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Dear Friends,
Never again is now. As we celebrated July 4th, American Independence Day, we remembered that the struggle for independence and democracy were hard-won and that the fight continues to this day. There are still 120 hostages being held in Gaza, including eight Americans, all amidst Israel's own democratic struggles. Freedom of speech and our democratic rights are also being tested as antisemitism abounds throughout the western world. On a daily basis, we have seen freedom of expression turned into open antisemitism, anti-Israel sentiment, and frankly anti-American protests.
Democracy may not be perfect, but it's the best form of government we have. As Winston Churchill opined, "Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." Democracy is fragile, worth protecting, and must be fought for anew in every generation. Please write or call your congressman to thank him/her for standing with Israel — they need to hear from you.
And we too must continue to stand with and for Israel. Tel Aviv University (TAU) epitomizes what Israel stands for — education and democracy. With that, we must be even more steadfast in our commitment to support the University and to share news of the life-changing and profound research that continues to emanate from TAU, even during these stressful times. There is always something new and fascinating being created, discovered, or developed across campus, and it is my pleasure to share a few innovations with you each month.
Israeli innovation is what Professor Ehud Gazit from the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research and his team have created by developing a transparent, self-reparing adhesive glass that forms spontaneously when it comes into contact with water. This international discovery, the first time molecular glass has been created under simple conditions, has the potential to bring solutions in an array of different industries such as optics, satellite communications, remote sensing, and biomedicine. The glass is a strong adhesive and can act as a glue for different glasses and simultaneously repair cracks that are formed in it. Please watch the glass build itself in the research video.
TAU recently hosted AI Week, an international event that featured experts from around the world discussing the future and how to ensure that Israel remains a leader in Cyber and AI. Topics included the future of AI and its interconnection with cybersecurity and the challenges ahead. There were presentations and discussions on innovation, generative AI, ethics, and the next frontier in the AI-powered landscape. Professor Amnon Shashua, a TAU alumnus and CEO of Mobileye, emphasized the need to set boundaries around AI interaction. TAU long ago recognized the importance and impact of AI, and in 2019 established the TAD Center for AI and Data Science to advance innovative research and education. Today, more than 250 faculty members are involved in collaborative research at the Center.
Professor Yuval Nir from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences focuses his research on sleep and its relation to cognition and perception. He was recently awarded a grant to investigate the use of machine learning for the non-invasive detection of dementia-associated brain activity during sleep. The research aims to develop biomarkers for various neurodegenerative conditions.
On a more somber note, The National Center for Post Trauma and Resilience at Tel Aviv University, led by Professor Yair Bar-Haim, recently issued a warning about reservists with PTSD who are being called up again before completing their therapeutic process. According to Professor Bar-Haim, the prolonged war and the deep commitment of citizens to their country, unit, and comrades drives them back to service. At the TAU clinic, the largest treatment center for PTSD in Israel, which was set up after October 7th, clinicians are seeing many soldiers returning to service too soon. It is imperative that we continue to support Professor Bar-Haim's work and the new building for research and treatment that is currently under construction but is still in need of funds.
For students looking for a change or an alternative to their academics, The Lowy International School at Tel Aviv University offers countless programs, degrees, and opportunities for students of every level, including a new gap-year program that offers a college-prepatory program rich in academics, leadership training, and extracurricular activities. The program revolves around five thematic areas: Israel and the Middle East, Jewish Peoplehood, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Environment and Sustainability, and The Best of Science and Human Thought. Please let me know if you would like to have more information sent to you about the programs.
Shabbat shalom.
Sincerely,
Dr. Garry A. Rayant
Chairman, American Friends of Tel Aviv University
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