|
Dear Friends,
Hope Equals Optimism with a Plan
“Optimism and hope are not the same. Optimism is the belief that the world is changing for the better; hope is the belief that, together, we can make the world better. Optimism is a passive virtue, hope an active one. It needs no courage to be an optimist, but it takes a great deal of courage to hope. The Hebrew Bible is not an optimistic book. It is, however, one of the great literatures of hope.” — Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, zl.
Each month I write to you to share news from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and to highlight the impact that TAU and Israel are making on the world. In the face of all that is happening in the world, it is important to continue not only to be optimistic, but also have a plan for the future. TAU offers a wealth of reasons and plans. From medical advances, business solutions, AI, Cyber, technology, diplomacy, and more, Tel Aviv University researchers and students are the ones securing our future. Read on — there is a lot to be hopeful about.
Students in The Cotler Program for International Graduate Fellows in Human Rights are on the front lines fighting antisemitism on a global scale. The Program focuses on developing leadership and knowledge-building among select international students enrolled at TAU. It engages 15-20 students each year, mostly non-Jewish students from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and America. They receive expert instruction on the history of the Jewish people, Israel in all its diversity, democracy, justice, and human rights — all aimed at combating all forms of hatred as well as antisemitism. Fellows commit to initiating and leading workshops in all these topics in their home countries on completion of the program.
An important breakthrough from TAU researchers has identified a gene mutation in the brain that might be a cause of genetically-based autism. The discovery of the mutation in the SHANK3 gene, responsible for over one million cases of autism worldwide, could lead to effective treatment of this type of autism. The joint study from Professor Boaz Barak's lab in the Sagol School of Neuroscience in collaboration with Professor Ben Maoz's lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering seeks to identify and then find a method for fixing the damage caused by the gene mutation.
Professor Ronit Satchi-Fainaro, head of TAU's Cancer Research and Nanomedicine Lab, has developed a COVID vaccine in a nasal spray which can be stored at room temperatures. The inexpensive, effective, and simple COVID-19 nano-vaccine induces the immune system to protect against all common COVID-19 variants. It has the potential to pave the way to vaccinating third-world populations, as well as the development of simpler, more effective vaccines in the future. This video explains the technology used to develop the vaccine.
The European Research Council (ERC) just announced the winners of the 2024 Consolidator Grant given to support outstanding scientists and scholars to establish research teams and develop promising scientific ideas. Six TAU professors have won the prestigious prize including: Professor Michal Feldman (winning for the third time); Professor Ben Maoz, Professor Gal Oestreicher-Singer, and Professor Dor Salomon (all second-time winners); Dr. Ilia Kaminker; and Dr. Tzachi Hagai. The recognition of their work in various fields from cancer research to computer science and chemistry brings tremendous pride.
I invite you to register for TAU's exciting new four-part webinar series, hosted by the TAU Alumni Organization and the TAU Global Leadership Community in collaboration with the YPO Mosaic and YPO Jewish Group. The next webinar, IDF Reservists Students Share their Challenges, will take place on December 18, 2024, at noon Eastern time.
This has been a tough year on many levels, but there is so much to be proud of. As you can see, TAU continues to produce outstanding, life-changing scholars and research. And as I began with “hope equals optimism with a plan,” your support and contributions are a large part of the plan that directly helps to not only build TAU and Israel but also sustain and enrich our Jewish future.
Thank you in advance for your continuing commitment.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.
Shabbat Shalom.
Sincerely,
Dr. Garry A. Rayant
Chairman, American Friends of Tel Aviv University
|