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Dear Friends,
"In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles." — David Ben-Gurion
In April and again in October, Iran launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Israel. Many felt that each could spell disaster for our small state, but miraculously, both times she prevailed. Thank G-d for the Iron Dome and other technologies, and the coalition that protected her.
But if one looks a little deeper, one will find that behind many of these technologies Tel Aviv University (TAU) has played a role. For example, Danny Gold, the creator of the Iron Dome missile defense system, is a TAU alum. As Louis Pasteur said, "Chance favors the prepared mind" —those who are better prepared and more knowledgeable are more likely to take advantage of opportunities. There is no better exemplar of this than Tel Aviv University.
The Lowy International School is the university's home for global academic collaboration and for international degrees and programs. Recently the school received a one-million-dollar impact gift from philanthropist David Magerman through his Tzemach David Foundation to fund STEM programs at TAU. The gift will enable students to fully immerse themselves in learning the language and the skills to better integrate into Israeli society.
Professor Illana Gozes, Professor Emerita in Human Molecular Genetics Biochemistry, studies brain function, behavior, memory, and drug discovery. Her research and findings have reshaped our understanding of brain development and neurological disorders and have been recognized by the US-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Her discovery of the activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) and the development of davunetide — a promising investigational drug targeting autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease at their molecular origins — have the potential to pave the way for treatments to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month just ended, but the importance of the work being done to find cures and treatments never stops. Professor Neta Erez, Vice Dean of TAU's Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, is leading innovative research to prevent the spread of breast cancer to bones. Her team's work in immunotherapy strengthens T-cells to intercept cancer in its earliest stages, advancing the fight against metastasis. In this short video, Professor Erez shares an explanation that offers hope for a future where breast cancer can be treated and prevented.
Professor Carmit Levy and Professor Yaron Carmi have discovered a mechanism which prevents the immune system from attacking cancer tumors. They found that reversing the mechanism stimulates the immune system to fight the cancer cells, even those resistant to immunotherapy. According to Professor Levy, the team is working to translate their findings into a drug for cancer patients and hoping to offer an effective new treatment.
The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine at TAU is a leader in dental education and research, with an aim to advance treatment methodologies. Professor Rachel Sarig, head of the school, focuses her research on the evolution of the teeth, jaws, and muscles in relation to nutrition and cultural habits. Following the horrific events of October 7th, she used her expertise to identify remains through the study of teeth.
The new school year starts this Sunday, and it is exciting to think of the next discoveries that will emerge from TAU. Supporting the University provides the means for TAU to retain the best talent, attract top students, and of course, enable achievements like the Iron dome, WAZE navigation system, cyber security solutions, and cultural imprints with television shows like Fauda and Homeland, among many others.
Thank you for your support of Israel's premier research institution.
Shabbat shalom.
Sincerely,
Dr. Garry A. Rayant
Chairman, American Friends of Tel Aviv University
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