD currently affects one in 30 births in the

U.S. and one in 50 in Israel. This research offers

greater opportunities to develop more effective

diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options.

Dr. Orit Raz and Prof. Ari Shnidman will join a

select group of scholars from around the world

at the IAS. During their fellowship, they will have

the opportunity to pursue their groundbreaking

research in a collaborative and intellectually

stimulating environment.

Dr. Orit Raz specializes in discrete geometry and

combinatorics, focusing on nonlinear projections

and the discretized polynomial partition

theorem. Her research advances mathematical

understanding in areas with applications in

computer science, data analysis, and related

disciplines.

Prof. Ari Shnidman specializes in number theory

and arithmetic geometry, with a focus on

automorphic forms, the arithmetic of curves,

and Jacobians. His work aims to deepen our

understanding of these complex mathematical

concepts and has been recognized in advancing

both theoretical mathematics and its practical

applications.

Prof. Asher Cohen, President of Hebrew

University, stated, “We are immensely proud of

Dr. Raz and Prof. Shnidman for receiving this

prestigious recognition. Their selection as IAS

Members not only highlights their individual

accomplishments but also underscores the

world-class research being conducted at Hebrew

University.”

The IAS has a distinguished history, having hosted

numerous Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, and

other eminent scholars, including Albert Einstein

and J. Robert Oppenheimer. The inclusion of Dr.

Raz and Prof. Shnidman in this esteemed group

further solidifies Hebrew University’s position as

a leading institution in global academia.

Prof. Haitham Amal

PAGE 36



Hebrew University Celebrates ERC Proof-of-

Concept and Starting Grant Award Recipients

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem proudly

congratulates three of its esteemed researchers

for receiving prestigious European Research

Council (ERC) Proof of Concept (POC) Grants.

These grants, each valued at €150,000 (about

$163,000 USD), are designed to bridge the

gap between groundbreaking research and its

practical application, including early phases of

commercialization.

Proof of Concept Grant recipients:

Professor Nir Friedman from

The Rachel and Selim Benin

School of Computer Science

and Engineering for his project,

“Differential diagnosis of

autoimmune hepatitis by cfChIPseq

Liquid Biopsy.” Professor

Friedman’s groundbreaking work combines

computer science and biology. Specializing in

computational biology and machine learning, he has

made significant contributions to understanding

gene regulation and developing innovative

diagnostic techniques.

Professor Eithan Galun from

the Faculty of Medicine for his

research on “Acute pancreatitis

therapy by FGF21 expression.”

Professor Galun’s work focuses

on advancing research and clinical

applications in gene therapy. He

also plays a significant role in mentoring the next

generation of medical researchers, having served

until recently as a coordinator and mentor for the

Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School M.D.-

Ph.D. program.

Professor Ayelet Landau from

the Department of Psychology

and the Department of

Cognitive and Brain Sciences

for her innovative development

of an interpersonal synchrony

intervention in autism. Her

work investigates how neural

oscillations and behavioral rhythms influence

perception and attention across various sensory

modalities, contributing significantly to our

understanding of cognitive neuroscience.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to

Professors Friedman, Galun, and Landau for

their outstanding achievements and look forward

to the potential impact of their work on society

and scientific progress,” said Professor Asher

Cohen, President of the Hebrew University

of Jerusalem. “Hebrew University continues

to demonstrate its commitment to cuttingedge

research and innovation. These Proof-of-

Concept Grants will enable our researchers to

further develop their groundbreaking ideas and

potentially bring them to market, contributing to

advancements in autoimmune disease diagnosis,

pancreatitis treatment, and autism intervention.”

Professor Maria Leptin, President of the European

Research Council, emphasized the importance of

these grants in driving innovation and business

inventiveness stemming from frontier research.

Starting Grant recipients:

ERC Starting Grants, each valued at approximately

1.5 million euros (approximately 1,665,000 USD),

are awarded to young researchers at the early

stages of their careers, specifically those with 2

to 7 years of research experience after completing

their Ph.D. degrees.

“At Hebrew University, we are immensely proud

of the outstanding achievements of these five

exceptional researchers. Their work embodies the

spirit of innovation and rigorous inquiry that defines

our academic community. The prestigious ERC

Starting Grants they have received are a testament

to their dedication and the groundbreaking nature

of their research. We look forward to witnessing

the profound impact their studies will have on

their respective fields and beyond,” said Prof.

Tamir Sheafer, Rector of Hebrew University. The

recipients are:

Dr. Karma Ben Johanan, from

the Department of Comparative

Religion, for her research titled

“Christosemitism: Christian Antiantisemitism

in Europe, 1945-

2020.” This study explores the

Christian rejection of antisemitism in post-World

War II Europe, as it is expressed in theological,

institutional, and liturgical changes.

Dr. Moran Frankel Pinter, from

the Institute of Chemistry, for her

research on the chemical origins of

life, which seeks to bridge the gap

between contemporary biochemistry

and the chemical principles that

led to life on Earth. Her ERC project focuses on

characterizing how simple sugars, which were

present on ancient Earth, combined to form

functional catalytic polymers capable of selfassembly.

Dr. Ilan Komargodski, from The

Rachel and Selim Benin School

of Engineering and Computer

Science, for his research on

fast and secure communication

protocols. His work centers on the

fundamentals of cryptography, with a focus on

developing distributed communication protocols

that ensure safety and privacy, protecting users

from information leakage.

Dr. Noam Lifshitz, from the Einstein

Institute of Mathematics, for his

research that analyzes Boolean

functions. Although Boolean

functions are combinatorial objects,

their study in this field utilizes tools

from Fourier analysis, with “hypercontractivity”

being one of the main techniques. His proposal

aims to apply this tool in the context of group

theory and representation theory, which focus on

the study of symmetries.

Dr. Gideon Mamou, from the Faculty

of Medicine, for his research on the

structure of the bacterial envelope

and its role in protecting against

antibiotics. His work focuses on the

multi-layered envelope that shields

the bacterial cell, enabling it to withstand antibiotic

treatments.

PAGE 38



American Friends of the Hebrew University Named

One of the Best Places to Work by Crain’s New

York Business

Armenia’s President Bestows Prestigious Medal of

Gratitude to Hebrew University’s Armenian Studies

Prof. Emeritus Prof. Michael Stone

American Friends of the Hebrew University has been

named to the 2024 List of Best Places to Work by

Crain’s New York Business.

The annual award identifies, recognizes, and honors

the best companies to work for in NYC. In partnership

with Workforce Research Group, Crain’s surveyed

nearly 20,000 employees and their employers on

culture, leadership approach, opportunities for

professional growth, traditional benefits, and distinctive

work perks. Winners were determined by the results of

the Workforce Research Group’s surveys.

“We are pleased to be recognized among the

thousands of New York City area businesses for our

people-first initiatives,” says Joshua Rednik, Chief

Executive Officer of AFHU. “As we’ve transitioned over

the past several years to a hybrid workforce, we’ve

developed new forms of communication and ways

to engage our staff, which has yielded clear results

in attracting and keeping employees who share our

values.”

Determining the Best Places to Work in NYC involved

a two-step process. The first was an evaluation of

each company’s workplace policies, practices, and

demographics. The second involved conducting

employee surveys to assess their experiences and

attitudes—80% of the total evaluation. Workforce

Research Group managed the survey process and

analyzed the data, using its expertise to determine

the final ranking.

To read the article in Crain’s New York Business

please click here.

The President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan,

has bestowed the prestigious Medal of Gratitude to

Hebrew University of Jerusalem Chair of Armenian

Studies Emeritus Professor Michael Edward Stone.

The esteemed award recognizes his significant

contributions to Armenian studies and his dedication to

preserving Armenian culture and heritage. The Medal

of Gratitude is one of Armenia’s highest state honors,

awarded for exemplary achievements in state, economic,

social, scientific-technical, and public activities. It is also

bestowed upon individuals who have made major personal

contributions and demonstrated many years of devotion to

promoting the spheres of health, education, and culture.

“It is extremely gratifying to have this amazing

recognition of my contribution to the knowledge and

understanding of the brilliant cultural and spiritual

heritage of the Armenian people,” says Prof. Stone.

“It has been an enormous privilege to be exposed to

the rich and beautiful art and literature, music and

architecture of a small but so highly creative people,

with whom we Jews have so much in common. I have

had much joy from my ongoing engagement with the

Armenians and Armenia, which Hebrew University has

encouraged since its beginnings.”

A member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and

Humanities, Prof. Stone has authored and edited over

78 books, including numerous translations of Armenian

sources. His extensive research also delves into

Armenian-Jewish relations and the historical presence of

Armenians in the Land of Israel, solidifying his reputation

as a preeminent scholar in Armenian studies. As a

co-founder and honorary president of the International

Association for Armenian Studies (AIEA), Prof. Stone has

left an indelible mark on the academic community and

continues to inspire future generations of scholars.

The award ceremony took place at the President’s

residence, where President Khachaturyan presented

the medals to several distinguished scholars in the

field of Armenology, including Prof. Valentina Calzolari

Bouvier of the University of Geneva and Prof. Cristina

Marantzi of Harvard University, alongside Prof. Stone.

In his address, President Khachaturyan expressed

profound gratitude to the awardees for their invaluable

contributions to Armenian studies, particularly during

a time when the preservation of Armenian historical

cultural heritage is of paramount importance. President

Khachaturyan further emphasized the critical role that

scholars like Prof. Stone play in representing Armenian

history and culture on an international stage, ensuring

that the world understands and appreciates Armenia’s

rich heritage.

The Hebrew University continues to offer Armenian

and Armenian cultural studies through its Department

of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. This program

provides students with the opportunity to explore the

rich history, culture, and language of Armenia, fostering

a deeper understanding of the Armenian experience in

both historical and contemporary contexts.

PAGE 40



Research Updates & News from HU

Psychedelic Psilocybin Shows Promise

as New OCD and Tourette’s Syndrome

Treatment

Honeybee Colonies Also Need a Happy

and Healthy New Year

Bees need healthy diets in order to produce

healthy offspring. According to a recent study, a

balanced diet is essential for honeybees’ optimal

health and task performance, a critical species

for pollination, ecosystem stability, and honey for

a sweet new year.

Research Unveils New Insights Into

Alzheimer’s and Alternative Brain Aging

A collaborative study led by researchers at HU has

revealed crucial insights into the cellular events

leading to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s

disease (AD), as well as cellular dynamics that

contribute to brain aging.

of terrorism and war on this population. The study,

which focused on the psychological aftermath of

Hamas’ attack on Israel, underscores the urgent

need for tailored support services for autistic

children and their families during times of conflict.

New AI Model Could Aid Personalized

Treatment for Rare and Orphan Diseases

Psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, shows

promise as a potential treatment for obsessivecompulsive

disorder (OCD) and Tourette’s

Syndrome, according to a new study by Hebrew

University researchers.

How Gender, Loss Circumstances,

and Birth Order Shape Sibling Mourning

After October 7th

Uncovering the Secret Communication of

Monkeys: They Have Names!

Fighting Antibiotic Resistance with

Peptide Cocktails

In a development to fighting antibiotic resistance,

an HU study found that antimicrobial peptide

mixtures offer a lower risk of resistance compared

to single antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are

multi-functional peptides that eliminate pathogenic

microorganisms, including gram-positive and gramnegative

bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

A new artificial intelligence model that could

significantly enhance disease classification

and treatment strategies, especially for rare

and orphan diseases, has been developed by

researchers at the Hebrew University.

Squeaks the Cat Makes Full Recovery—

Breakthrough in the Treatment of

Antibiotic-resistant Infections in Animals

Hebrew University M.A. student Masada Buchris

conducted research that explored the grief

experienced by adults who lost a sibling during

the traumatic events of October 7, 2023. The

study examined how gender, birth order, and the

circumstances of the loss influence distress levels,

coping mechanisms, and overall emotional well-being.

In a groundbreaking discovery by a team of

researchers from HU, they found that marmoset

monkeys use specific vocal calls, called “phee-calls,” to

identify and communicate with each other. Naming of

others is a highly advanced cognitive ability observed

in social animals and, until recently, was known to only

exist in humans, dolphins, and elephants.

Both Male and Female Healthcare

Providers Demonstrate Pain Treatment

Bias in Women Patients

An analysis of electronic medical records in

the U.S. and Israel further details medical bias

against female patients, by both male and female

physicians, in pain management decisions. The

research found that female patients across every

age group were consistently less likely to receive

pain medication prescriptions compared to male

patients with similar complaints.

First-Ever Study of the Psychological

Impact of War on Autistic Children

In the first-ever study of autistic children and their

parents in the context of war, the researchers

found alarming preliminary findings on the impact

A study showed an advance in the treatment

of antibiotic-resistant infections in animals. This

research, focusing on a cat named Squeaks who was

infected with a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas

aeruginosa infection post-arthrodesis surgery,

marks the first published documented application of

personalized phage therapy in veterinary medicine.

PAGE 42 AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY

AFHU NEWS VOL. 33 28 PAGE 43

EVENT RECAPS

PAGE 44



The 87th Hebrew University

Board of Governors Meeting

The 87th Hebrew University of Jerusalem Board

of Governors (BOG) meetings—a long weekend

filled with informative meetings, compelling

lectures, inspiring ceremonies, and entertaining

events—took place in Israel from June 1-4, 2024.

The BOG is a time for the University to conduct

important business and serves as a meeting place

where board members, dedicated partners, and

philanthropic supporters from around the world

gather to reconnect with old friends and meet new

ones.

more than five million books are housed. On Sunday,

attendees spent a full day in southern Israel, where

attendees met with members of various kibbutzim

communities—including HU students who live or

serve in the South—and heard firsthand how the

war has impacted the region and its residents.

Alongside an Executive Committee Meeting and

events to honor and celebrate the recipients

of the Bublick Prize (a prize given to those who

have had a significant impact on the advancement

and development of the State of Israel), Monday

featured a celebration honoring HU Benefactors

and ceremonies conferring Honorary Fellowships

and Honorary Doctorates. The day closed with

convocation at the Rothberg Amphitheatre, followed

by special events held by various international

friends’ organizations.

That evening, the 87th BOG closed with the

gathering, “Together We Can,” at the Wise

Auditorium on HU’s Edmond J. Safra Campus.

The sense of solidarity and community at this

year’s BOG was meaningful for all in attendance,

and those who made the trip left with renewed

energy and appreciation for the role played by the

University in the broad context of Israeli society.

Planning is underway for the 2025 BOG, which

marks the centennial anniversaries for both HU

and AFHU. We hope you will consider joining us in

Jerusalem from June 13-19, 2025.

The 87th BOG convocation ceremony

HU President Prof. Asher Cohen

presenting an Honorary Fellowship

to philanthropist and patent attorney

Michael Cypers



to renowned intellectual property

and technology professor Martin J.

Adelman

HU Rector Tamir Sheafer & HU President Prof. Asher Cohen presenting

philanthropist and investor John Paulson with an Honorary Doctorate

Board of Governor’s Chair Daniel I. Schlessinger at the BOG’s closing event,

“Together We Can”

After the events of October 7th and in light of the

ongoing war against Hamas, this year’s theme, We

Are One, was befitting. The 2024 BOG focused

on Hebrew University’s (HU) commitment to its

students, faculty, the wider community, and Israel.

On June 1, the opening reception was held at the

newly-opened National Library of Israel (formerly

the Jewish National and University Library), where

On June 4th, HU honored the generosity of its

many friends through Wall of Life, Legacy Tree,

and Wall of Founders dedications. After a morning

of magnificent and moving ceremonies on the

Mt. Scopus campus, BOG attendees witnessed

the presentation of this year’s highly competitive

Asper Prize startup award to GynTools and

Hydro X. GynTools, a Jerusalem-based startup,

provides Gyni—the first AI-based, accurate, rapid

point of care diagnostic system for commonly

misdiagnosed gynecological ailments. Hydro X is

reinventing hydrogen storage and transportation

with a disruptive technology that enables the

storage and transport of hydrogen in a non-toxic,

non-flammable, non-explosive, and energy-efficient

carrier, driving down the cost of hydrogen storage

and transportation and unlocking the hydrogen

economy.

During the 87th BOG, attendees traveled to Southern Israel to pay their

respects to victims of the October 7th massacre


presenting HU alumna & law

professor Maya Steinitz with a Wall

of Life certificate commemorating

her contributions to HU

2024 Asper Prize



to Boca Raton philanthropist Arthur

Gutterman

PAGE 46



Over $2.5 million raised at AFHU

Bel Air Affaire to fund scholarships

for Hebrew University students

impacted by Oct. 7th attacks

Producer David Foster, and a star-packed tribute honor

Drs. Melina and Eric Esrailian for generous support

of the Hebrew University Armenian Studies Program

The 15th Annual Bel Air Affaire, held at the iconic

Papillon Estate in Beverly Hills on September 14,

2024, raised over $2.5 million for scholarships to

assist Hebrew University of Jerusalem students

impacted by the Oct. 7th Hamas attacks.

gala participants as the surprise evening musical

entertainment. Among those who provided tributes

were Cher, Barbra Streisand, and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

Student Ambassador Shona Goldwirth, a third-year

medical student at Hebrew University who was born

in Los Angeles, addressed attendees at the event.

Following October 7th, Shona organized medical

students to cover hospital shifts for physicians

recruited for military service. This initiative placed

over 4,000 student volunteers in hospitals throughout

Israel, with more than 200 in Jerusalem alone.

“The Esrailians were ideal honorees given their

longstanding commitment to elevating human

dignity and to strengthening educational institutions

that are finding solutions for so many of the world’s

challenges,” says Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, MD,

President, AFHU Western Region.

Dr. Natterson-Horowitz also expressed gratitude to

Co-Chairs Joyce Brandman, Renae Jacobs-Anson,

and David Anson, as well as Helen Jacobs-Lepor

and Norman Lepor, “whose devotion and tireless

effort contributed to our spectacular event in

support of the University’s ‘We Are One’ campaign

to help students in need.

She adds, “Our Honorary Chairs, Irving Azoff,

Stephen J. Cloobeck, Patricia L. Glaser and Sam

Mudie, as well as May and Richard Ziman, deserve

my endless appreciation for their help in making

this year’s Bel Air Affaire a resounding success.

In addition, I am grateful to our dedicated Dinner

Chairs, including Martha and Barry Berkett, Roberta

and Stanley Bogen, Hella and Chuck Hershson,

William H. Isacoff, Corie and Michael Koss, Allison

and Tom Levyn, Anthony Pritzker, Kathleen and

Chip Rosenbloom, as well as Charlene Andersson

and Harry Zimmerman.”

The 220 guests dined on sumptuous cuisine

prepared by a four-star list of Los Angeles area

celebrity chefs, including Areg Avanessian, Chef De

Cuisine at Spago; Armen Ayvazyan, Chef de Cuisine

at Chi Spacca; Della Gossett, Spago Executive

Pastry Chef; Rene Mata, Chef de Cuisine at Chinois

on Main; and Nancy Silverton, Chef and owner of

Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, Mozza2go and Chi

Spacca.

(L-R) Drs. Eric and Melina Esrailian, singer and actress Katharine McPhee,

16x Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster, and AFHU Western

Region Vice Chair Patricia L. Glaser. Credit - Robert Lurie Photography

Hebrew University President Prof. Asher Cohen gave

welcome remarks to the guests and congratulated

the Esrailians for their generosity at the AFHUhosted

program.

This year’s honorees, Drs. Melina and Eric Esrailian,

received the AFHU Humanitarian Torch of Learning

Award at the prestigious event, hosted by the

Western Region of American Friends of the Hebrew

University (AFHU), for their community philanthropy

and longstanding support of the Hebrew University

Armenian Studies Program.

The Armenian dance troupe that provided the evening’s entertainment at the Bel Air Affaire. Credit - Robert Lurie Photography

Keyboardist David Foster, 16x Grammy Awardwinning

writer and producer and his wife, singer

and actress Katharine McPhee Foster, feted

(L-R) Joshua Rednik, AFHU Chief Executive Officer; Drs. Eric and Melina

Esrailian, Bel Air Affaire Honorees; and Hebrew University President Prof.

Asher Cohen. Credit - Robert Lurie Photography

PAGE 48



Einstein Visionaries Society

Luncheon 2024

AFHU’s Northeast Region hosted its annual Einstein

Visionaries Society Luncheon on September 17,

2024, at The Harmonie Club in midtown Manhattan.

This celebratory luncheon recognizes generous

donors who, like Hebrew University’s founder Albert

Einstein, have made a legacy gift to support the

Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This year, Linda

Bronson Metzger was recognized for her recent

bequest to establish the Irwin Metzger and Linda

Bronson Endowment Fund at Hebrew University

to fund research, scholarships, and fellowships

for undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students

studying medicine and climate change.

Guest speakers included Hebrew University Student

Ambassador Shona Goldwirth, who discussed

her experience as a Hebrew University medical

student post-October 7th and the positive impact

of scholarships on her life. AFHU planned giving

consultant Neal Myerberg covered strategies for

estate planning 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

Paul Baerwald School of Social Work at the Hebrew

University. Fran’s remarks reflected her deep

connection to the University, and paid tribute to

the Hebrew University’s longevity and commitment

to academic excellence as it approaches its 100th

anniversary. Closing the program was Maura Milles,

Executive Director of the Northeast Region. A big

thank you also went out to our luncheon sponsor,

PNC Bank, who continues 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 contact

Wilhelmina Waldman in the Northeast Region at

212.607.8517 or WWaldman@afhu.org.

(L-R) HU Alum Rabbi Elliot Schoenberg, Northeast Region Board Member

Fran Katz, and HU Student Ambassador Shona Goldwirth

Suzanne Stone and Linda Bronson Metzger

Saul Unter and HU Student

Ambassador Shona Goldwirth

Tracy Kaplowitz and her parents,

Wendy and Hank Kaplowitz

Hebrew University and Rothberg International

School Alumni from the Mid-Atlantic Region

Mark 100 Years of the Hebrew University

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, alumni from

Hebrew University (HU) and the Rothberg

International School (RIS) in the Mid-Atlantic

Region gathered to kick off HU and AFHU’s joint

centennial year. The event, titled Marking 100 Years:

An Alumni Centennial Celebration, was held at the

Capital Jewish Museum and featured Sara Polon,

a Rothberg International School alumna. Sara is a

2024 honoree of Washington Business Journal’s

“Women Who Mean Business” and the Co-Founder

and CEO of Soupergirl, a 100% fresh, plant-based,

kosher soup company with distribution across the

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

In conversation with Marci Robinson, a member of

AFHU’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Board and a public

relations leader, Sara reflected on her time as a

student at the Hebrew University. She discussed

how her experience shaped her personally and

professionally, as well as the challenges and

opportunities in sustainable agriculture, particularly

those being addressed by Hebrew University’s

FOOJI Center for Sustainable Food Systems.

The event was generously sponsored by Andrea and

Marty Kalin (both RIS ’81) and marked the launch of

the Mid-Atlantic Alumni Centennial Campaign in

the Mid-Atlantic Region. This campaign aims to raise

$100,000 from alumni throughout the centennial

year in 2025. Each “class decade” is represented by

dedicated HU and RIS alumni, including Toba Penny

and Tovah Reis (1960s), Ed Abrahams (1970s), Josh

Schonfeld (1980s), Amy and Eric Forseter (1990s),

and Anna Ravvin and Deb Saxon (2000s).

Anna Ravvin (HU ’04), a Mid-Atlantic Regional Board

member, shared, “Our hope is to facilitate gatherings

of classes by decade—from the 1960s through the

2000s—throughout the year, encourage alumni to

join us in Israel for a very special meeting of the

International Board of Governors from June 13–19,

and inspire alumni to give back to the Hebrew

University in its centennial year.”

To contribute to the Mid-Atlantic Alumni

Centennial Campaign, please click here. To

learn more about Hebrew University’s & AFHU’s

centennial programming, please click here.

AFHU alumni centennial class representatives – Amy Jablin Forseter (RIS

’96), Tovah Reis (HU ’66), Toba Penny (RIS ’66), Ed Abrahams (HU ’73),

Anna Ravvin (HU ’04), Sara Polon (RIS ’98), Deb Saxon (RIS ’00) and Marci

Robinson, AFHU MA Regional Board Member

AFHU National and MA Regional

Board member Sheryl Schwartz,

Sarah Kilberg Houlston, and Brad

Schwartz

AFHU MA Regional Board Members

Howard Hogan and Anna Ravvin

(HU’04)

PAGE 50



Harnessing Big Data to Combat

Disease and Promote Wellness

AFHU’s Mid-Atlantic Region Hosts

HU Rector Tamir Sheafer

On November 7, 2024, at the Wayfarer Theater in

downtown Highland Park, 40 people gathered to

learn about how the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

will leverage its students and scientists, strong

partnerships with world-class hospitals and medical

centers, and unparalleled access to large patient

databases, to drive innovation in promoting wellness

and combatting disease. Alongside HU’s Professor

Eli Pikarsky, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, this

event featured a panel of local medical experts in

cardiology, metabolic diseases, cancer, immunology,

and rehabilitation medicine. The physicians shared

their expertise on the future impact of data science

on clinical care, medical decision-making, and how we

prepare the next generation of physicians. Highlights

included a conversation on medical education, as it

is crucial to consider how we can best equip future

physicians for the coming changes. Panelists included:

• Dr. Benjamin Friedman, Medical Director of the

Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder

Program at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and

Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and

Rehabilitation at the Feinberg School of Medicine

at Northwestern University.

• Dr. Marlon Kleinman, Medical Oncologist and

Hematologist and City of Hope Cancer Care North

Shore.

• Dr. Anthony Pick, Endocrinologist and Clinical

Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Feinberg

School of Medicine at Northwestern University.

• Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg, Interventional Cardiologist

with Endeavor Health.

• Dr. Eric Ruderman, Associate Chief of Clinical

Affairs and Professor of Rheumatology at the

Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern

University.

Board of Governors Chair Daniel I. Schlessinger welcomes attendees.

(L-R) Dr. Jonanthan Rosenberg, Dr. Marlon Kleinman, Dr. Benjamin Friedman,

Dr. Anthony Pick, and Dr. Eric Ruderman

Bobby Gerber, Vice President of

the AFHU Midwest Region Board

& a Member of the National Board

of Directors, introduces HU’s Prof.

Eli Pikarsky, Dean of the Faculty of

Medicine, with a forward-looking

focus on how data science will shape

the future of medicine. (L-R) Dr.

Jonanthan Rosenberg, Dr. Marlon

Kleinman, and Dr. Anthony Pick, with

Bobby Gerber in the foreground.

(L-R) HU Prof. Eli Pikarsky, Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg, Midwest Vice President

Bobby Gerber, Dr. Marlon Kleinman, Dr. Anthony Pick, Midwest President

& National AFHU Secretary Steven Edelson, Dr. Eric Ruderman, and Dr.

Benjamin Friedman.

AFHU’s Mid-Atlantic Region hosted Rector Tamir Sheafer for events at two preeminent congregations

in the Washington, DC region. On October 21, 2024 Rector Sheafer spoke at Congregation B’nai Israel in

Montgomery County, a luncheon in the sukkah generously hosted by Sheryl and Brad Schwartz.

A dessert reception planned by Anna and Mike Ravvin (both HU ‘04) was held at Adas Israel Congregation

in Washington, DC the following evening. The conversation focused on the state of the University one

year into the Israel-Hamas War. It highlighted the impact on its 28,000+ member campus, the over 35%

of students who have been deployed to the South and the North, and campus life. Rector Sheafer gave

important insight into the impact of academic boycotts and intellectual isolation at the University, and the

measures that he and University leadership have taken to proactively address and protect their relationships

in the international community.

(L-R) Rabbi Mickey Safra, Bill Kilberg, Sheryl Schwartz, Rector Tamir Sheafer, Brad Schwartz, & Rabbi Michael Berkowitz

(L-R) Jeffrey Berger, Marty Kalin (RIS ’81), Rector Tamir Sheafer, Mike & Anna Ravvin (HU ’04), & Gabby Sherb

PAGE 52



A Conversation

about October 7th

and its Aftermath:

Legal Challenges and Responses

with Professor Tomer Broude,

Dean of the Hebrew University

Faculty of Law

(L-R) Galia Messika Greenberg (HU’99), Professor Tomer Broude,

Bill Kilberg, and Howard Hogan

On May 7, 2024 Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher’s (GD&C)

Washington, DC office was the site of a luncheon

for Professor Tomer Broude, Dean of the Faculty of

Law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU).

Hosted by Bill Kilberg, retired GD&C partner and

current President of AFHU’s Mid-Atlantic Region, and

Howard Hogan, partner at Gibson Dunn and member

of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Board of Directors, over

20 current and new friends of the Hebrew University,

attended to learn more about the Faculty of Law

and HU in the aftermath of October 7. Professor

Broude gave a thorough overview of the history of

the Hebrew University and the Faculty of Law, which

is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. He also

provided important insight into the role of the Faculty

of Law during the Israel-Hamas War, the challenges in

the international arena, and how the law students and

faculty are representing Israel and its citizens.

“Next Gen”

Reception Held in

Mid-Atlantic Region

On May 16, 2024 Anna and Mike Ravvin (both HU’04)

hosted the inaugural reception for “next generation”

individuals in their 30s-50s who support and are

interested in the Hebrew University and AFHU. It

was a meaningful evening connecting new friends

and old to their time at the Hebrew University.

Almost all of the attendees had either studied at

HU’s Rothberg International School or were Hebrew

University alumni, and many had met their spouses

and best friends during their time at the University.

Josh Rednik, CEO of AFHU, provided an overview of

the University, the We Are One fundraising campaign,

the new Rothberg 3-Year BA program, and a call

to action, encouraging guests to engage in AFHU

gatherings, host faculty and student ambassadors

at their homes, open doors to their networks, apply

for LEAD, and join AFHU in Jerusalem to mark the

University’s centennial in 2025. The Mid-Atlantic

Region looks forward to future engagements bringing

together the next generation of leaders for AFHU.

(L-R) Hosts Mike and Anna Ravvin, Miriam Selman (Mid-Atlantic Regional

Board Member), Josh Rednik (AFHU CEO), Howard Hogan (Mid-Atlantic

Regional Board Member), & Jesse Phillips (AFHU LEAD Cohort II Member)

October 7th And

Its Aftermath:

Legal Challenges and Responses

with Prof. Maya Steinitz

On May 5, 2024, Professor Tomer Broude, Dean of the

Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) Faculty of Law,

spoke in conversation with Prof. Maya Steinitz of the

Boston University School of Law on October 7th and

Its Aftermath: Legal Challenges and Responses. Prof.

Steinitz, who received her LLA and LLM degrees from

Hebrew University and has been a visiting professor at

HU’s Faculty of Law, regularly serves as an arbitrator,

expert, and counsel in international and domestic

arbitrations. She graciously hosted the luncheon and

program for 20 guests in her home.

Professor Broude, who has also served as the Academic

Director at HU’s Minerva Center for Human Rights, is

an expert in public international law and international

economic law, human rights, dispute settlement, and

development and cultural diversity.

Hebrew University’s Prof. Tomer Broude in conversation with Boston University’s

Prof. Maya Steinitz

Northeast Region:

Board Dinner

The AFHU Northeast Regional Board gathered at

The Classic Car Club in Manhattan for a beautiful

waterside evening on June 6, 2024. The event was

hosted by fellow Board member Andrew Wilshinsky

and his wife Julie. Board members and AFHU staff

enjoyed a classic sunset and a delicious dinner while

forging new bonds and deepening their commitment

to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

AFHU Northeast Regional Board at The Classic Car Club

PAGE 54



Students of Tzameret:

Israel’s Elite Military

Medicine Training

Program

(L-R) Maryland Israel Development Center Chair, David Kuntz, Student

Daniel Khademi, AFHU Board Member Jim Blum, AFHU’s CEO Josh Rednik,

and Students Yael Yan Postell, Nitzan Swissa and Romy Levi

AFHU’s Mid-Atlantic Region held a reception

titled Students of Tzameret: Israel’s Elite Military

Medicine Training Program, In Conversation With

Joshua Rednik, Chief Executive Officer, on November

7, 2024. Held at The Suburban Club in Pikesville,

Maryland, the event was generously hosted by Jim

Blum, a member of AFHU’s National Board and

Hebrew University’s Board of Governors. Students

Yael, Romy, Nitzan, and Daniel shared their experiences

with the Tzameret program, providing an insightful

and moving view into the lives of these brave military

medical students at the Hebrew University.

NextGen Evening

of Inspiration and

Solidarity

On September 17, 2024, AFHU’s Northeast Region

hosted an “Evening of Inspiration and Solidarity” with

young professionals and Hebrew University Student

Ambassador Shona Goldwirth. Shona spoke on her

experience as a post-October 7th medical student

at the Hebrew University and shared her optimism

about the future of Israel. A special thank you to

AFHU Northeast Board Member Jeremy Merrin and

his wife Linda Blum for generously underwriting this

meaningful evening.

If you would like to learn about upcoming

NextGen (ages 20s–40s) events in the

Northeast, please email northeast@afhu.org.

The Western Region Visits the

Mount Wilson Observatory

On June 28, 2024 the Western Region and Hebrew

University Professor Re’em Sari hosted an experiential

star gazing excursion to Mount Wilson Observatory, an

astronomical observatory nestled at the peak (5,700

feet) of the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena.

Fifteen donors, old and new, had the unique privilege

of touring the Observatory during sunset before

star gazing through the 100-inch Hooker Telescope,

one of the most famous telescopes in observational

astronomy of the 20th century. Many great discoveries

have been made with the 100-inch telescope, including

Edwin Hubble’s landmark work on the expansion of the

Universe and the establishment of the cosmic distance

scale.

In addition to Re’em, the group also had the

opportunity to connect with Princeton Professor

Scott Tremaine, widely regarded as one of the world’s

leading astrophysicists for his contributions to the

theory of the Solar System and galactic dynamics.

The experience was enlightening, intimate, and

humbling, reminding us of the vastness of the

Universe and the importance of supporting continued

astronomical research.

Moon over Mount Wilson Observatory

Professor Re’em Sari and group of donors heading to Mount Wilson

(L-R) HU Student Ambassador Shona Goldwirth, David Horowitz, Justin

Moskowitz, Michal Gross, and Georgia Bank

PAGE 56



Antisemitism

And Academia:

A Conversation with Professor

Menahem Ben-Sasson

Webinars

economy, and law and spirituality as authoritative

sources in the Eastern society of the Middle Ages.

At the Kuvin reception, Prof. Ben-Sasson framed the

current spike in antisemitism on campuses across

the world within the context of Jewish history and

other forms of antisemitism throughout millennia.

The Chancellor shared Hebrew University’s

response to leadership at U.S. universities and

emphasized the vital role that academia must play in

modeling coexistence. Importantly, the campuses at

the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been very

positive examples of open dialogue and respect.

Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson reinforced HU’s commitment to its community

during this difficult time

Earlier this year, Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson,

Chancellor of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,

spoke at the home of Dr. Jeffrey and Emily Kuvin on

the topic of Antisemitism and Academia. Dr. Kuvin,

who serves as the AFHU Northeast Region Board

President, offered opening and closing remarks

referencing his family’s long affiliation with Hebrew

University over three generations. Dr. Kuvin is the

Chair of the International Advisory Committee of

the Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and

Tropical Diseases, which was founded by his father

in 1976.

As a scholar in the Department of the History of the

Jewish People at the Hebrew University, Professor

Ben-Sasson is an expert in Jewish Studies and

has researched and written extensively on a wide

variety of topics, including the Jewish communities

in Muslim countries, relations between religion and

Visit our Website for Upcoming Events!

American Friends of the Hebrew University

Tel. 212.607.8500 | AFHU.ORG | info@afhu.org

Northeast Region

T: 212.607.8510

E: northeast@afhu.org

Southeast Region

T: 561.750.8585

E: southeast@afhu.org

Pacific Northwest Region

T: 415.299.8692

E: pacificnorthwest@afhu.org

Mid-Atlantic Region

T: 202.363.4600

E: midatlantic@afhu.org

Midwest Region

T: 312.329.0332

E: midwest@afhu.org

Philadelphia Office

T: 215.330.6722

E: philadelphia@afhu.org

Western Region

T: 310.843.3100

E: western@afhu.org

AFHU News Fall 2024

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