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Dear Friends,
As I write to you, the proposed judicial reform in Israel is a hot and polarizing topic both in Israel and around the world. As an American organization whose mission is to raise funds to support Tel Aviv University (TAU) and build bridges with Israel, I am proud that TAU is a Zionist and pluralistic pillar of academic freedom and democracy, and a world-class research institution. TAU is an incredible place where lab discoveries lead to better treatments and diagnostics, solutions for climate change, technological advances, and so much more. My monthly letters are meant to provide you with insight into what is happening at the University. Your support of Tel Aviv University gives you a share in furthering the innovation, research, and work that will change lives and make the world a better place.
Two campus leaders who exemplify making the world a better place are Professor Karen Avraham, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Professor Dan Peer, Tel Aviv University's Vice President of Research and Development. Both are leaders in their respective fields and are deserving of congratulations for accolades they have recently received. Professor Avraham was awarded the STAR Award for Scientific Excellence and Leadership. Professor Peer was appointed to the prestigious American National Academy of Engineering in recognition of his groundbreaking research developing unique strategies for delivering RNA molecules.
Brain tumors are one of the deadliest forms of cancer with survival rates of less than one year in many cases. Tel Aviv University's Cancer Biology Research Center aims to integrate basic cancer research with the most advanced translational and clinical research in order to improve treatment protocols. Professor Neta Erez and her team have discovered a mechanism that facilitates the formation of brain metastases. The team found that impairing the mechanism reduced the development of the brain metastases and could help predict future metastatic recurrence in the brain.
Israel’s massive investment in education has been critical in successfully positioning the Jewish State as the "Startup Nation" in technology, innovation, agriculture, biomedicine, and many other areas. Tel Aviv University has been a key driver in this growth and leadership over decades. We invite you to celebrate Israel's 75th anniversary with the gift of education by participating in our 75-for-75 scholarship campaign so that students like Hodaya and David can fulfill their dreams of higher education. I encourage you to watch these short videos so you can hear their personal stories and learn from them why providing financial support to worthy students is vital to strengthening Israel's future.
While we do not take a stand in Israeli politics, we do our best to inform you by communicating news from Tel Aviv University. To that end, next Thursday I will moderate a panel webinar, Judicial Reform in Israel, which will feature three TAU professors who will share their perspectives from their areas of expertise — law, economics, and the business of government. If you would like to join me for the webinar, please click here to register.
Wishing you a shabbat shalom.
Jennifer Gross
Chief Executive Officer
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