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Dear Friends,
This week marked two vitally important days in Israel. First, Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, to honor and remember fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Tel Aviv University's (TAU) community gathered for a memorial ceremony to commemorate its fallen, including 114 from the University who fell during the Iron Swords Gaza War. After twenty-four hours, the country transitioned to Yom Haatzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. The ability to shift from sorrow and mourning to celebration is a remarkable testament to Israel and her people's resilience. This year's public celebrations were mostly canceled or postponed due to the wildfires in Israel, but in speaking with friends and colleagues at Tel Aviv University I heard stories of unity and perseverance.
At TAU there are no big or small problems, only problems to be solved. For example, a collaborative study between Professor Moran Rubinstein of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and the Sagol School of Neuroscience and Professor Karen Avraham, Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, developed a new mouse model with colleagues from Columbia University to study GRIN2D-related epilepsy—a rare and severe brain disorder. The team found that the model closely mimicked patient symptoms, offering valuable insight into how the disease affects brain function. This breakthrough enables testing of potential treatments, including existing drugs and future gene therapies, and is a promising step toward real solutions for families facing this rare condition.
Dr. Merav Cohen, head of the Systems Immunology and Immuno-Genomics Lab at TAU's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, uses cutting-edge genomics and computational tools to study how the immune system interacts during cancer. In a recent study featured on the cover of Nature Cancer, she and her team isolated breast cancer cells in direct contact with immune cells. They discovered that neutrophils, a type of immune cell, are more likely to physically interact with cancer cells in advanced breast cancer. These interactions help the cancer spread and grow by promoting invasion. The findings highlight neutrophils as potential markers of disease progression and targets for new therapies.
On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry and the Irwin Cotler Institute–Democracy | Human Rights | Justice, both at Tel Aviv University, published the Annual Antisemitism Worldwide Report, which focuses on incidents from 2024. The report states that antisemitic incidents declined slightly in 2024 but remain above pre-war levels and are mirroring society. The annual study has been published for the past 25 years and has become one of the most authoritative studies on the subject. To read the full report, click here.
The Coller School of Management, an international leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, is committed to shaping global deep-tech leaders and is offering a new two-year MBA program. The Coller Deep-Tech MBA program provides participants with the strategic, financial, and operational tools to drive high-impact technological advancements, positioning them at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. To learn more about the program, I encourage you to attend an exciting webinar, Coller Deep Tech MBA X Integrated Intelligence: Why Deep Tech Matters for AI’s Future, that will explore the critical role of deep tech and AI on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 12:30 pm Eastern time. Click here to register.
The emotions of the past few weeks run deep, yet I am encouraged. Through every challenge, TAU and Israel demonstrate resilience and an unwavering commitment to progress that can give us all hope.
Thank you for your continued interest, support, and pride in Tel Aviv University.
Shabbat shalom.
Sincerely,
Dr. Garry A. Rayant
Chairman, American Friends of Tel Aviv University
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