2012 Issue

TAU International Peres’ Young Scientists Educating for Peace

TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

Personalized Medicine “It doesn’t get more personal than this.” Cultural Immersion 14 The Marc Rich Program in the Humanities and the Arts is leading the way in revitalizing interest in the liberal arts.

Cover story: Up Close and Personal 2 Rethinking Prof. Miguel Weil and his son, Nir, Addiction 16 are courageous poster boys for Tel Aviv University the promise – and frustrations – scientists are of genomic research at Tel Aviv researching new University. therapies for the treatment of addiction and pain.

3D Frontiers 22 Advanced 3D Technology being pioneered at TAU has implications for

TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW everything from security to surgery. 2012 Issue sections

Issued by the Strategic Communications Dept. Development and Public Affairs Division innovations 22 Tel Aviv University Ramat Aviv 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel leadership 25 Tel: +972 3 6408249 From England Fax: + 972 3 6407080 E-mail: [email protected] with Love 28 initiatives 26 The inaugural UK Legacy Mission www.tau.ac.il brought a new group of British Jews into the TAU family. Editor: Louise Shalev Contributors: Rava Eleasari, Judd Yadid, associations 30 Sarah Lubelski, Bari Elias, Ilana Teitelbaum Graphic Design: TAU Graphic Design Studio/ Michal Semo-Kovetz digest 35 Photography: Development and Public Affairs Division Photography Department/Michal Roche Ben Ami, Michal Kidron newsmakers Additional Photography: Yoram Reshef; Rafael 38 Herlich; Isaac Harari, Knesset Media and Relations Division; Roee Ivgy; Jackie Simmonds; Adam Ha’Israeli; Avi Hayun; The Wiener Collection, Courtesy books 40 of Beit Hatfutsot Photo Archive Administrative Assistant: Roy Polad Printing: Eli Meir Printing Officers of Tel Aviv University a

Harvey M. Krueger Chairman of the Board of Governors Dr. Giora Yaron Chairman of the Executive Council Prof. Joseph Klafter President Prof. Aron Shai Rector Mordehai Kohn Director-General Prof. Raanan Rein Vice President Prof. Eran Rabani Vice President for Research and Development Dear Friends,

Dr. Raymond R. Sackler, Michael H. Steinhardt The year 2012 began with the wonderful news Honorary Chairmen of the Board of Governors that the Dean of Tel Aviv University’s Buchmann Dr. h.c. Karl Heinz-Kipp, Marshall H. Polk Faculty of Law, Prof. Daphne Barak-Erez, was Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors appointed a Supreme Court Justice. Her selection underscores the continuing Dr. h.c. Josef Buchmann, – and highly influential – role of TAU faculty members and graduates in Stewart M. Colton, Prof. François Heilbronn, Dr. h.c. Raya Jaglom, John Landerer AM CBE, shaping Israeli society through public service. Adolfo Smolarz, Melvin S. Taub The University’s drive to provide the very best conditions for Vice Chairpersons of the Board of Governors interdisciplinary brain studies and research gained momentum with the establishment of the School of Neuroscience and School of Psychological Prof. Dina Prialnik Sciences. We are dedicating the School of Neuroscience in the name of Vice Rector Prof. Dany Leviatan Israeli industrialist and philanthropist Sami Sagol, a TAU honorary doctor Pro-Rector and governor, and a long-time supporter of brain research in Israel. Prof. Hannah Naveh TAU International launched five new English-language master’s Dean of the Yolanda and David Katz programs this year and two undergraduate programs for next year, including Faculty of the Arts Israel’s first International BSc in Electrical Engineering. Our increasingly Prof. Ehud Heyman Dean of the Iby and Aladar Fleischman globalized campus welcomed 1,000 foreign students this year. Faculty of Engineering Tel Aviv University was the only university in Israel to be awarded a Prof. Yaron Oz senior partnership in the three inaugural Centers for Research Excellence, Dean of the Raymond and Beverly Sackler known as I-CORE, being set up with government and private funding. Faculty of Exact Sciences One is in genomic science, the subject of this issue’s cover story; one Prof. Eyal Zisser in cognitive science, and one in computer science, to be led by TAU’s Dean of the Lester and Sally Entin Faculty of Humanities Blavatnik School of Computer Science. I-CORE funding will enable Tel Prof. Daphne Barak-Erez Aviv University to recruit young faculty from top schools abroad, fulfilling Dean of the Buchmann Faculty of Law a top university and national priority and further strengthening TAU’s Prof. Moshe Mevarech global standing as a leading center for academic research. Dean of the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences Prof. Asher Tishler Dean of the Faculty of Management—Leon Yours sincerely, Recanati Graduate School of Business Administration Prof. Yoseph Mekori Dean of the Sackler Faculty of Medicine Professor Joseph Klafter Prof. Tammie Ronen TAU President Dean of the Gershon H. Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Yoav Ariel Dean of Students Personalizing Medicine

2 Personalizing Medicine service, from suffers a who hasjustfinishedhisnational son, Nir, anaffable21 year-old genetic disorder at 25years ofage. pressure. die, Victims on average, functions likeblood bodily system, regulates which essential nervous away attheperipheral It’s aprogressive diseasethateats familial dysautonomia(FD). experimental set-up to tackle medical medical set-up to tackle experimental in,”comes Weil. says “We the have for treatment. develop adrug to needed of dollars oftens millions the to invest companies maceutical for uncommon phar too far are they diseases, “orphan” as Known world. the entire in sufferers hundred a few claiming Weil, each with explains rare, Most Neurobiologist Miguel Weil has our goal is not is profit goal our but knowledge do not, others because problems that little time left. little time “That’swhere Tel Aviv University Jewish genetic diseases are are diseases genetic Jewish - . Prof. Weil’s other advanced screening technologies technologies screening advanced other common diseases. and rare for both strategies treatment and preventive, diagnostic to tailor als of individu complete make-up genetic on the of data amounts growing on the capitalize field the in Researchers cine. genomic medi as known also medicine, of personalized area the in working are at Telscientists Aviv who University to save lives.” knowledge that using And called called “Whole genome sequencing and and sequencing genome “Whole Weil group of to a diverse belongs Jewish Jewish

- - Department of Cell Research and Research of Cell Department medicine,” says Israeli-American geneti we’re way the practicing changing are enabled Weilenabled sophisti most the to build MNGIE, called disease, devastating and rare to sons another two lost recently heritable disorders. other for and Nir’scandidates disease for drug new searching is Sciences, Life of Faculty Wise S. George Sciences, of School Life Graduate Family Smolarz of Head the and Immunology compound for acurative Race hospitals.” major with links on collaborative our complex problems,especially and ling environment we’ve for tack created teaching and research interdisciplinary robust on the “draws Joseph Klafter, President University stresses field, the says. care,” Prof. Avraham target to better groups and individuals among diseases of tion we origin have on genetic the TAUwhich apartner. is in Genomic Medicine, in (I-CORE) Excellence Center of Research Israel established recently of the board on the She of serves Medicine. Faculty Sackler of the Vice Dean Avraham, Karen cist Funds given by a Mexican donor who by given aMexican Funds Prof. Weil, amember of the Tel in Aviv University’s strength informa “We’re about using talking 2012 Issue 2012 TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW - - - - 3 By Rava Eleasari cated robotic facility in Israel today for service, and he is now preparing himself Today, as Director of Pediatric fully automated drug screening. for university admission examinations. Genetic Services at the TAU-affiliated The research team uses live stem cell While the research team aims to Schneider Children’s Hospital, Rabin samples from patients as a lab-based develop personalized treatment for Medical Center, Dr. Basel receives model for personalized medicine. First very small groups of sufferers of FD young patients from all over Israel with they compare the diseased cells with and MNGIE, they are also applying genetic disorders that have no descrip- healthy ones, trying to find the biologi- their techniques and findings to more tion in medical literature. cal differences between them. Then they widespread genetic diseases such as ALS After taking a blood sample, she attempt to identify the compound that and Huntington’s. uses sequencing technology to study will counteract these differences and the genetic material, searching for the transform a sick cell into a healthy one. A disease of one gene mutation that causes the disease. “It’s like looking for a needle in a What happens when a disease is so haystack,” says Weil, “but the screening rare that only one person suffers from equipment can analyze millions of dis- it, or one family, and doctors don’t even eased cells a week that have had different know what to call it? chemicals and drugs added to them.” “I’m interested in families that have What Weil and his team are looking lost hope for a diagnosis for their sick for is a “hit” – when the machine reads children,” says Lina Basel, a physician that a compound has made a positive and specialist in orphan diseases who difference. At that point, the researchers transfers, or in scientific parlance, have to investigate what’s happening “translates,” laboratory knowledge into in the diseased cell on the molecular clinical answers. level, and to use this understanding Born and raised in Lithuania, and for developing a drug candidate. The with a charming unidentifiable lilt when Cell Screening Facility in Personalized speaking, Basel received her MD from Medicine established by the Mexican the University of Vilna, immigrated Friends of TAU is the first such unit in to Israel in 1991, and earned a doc- the world that deals with rare Jewish torate in molecular genetics at TAU’s diseases. Sackler Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Yosef

20,000 Number of genes in the human genome Once Basel has identified the faulty Rate of genetic variation among people gene, she can advise on how to better .1% Estimated number of mutations in that .1%: 10-12 million manage the disease, and she can also provide genetic counseling and pre-natal diagnosis to family members to make 6,000-7,000 80% 60,000 250 million sure their future children will not be Number of Percentage of Estimated Estimated similarly afflicted. rare, “orphan” rare diseases number of rare number of rare diseases in the of genetic disease sufferers disease sufferers In one instance, she recounts, a fam- world origin in Israel in the world ily came in with a teenage boy of 15 who suffered from scoliosis and weak, fracture-prone bones. His hair was thin- “What’s incredible here are the real Shiloh of the Department of Human ning and he looked prematurely old. families involved – it’s not just about Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Two uncles had the same syndrome, technology,” says Weil. “This is person- was her PhD supervisor and “one-man but other than the three, there were alized medicine that is as personal as absorption program,” she recalls, “in- no known cases in the world. you can get.” Until just recently Weil’s viting me home to join his family for Basel succeeded in tracking down son Nir worked as a lab assistant at Tel dinner and helping me forge my career the diseased gene. It was expressed, or Aviv University as part of his national path.” active, in various tissues of the body 4 Dr. Lina Basel counsels a family at the TAU-affiliated Schneider Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Basel’s key frustration: “That even if I know what the culprit gene is, I can’t offer a cure. People want it. They expect it. But we’re not there yet.”

Dr. Basel’s key hope: “Because we can now sequence the genome of individuals, and especially in the bones, causing we will soon have an answer for all those severe osteoporosis. While there was people who ask, ‘What’s wrong with me?’” no cure for the boy, Basel could start treating his osteoporosis with drugs and prevent further damage. But what really brought hope to the family was that the Basel has set up a national, Hebrew- disorder ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) – disease was finally diagnosed. It received language database, called Orphanet- can lead to breakthrough insights on a name: Macrocephaly-Aalopecia-Cutis Israel, with information on rare genetic general cellular processes. laxa-Scoliosis (MACS). diseases for doctors and patients. The Prof. Shiloh recently became “The psychological dimension is idea originated in France, and Basel’s the first Israeli scientist to win the huge,” stresses Basel, who has so far goal is to create a network of all the G.H.A. Clowes Award of the American identified causative mutated genes for clinicians and scientists working on Association for Cancer Research for 10 previously undefined diseases that no orphan diseases in Israel. She has no discovering a key gene that protects one else could. “You can’t imagine the funding for the database. She is doing the genome from radiation damage – relief these families feel when someone it alone, at home, on the weekends. important for understanding genetic finally tells them what their child has.” Meanwhile, Basel’s mentor, Yossi predisposition to cancer. Shiloh, who A former recipient of a TAU Shiloh, has shown that research on or- holds the David and Inez Myers Chair Marguerite Stolz Research Fellowship, phan diseases – in his case, the genetic for Cancer Genetics and directs the 5 Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Facility responsible gene and also determined housed in the David and Inez Meyers that it was recessive, that is, both par- Building for Transgenic Modeling of ents had to have it. Armed with this Human Disease, won the Israel Prize information, medical geneticists could for 2011 and EMET Prize in 2005 for provide genetic counseling. his work. “Here’s the most satisfying part,” says Avraham. “By working with doc- Diagnosing or preventing tors and fine-tuning genetic testing for common diseases family members, we could break the Mining people’s genetic material can chain of inheritance.” unearth the cause of prevalent disorders, Among Avraham’s latest discoveries not just rare ones. is the mechanism by which auditory Prof. Karen Avraham began work- cells die in the ear. This finding is -im ing on hereditary deafness when she portant for possibly rescuing these cells, joined the Sackler Faculty of Medicine’s or regenerating them, in the future. Department of Human Molecular But what excites her most is a method Genetics and Biochemistry in 1996. she’s developed in collaboration with About 50% of hearing impairment Prof. Moien Kanaan from Bethlehem can be traced to genetic causes, and University for improved diagnosis of Avraham was intrigued to learn that, genetic hearing loss in patients. “Until in the Middle East, many extended fairly recently, researchers could test for families and clans were known to have one or a few deafness genes at a time, a much higher incidence of deafness a costly, hit-or-miss process that could than the rest of the population. take years,” explains Avraham. “With This machine reads faster than you do. Dr. Noam Shomron by Prof. Avraham quickly established our new method, we can scan all the 250 the genome high-throughput connections with clinical genetic labs all known genes for deafness – simultane- sequencing machine on campus. over Israel, as ously – for less than $500 per person, well as in the and provide results in a few weeks.” Palestinian The joint Israeli-Palestinian research, cancer, diabetes and heart disease is Authorit y, funded by the United States’ National “tricky” says new faculty member Eran and has since Institutes of Health (NIH), capitalizes Halperin. He combines his knowledge performed a on a shortcut gene sequencing technol- in human genetics, computer science number of ogy called “exome sequencing.” It scans and mathematics to sleuth out disease- studies on just those regions of DNA that encode causing mutations. families and proteins – regions that comprise only “We might find a common gene vari- villages that 1% of the human genome but that are ant that seems to be associated with a generated scientific gold: the discovery implicated in about 85% of disease- certain type of cancer,” Dr. Halperin of 10 new genes implicated in hearing causing mutations. elaborates, “but there’s no one-to-one Prof. Karen Avraham loss. Major funding for this work has “The important thing about this correspondence. We can’t say with certi- come from the United States’ Office of technology – and about genomic tude that people who have the mutated American Schools and Hospitals Abroad medicine in general – is that the fast- gene will get the disease, or that people (ASHA), which supports a Laboratory er, cheaper methods can bring about who don’t have the mutated gene will for Middle Eastern Genetic Diseases much earlier diagnoses for diseases,” not get the disease. at TAU. says Avraham. “And the earlier and “Other, more hard-to-find muta- One Jewish clan that Avraham stud- more accurate the diagnosis, the better tions may also be involved in trigger- ied came originally from Mosul, Iraq. doctors can predict the course of the ing the cancer, in combination with Intermarriage among extended family disease and prescribe treatment. each other or with environmental and members had led to 40% of all offspring lifestyle factors.” going deaf by the age of 20 – compared Determining risk Halperin, who has a joint ap- to less than 1% in the general popula- Pinpointing who is at greater ge- pointment at the Blavatnik School of tion. Avraham and her team found the netic risk for complex diseases such as Computer Science and the Department 6 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

people succumb to more lethal versions Sequencing Leap of diseases, while others do not? The first thing you see when you walk into Noam Shomron’s Genome Today, about a fifth of breast cancer High-Throughput Sequencing Laboratory are names on the whiteboard. patients will develop metastasis and they Dozens of them. These are the physicians at 7 major TAU-affiliated will die. Scientists have long known hospitals, together with some 25 basic scientists across the TAU which gene triggers metastasis. Called campus, who collaborate with Dr. Shomron on producing comprehensive MET, it not only induces prolifera- analyses of people’s genetic blueprints. tion of cancer cells, but also activates It took $3 billion and 15 years to sketch out the first complete picture their spontaneous spread. A battery of of human genetic material under the Human Genome Project. The MET-inhibiting drugs are in late stage subsequent development of high-throughput or “deep“ sequencing clinical trials and promise to save tens technology reduced this process to $10,000 and one week. That was up of thousands of lives. until a year or so ago. Now it can be done with $1,000 in one day. But how will doctors know who to “This is a huge scientific leap – comparable to going from a give them to? magnifying glass to an electron microscope,” says Dr. Shomron, who Personalizing the risk assessment completed his PhD at Tel Aviv University and his post-doctoral studies at is the goal of MET researcher Ilan MIT. He was recruited three years ago to TAU’s Department of Cell and Tsarfaty, Chair of the Department of Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, to preside over one Human Microbiology and Immunology, of two high-throughput sequencing machines purchased with the support Sackler Faculty of Medicine. of the Wolfson Family Charitable Trust, UK. The other machine is at the “If oncologists give aggressive anti- TAU-affiliated Sheba Medical Center. Additional Wolfson funding this year MET therapy to all breast cancer pa- will enable TAU to significantly expand its facility. tients, 80% of them won’t need it. The Calling himself a “genomicist,” Shomron’s own research combines MET in their tumor is switched off to technological and computational methods to explore the role of begin with,” explains Prof. Tsarfaty. microRNAs, tiny snippets that regulate gene activity, in the development “Meanwhile, the 20% of patients who of diseases and in the way patients react to medications. He foresees are genetically predisposed to metastasis therapeutic results from this work in five to ten years. – whose MET will be activated – may not necessarily receive the careful treat- of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, increase risk for coronary artery disease. ment and attention they need.” worked with a group at UC Berkeley on “The relevance of all this to per- Tsarfaty decided to find out which non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a relatively sonalized medicine,” says Halperin, women were at risk. In a team that in- common form of cancer. The researchers “is that people at risk can be watched cluded TAU computer scientists Roded measured 370,000 tiny genetic muta- more closely. They can be counseled to Sharan and Eytan Ruppin, MD-PhD tions, or SNPs (pronounced “snips”), reduce other risk factors like smoking student/graduate Gidi Stein and then that are known to be common among and poor diet, and they can be tested PhD student Nir Yosef, the researchers Hodgkin’s sufferers. Using computa- for the disease earlier.” identified a genetic “signature” – 130 tional and statistical methods, they genes that respond, or are altered, upon separated damage-causing SNPs from Paying closer attention activation of MET. They visualized the irrelevant ones, or in lab parlance, “real When it comes to risk, genomic sci- network of molecular interactions, signals from just noise.” Ultimately, they ence is beginning to provide answers called “pathways,” connecting MET found the one SNP that points to higher for another mystery: Why do certain to the affected genes. And finally they risk for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Currently Halperin is work- ing in a consortium of 20 research Left: Metastasis in groups throughout Europe called action – Confocal microscopy image of “Cardiogram.” They have pooled their cancer cells, in red, spreading into healthy data on 20,000 heart patients and tissue. Blood vessels in green. 60,000 control subjects who donated samples for whole genome SNP analysis. Right: METwork – A visualization of the Findings so far have revealed 13 more network of MET previously unknown mutations that molecular pathways. 7 People of the Book checked this network against tissue samples from breast cancer patients to Take the number of letters in 1,000 bibles, says isolate 9 genes that, under laboratory computer scientist Ron Shamir. That’s about the conditions, reliably predicted MET risk. number of “letters” – the 3 billion chemical bases – Soon, hopes Tsarfaty, doctors will be making up each person’s total DNA. able to screen for the 9 telltale genes in a biopsy, and to offer more timely and However, only 2 percent of these letters spell out, or encode, the accurate therapy based on each patient’s 20,000 or so genes in our bodies. How can scientists know which genetic makeup. sequence of letters translates into a working gene and which does not? Tsarfaty has also developed an imag- Moreover, how can they determine which gene variant or mutation is ing technique at the Sackler Institute responsible for diseases? for Molecular Medicine for showing “This is where bioinformatics comes in – the point where biology in a patient’s body, in real time, when and computer science intersect,” says Prof. Shamir, who heads TAU’s MET is active and, after targeted drug Edmond J. Safra Bioinformatics Program. therapy, inactive. “This will personal- The field of bioinformatics emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s ize the care to the highest degree. We in response to the huge computational demands of the Human Genome will be able to actually see, as a live Project. Embracing the field early, Tel Aviv University has since produced image, if a certain drug is inhibiting the largest group of bioinformatics specialists in Israel under the Edmond the MET or if we need to change the J. Safra Program and ranks among the world’s leaders in the field. medication,” he says. “We’re coming up with new mathematical tools and software to analyze the data,” elaborates Shamir, who is a faculty member of the Blavatnik Genetic component of drug School of Computer Science at the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty response of Exact Sciences. “And the data sets are just getting bigger as genome “The era of one medicine for eve- sequencing becomes more widespread.” ryone is ending,” asserts SNP sleuth One of the challenges is figuring out the genome’s rules. Researchers Dr. Halperin. “The new paradigm will must determine the sequence characteristics of the gene-coding regions involve doctors prescribing drugs ac- versus the non-coding regions, and develop algorithms to statistically cording to an individual’s genetics.” infer where the genes are. Complicating matters is the surprising fact that Advancing this goal is extremely im- human genes are not contiguous in the DNA sequence. They can be made portant, given that in the United States up of 5 to 30 unjoined segments. alone an estimated 2.2 million people “That’s a low-end problem,” notes Shamir. Suppose, he continues, that either fail to respond to medications or the 20,000 human genes and their corresponding proteins are identified. experience serious reactions each year. Yet in a living cell, all these proteins are co-existing and interacting, and An additional 100,000 people die from this is what makes the cell and the living organism function. “Knowing harmful effects. what each gene does still doesn’t tell you the whole story,” Shamir says. At the TAU-affiliated Sheba Cancer He offers another analogy to help understand the dimensions of the Research Center at Tel Hashomer problem. “If the genome is like an orchestra with 20,000 instruments, Hospital, TAU professor Gideon knowing what the flute plays does not help you hear the score or know the Rechavi leads one of the best-known composition.” groups in the world for identifying The need to understand biology not just on the molecular level but as a genes involved in cancer drug response complex system has led to a new field – systems biology – which TAU has and transferring this knowledge to the been building up in recent years. clinic. “Funding from the Edmond J. Safra Bioinformatics Program has In one project, Prof. Rechavi’s group enabled us to recruit the best young researchers and nurture a strong is studying mutations that cause certain body of interdisciplinary students,” stresses Shamir. “Theoreticians patients with chronic myeloid leuke- collaborate with experimentalists, campus groups with hospital clinicians. mia, a cancer of the white blood cells, The pace is break-neck. We have to be agile and quick.” to develop resistance to a life-saving drug. The scientists are developing a genetic testing technique for finding out quickly and accurately who has these 8 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

mutations. This will enable physicians to change drugs immediately for patients who test positively, and greatly improve their chances of becoming disease-free. Rechavi, who also holds TAU’s Djerassi Chair of Oncology, beams with optimism at this prospect. Another type of tailored therapy involves dosage. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common childhood cancer. The overall cure rate is about 80%, and treatment requires taking 9 drugs over the course of two years. However, the typical dosage of one of the drugs, 6MP, may be good for one child but toxic for another, poisoning their bone marrow and even leading to death. Today, a simple blood test can determine which patient is genetically predisposed to a toxic reaction, the dosage can be ad- justed, and another sick child will get Snapping them up: As the genomics field gains momentum a fighting chance to live. and generates ever more data to be crunched, TAU students like Maya The connection between drug ac- Schushan, who is just finishing her PhD in computational biology, tion and genetics – pharmacogenet- will be able to find high-level positions anywhere in the world. Maya’s ics – has been part of the medical studies were entirely funded by TAU’s Edmond J. Safra Bioinformatics school curriculum at TAU for over Program. Her research, under the supervision of Prof. Nir Ben-Tal of the 10 years, notes Dr. David Gurwitz of Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, focuses on trans- the Department of Human Molecular membrane proteins – involved in key cellular processes – and includes Genetics and Biochemistry. A pioneer collaborations with Stockholm University, the Max Planck Institute and educator in the field, he heads the and Johns Hopkins University. Maya is also earning her MBA at TAU’s National Laboratory for Genetics of Faculty of Management–Leon Recanati Graduate School of Business Israeli Populations at TAU. The lab Administration and “is looking for an interesting and challenging role in stockpiles DNA samples and cell lines the life sciences industry.” from healthy donors representing the various Jewish and Arab ethnic groups in Israel. reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), while over most suitable anti-depressant for an “Little is still known about Middle one third derive no benefit. It takes 6-8 individual patient right from the start. Eastern populations,” says Gurwitz, weeks for clinicians to tell if a patient “We are working to move the treat- “so the study of genetic differences in has responded well to treatment, and ment of depression from a trial-and- drug response is not only important for meanwhile the suffering can continue error approach to a best-fit, personalized Israel, but also for its Arab and Muslim and even increase the risk of suicide. regime,” says Gurwitz. neighbors.” According to the World Health Enthuses Rechavi: “These are excit- In one current study, Gurwitz and his Organization the societal costs of de- ing times to be in genomic medicine. team, in collaboration with a European pression, including lost productivity, are A great wealth of new information is consortium funded by the European among the highest disease-related costs available. I can foresee a time in the Commission, are searching for the in the developed world. Determining very near future when people will be genetic basis of people’s varying reac- why some patients do not respond to getting much more individualized – and tions to anti-depressants. Less than two- SSRIs on the molecular level could thus effective – treatment for the most thirds of depression sufferers respond to provide valuable information for psy- severe diseases.” Prozac and similar selective serotonin chiatrists and help them choose the 9 The Jewish-Christian Encounter program addresses early Christianity and Judaism, not as parallel religions, but with a fully integrative approach that reflects their time rather than our own.” – Justin David Strong, MTS Jewish Studies, Harvard Divinity School

TAU International The Jewish-Christian interrelationship from 2,000 years ago was explored in one of the many unique new international study programs

Whether you call it the Land of Israel ing of the School’s new International or the Holy Land, Israel is dotted with MA in Jewish Studies, which joins four historical sites that have deep signifi- other new international master’s pro- cance for both Jews and Christians. grams this year, the Jewish-Christian The nexus between both Jewish and Encounters in the First Century Christian interpretations of those sites CE summer school brought together was the focus of a one-of-a-kind pro- mostly Christian students from the US, gram offered last summer by TAU’s Singapore, the Czech Republic, the Chaim Rosenberg School of Jewish Netherlands and the UK, most of them Studies. Held as a prelude to the launch- advanced students at Ivy League univer- 10 as well as visits to archaeological sites. to archaeological visits as well as Talmud, the in themes theological key on acourse and texts Christian early with interaction their and texts rabbinic foundational to the introduction an Hebrew lessons, featured The program overseas students.Alongside thediverse work for TAU’s growing offeringsfor sities and leading theological schools. schools. theological leading and sities “TAU International” isframe a new - giving themfieldwork experienceinthe andmethodology,sues oftheory and past, while introducing students to is- Land ofIsrael’s perplexingandcomplex program offersauniquewindow intothe in thefieldofbiblicalarchaeology, this of theLandBible Archaeology andtheHistory International MAin for 2012. planned is literature rabbinic Kabala and philosophy Jewish modern and magic and mysticism Talmud, Jewish the in readings texts, Christian and of rabbinic study comparative guage, Hebrew of lan the history the exegisis, and theology biblical Topics include of periods. range awide through tory his and civilization culture, Jewish on knowledge with students provides Studies International MAinJewish Academic Director. International andProf. Neil Gandal, Maureen Meyer isDirector of TAU including twofullbachelordegrees. this year and three more for 2012-13, run, TAU isofferingfivenew programs international programs already being Oded Lipschits. biblical studies.Program headisProf. context forarchaeological, historicaland provides themostup-to-datescientific in Israel by TAU scholars. Theprogram most important excavations conducted Taught by someofthebiggestnames This

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not justinclass!” where itallhappenedand archaeology intheland chance tostudybiblical Now, Ifinallyhavethe Greece George Mavronanos , 22, interdisciplinary program program interdisciplinary - - the worldare currently enrolled inthe of thePorter School. Yehuda (Hudi) Benayahu, former Head issues. Head oftheProgram isProf. environmental tion, andtrans-boundary such aswaterpolicy,- marineconserva are affectingcountriestheworld over, tives onenvironmental challengesthat graphical, socialandpoliticalperspec- geo- multidisciplinary program imparts ronmental teachingandresearch, the one ofIsrael’s leadingcentersforenvi- Environmental Studies’ standing as Environmental Studies International MAin the Program is Prof. Kobi Peleg. experience ofsecuritycrises. Head of ment –gainedover decadesoffirsthand unique insightonemergency manage- health, the program Israel’s is imparting of Medicine. Amaster’s degree inpublic (EMPH) offered by the Sackler School Emergency &Disaster Management Internationalnew Master’s Program in Management (EMPH) Emergency &Disaster International Program in Drawing on the Porter School for Some 22professionals from around

two countriesinthisfield.” collaboration betweenthe like tobeinvolvedin water problems. Iwould small countrieswith and Israelare both me tostudy. Singapore was thebestplacefor destination andthis Israel isatopcleantech I camehere because emerging markets dealing withcleantechin aims tojoinaventure fund Sharon Teo, 27,Singapore, 2012 Issue 2012 TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

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int’l programs International Programs I define myself as a Opening Next Year, 2012-13 humanitarian architect. I want to learn tools that will For the first time, TAU will be launching full enable me to rebuild human undergraduate degree programs for students habitats following major from around the world: disasters.” BA in Liberal Arts Cristina Fernandes, 32, Portugal, worked for a The program will provide students with a Portuguese company as a strong multidisciplinary liberal arts education design architect in Budapest while empowering them to succeed in an increasingly diverse, complex and fast- changing world. The program will offer International MA in Political specializations in Middle Eastern studies, Science in Action: Leadership, philosophy, literature, Israel and Jewish Communication and Elections studies, digital culture, or psychology and Aimed at professionals seeking careers psychoanalysis. Head of the Program is in politics, public policy and the media, Dr. Milette Shamir of the Entin Faculty of this program addresses the challenges Humanities. posed by the political leadership in a global communications age. The program BSc in Electrical and Electronics includes study trips and meetings with Engineering politicians, leading media personalities The four-year program will be offered by and elections specialists. The program is TAU’s Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, co-headed by Prof. Michal Shamir and ranked among the top 100 engineering Dr. Amal Jamal, both of the Gordon schools in the world. Drawing on the faculty’s Faculty of Social Sciences. strong ties with the high-tech industry, the 70 students enrolled each year will be This is the only program in placed in internships at the Israeli branches the English-speaking world of the world’s top international high-tech that really suited me. I love companies. Head of the Program is Prof. the tours to conflict flash Anthony Weiss of the Fleischman Faculty of points – they show us the Engineering. reality on the ground and how to communicate that International MA in Migration reality. Studies Aramis Kincino Hernandez, The only one of its kind in Israel and one of 27, Mexico, communications a few worldwide, the program was designed specialist in the office of to respond to the growing importance of former Mexican President issues relating to global migration through a Carlos Salinas de Gortari multidisciplinary lens. Offered by the Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences, the program will train students for careers in public policy, international affairs, politics, research, academia and non-profit organizations. Heads of the Program are outgoing Dean of Social Sciences Noah Lewin-Epstein and Prof. Moshe Semyonov.

12 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

How do you mold great scientists of the future – scientists who will help Grooming Scientists place Israel at the forefront of global technological innovation? One way is to give gifted teenagers a solid ground- Who Still Wear Braces ing in scientific know-how, thinking and methodology, say the creators of a Meeting with President Shimon Peres face-to-face unique science teaching program pio- neered at TAU’s Dov Lautman Unit for was a momentous occasion for 72 high-school Science Oriented Youth, Constantiner kids in a TAU-led science education program School of Education. The program – President’s Initiative for Israel’s Future Scientists and Inventors – is the brainchild of President Shimon Peres as part of his efforts to encourage science education in Israel. TAU was given the chance to pilot the program and serve as a model for other universities. Now in its third year, the intensive four-year program takes in highly gifted 8th graders on a competitive basis. The youngsters apply by themselves or are recommended by their teachers. Finalists are selected according to their scores in a written test and their performance in a summer science “boot camp.” For the first two years, participants take university-level courses for ten hours a week in mathematics, physics and chemistry, followed by exams in these subjects for which they are credited by the relevant departments. and Beverly Sackler School The pupils also take It’s incredible to think that kids in the of Physics and Astronomy, part in an intensive a former TAU Rector and three-week study pro- 9th grade are studying Newtonian the academic chairman of gram taught by visiting mechanics and calculus at the university TAU’s Youth University, and scientists in the fields of level. I can’t imagine myself today if I coordinated by Shira Shofty, bioinformatics, evolu- hadn’t taken part in the program. Head of the Dov Lautman tion, astronomy and Unit for Science Oriented – Ben Shenhar, 17, new immigrant neuroscience. For the Youth. final two years they are The program was imple- integrated into laboratories where they Health and a TAU graduate, says: “We mented with the financial support of TAU conduct independent research under don’t expect the youngsters to discover Governor Gil Shwed, founder and CEO of academic supervision, as well attend the quantum basis for superconductivity Check Point Software Inc., and Chairman various TAU courses. at high temperature! But what they’re of the Executive Council of TAU’s Youth Academic Director of the program, learning and experiencing here is the University, with additional funding and Dr. Uri Nevo of the Fleischman Faculty real way science is performed.” organizational aid from the Sacta-Rashi of Engineering, a recent recruit to TAU The program is headed by Prof. Foundation and TAU Governor and from the US National Institutes of Shimon Yankielowicz of the Raymond Honorary Doctor Sami Sagol. 13 revival 14 By Louise Shalev thinkers in the liberal arts.” arts.” liberal the in thinkers and of researchers to develop acadre is aim “Our Milner. says research,” vanced ad towards them nurturing also while humanities, and arts in of disciplines possible scope widest to the them expose and year each students motivated and intelligent about“We highly 20 take expert. Milner, aHebrew literature Dr. head mission,” Iris program states education. higher humanities at Israeli institutions of and arts the in programs of excellence number the increase to people business and representatives of academic mittee com by a special recommendations –recent preceded even –and with line in is The program to students. relevance of fields crucial as concentrations these reestablish and years recent in society in humanities and arts of the status declining the to redress designed was theof operation,program year fifth Now its entering of Arts. Faculty Katz of the Naveh, Dean Prof.and Hannah of Humanities, Faculty Entin of the Prof. former Dean Shlomo Biderman, level. undergraduate at the study of fields both in a concentration providing program aunique Arts, and Humanities the in Honors Program of TAU’s Rich hallmark Marc the is exploration that broad, interdisciplinary of of ShayAgnon.It’s type reading this to conduct aNietzschian literature and philosophy of knowledge strong a and music to Romantic classical from shift the grasp to philosophy and history Y ou need a good grounding in music, music, in grounding ou agood need “This is a degree program with with a program is a degree “This The program is a joint initiative of is a joint initiative The program Cultural Immersion Cultural is helpingrejuvenate undervaluedstudyareas The Marc RichHonorsProgram intheHumanitiesandArts - - town of Mitzpe Ramon, one of tensib Ramon, oftown Mitzpe principal. aschool as position society, in perhaps leadership ameaningful toward him guide will ing understand this hopes He humankind. to understanding essential is of culture abroadWar, knowledge that believes Lebanon Second the pilot in who fought acombat of helicopter Reuel, education. field the in society, particularly Israeli in change areal to make of adesire outShualy, program took the 30. Reuel Reuel graduate of program aspirations Naveh. Hannah Prof. of Arts system,” Dean value says Israeli the in profoundand change about positive bringing ultimately are we arts and upon humanities placed olam to tikkun of away contributing it as Value system Reuel grew up in the southern Negev Negev southern the up in grew Reuel the with line in are ideals lofty These see also The program’s initiators in Israel. “By reinstating the value value the “By Israel. reinstating in - - art,” says Reuel. “There is complex art. art. complexis “There Reuel. art,” says High or low art? writing.” and literature through mans philosophy and aboutstage; hu speaks theater, screen; the on itdoes through Cinema about life. speaks art end, all the In theater, the for in example. tragedy of concept the understand me helps Nietzsche “Knowing says. he another,” to one speak that languages separate are er, “All four literature. philosophy and theat cinema, of four: forfaculty, atotal each from clusters study took two Reuel age. early an at poetry writing and love of reading a developed also but studies, field and environmental in a school specializing at Boker Sde in school high attended Negev. the He to settle reasons logical moved out there of ideo ex-kibbutzniks, parents, His family. asecular in lings “I don’t believe in high art or“I low don’t art high in believe program, the in students other Like - - - 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

papers on cinema in the First World drifting away from film toward Bible War. “I needed a strong background in and Hebrew studies. “I began reading history and cinema to be able to give an the bible auto-didactically during the historical perspective,” she says. army and connecting to Jewish history,” For Hen the added value of the pro- he says. “Maybe I was looking for my gram was belonging to a special group roots, for the basics.” within the university. “Students in the Or believes that all students in Israel program stick together, study together should pursue liberal arts degrees before and attend enrichment activities to- proceeding on to professional degrees. gether, including museum visits, opera, “Before you professionalize you have meetings with intellectuals and artists, to have the basics in order to think and architectural tours,” she says. critically.” Reuel says that the Rich Program Cultural connections allows students to choose from so many While Hen pushes on with her ca- departments. “I have done courses in reer as a journalist, program graduate East Asian studies, philosophy, theater, Toam Semel, 24, feels she gained from art, film, history and in my third year the program’s abundant possibilities. I started to connect eastern philosophy Hailing from a family of art cura- with Ancient Near East studies. One of From left: Hen Roznek, Reuel tors, Toam believes that the place of the questions that concerned me was Shualy and Toam Semel culture in our lives is of paramount how to apply Michael Foucault’s theory importance. “Everything boils down of sexuality to the hero in the ancient to culture eventually,” she says. “Even Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh.” when it comes to friendships, most of If all this seems like a supermarket of the time we connect to people because ideas Dr. Milner stresses that the pro- of their artistic preferences. From these gram is highly structured and provides connections we see how art reflects life.” close guidance to the students. “We I prefer complex art which reflects the Toam believes that the program – want them to experiment, but we don’t wider realities and talks about universal which for her involved studying philoso- want them to get lost,” she says. “We issues away from everyday matters.” phy, psychoanalysis and linguistics to- accompany them closely and make sure Among the first crop of 24 students gether with they choose and to graduate last year was Hen Roznek, c i n e m a concentrate in 26, who is now incorporating the inter- and music All students in Israel should the right fields disciplinary knowledge she gained in – enables for them.” the program into master’s studies at the st udent s pursue liberal arts degrees Department of Geography and Human to k e ep before proceeding on to The program Environment. For her study clusters processing professional degrees. is funded by in the BA program, Hen combined ideas. “You the Marc Rich history and psychoanalysis together can keep Foundation for with cinema and general arts studies. growing and experimenting with new Education, Culture and Welfare, a Swiss In the army she served as a cultural cor- ideas and areas. It’s not, say, psychology, foundation based in Lucerne, with offices respondent for the popular IDF radio where you learn a fixed profession,” in Tel Aviv and Switzerland. The founda- station, and thus launched a career in she says. tion supports a wide range of initiatives journalism at an early stage. It was this in Israel and internationally. Its founder, interest in culture that tipped the scales From film to bible Marc Rich, a major TAU benefactor, in favor of the Rich Program, says Hen. Or Cohen, 28, a program graduate, received a TAU honorary doctorate in Hen took courses in a wide range of studied in the film track at high school 2009 in recognition of his extensive subjects including bible, architecture, and wanted to pursue film studies at philanthropic activities. The Marc Rich Buddhism and feminism, among others, university. He was attracted to the Foundation also supports doctoral fellow- but history was always dominant for program because it offered him wider ships at TAU. The Managing Director of her, she says. She wrote three seminar choices. By his second year, he began the Foundation is Avner Azulay. 15 The war on drugs makes headlines, but it’s the victims of addiction who are caught in the crossfire, facing a grueling road to recovery for which there are few effective treatments. And in cases of

medicine prescription drugs such as Oxycodone or Ritalin, even patients in a clinical setting can fall prey to addiction. At TAU’s Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Thinking Box G. Adelson Center for the Biology of the Addictive Diseases, scientists are analyz- Outside ing – practically molecule by molecule – the biological processes of addiction. They are advancing new and unexpected solutions and finding hidden properties about Addiction to addictive drugs that may offer treat- ments for various degenerative diseases. Comprising researchers from a variety TAU scientists are researching new of disciplines, including neurobiology for the and psychology, the center is part of medications and therapies the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and is treatment of addictive drugs the first of its kind in Israel.

Taking the pain out of morphine Prof. Yosef Sarne, a researcher at the that cause the debilitating withdrawal withdrawal Adelson Center who is investigating symptoms. The capacity of morphine to treat the properties of morphine, discovered Armed with this knowledge, Prof. debilitating pain comes with a serious that a miniscule dose of morphine – less Sarne is now exploring the possibil- downside: it is a highly addictive drug. than one thousandth of a normal dose ity of treating morphine withdrawal Withdrawal produces intense pain, diar- – causes the same severe pain and diar- by using naloxone, which prevents the rhea and other symptoms, all of which rhea that occur during withdrawal from binding of morphine to opiate recep- make recovery from addiction extremely morphine. Prof. Sarne determined that tors in the brain and thereby neutral- traumatic for patients. the blood of patients undergoing with- izes the effects of the drug. In patients Until now there has been no treat- drawal contains these same miniscule undergoing withdrawal, high doses of ment that could completely and per- doses of morphine. Because the drug naloxone may prevent the painful side manently alleviate the withdrawal takes time to leave the body entirely, it effects caused by small quantities of

By Ilana Teitelbaum symptoms from morphine addiction. may be these tiny quantities of the drug residual morphine in the bloodstream, and ease the road from withdrawal to recovery.

Developing a non-addictive pain killer Researchers around the world are constantly in search of analgesic drugs that will treat pain as effectively as morphine, but without the addiction and side effects that make morphine so problematic.

Prof. Zvi Currently it is known that a small Vogel, dose of morphine combined with anti- Director of the Adelson depressant drugs can amplify the efficacy Center of the morphine. Based on this principle, 16 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

children with ADHD, and its long-term effects on the brain, are still unknown to researchers. What is known is that the drug elicits dependence and has the potential for abuse by long-term users. Prof. Moshe Rehavi, incumbent of the Adelson Chair in the Biology of Addictive Diseases, is researching the novel cellular and molecular modes of action of Ritalin and the relevance of neu- robiological mechanisms that have been identified to the prevention of addictive behavior. Since Ritalin and cocaine are in the same drug class – they are both psycho-stimulant drugs – treatment for Ritalin addiction and withdrawal may extend to cocaine addiction and years, and which may allow a treatment withdrawal, notes Rehavi. Like cocaine, for reducing the symptoms of degenera- Ritalin increases the release of the neu- tive diseases such as multiple sclerosis rotransmitter dopamine and inhibits its and Parkinson’s. reuptake in the brain, thereby stimulating When microglial cells – the immune motivation and energy. cells of the nervous system – are activat- “Students in every university are tak- Prof. Chaim Pick is testing the effects of ed, their function is to attack pathogens ing Ritalin, without being diagnosed anti-depressant drugs in combination that have entered their area. But when with ADHD, just to be more focused with methadone, a synthetic narcotic the microglia are activated for too long, and have more energy,” Rehavi explains. that behaves in a manner similar to mor- chronic inflammation can result, which “This is a bad thing, because in the long- phine and heroin. Pick has discovered accompanies various neurodegenerative term, high doses of Ritalin may lead to that the methadone-based formula may diseases. In the course of his research, addiction.” potentially work as well as morphine Prof. Vogel has proven that CBD can Yet in children with ADHD, Ritalin for the treatment of chronic pain—and reduce this inflammation, thereby po- has the opposite effect: instead of in- possibly even better. tentially alleviating some of the crippling creasing their energy level, Ritalin calms symptoms of these diseases. them down. Rehavi describes this para- Treating neurodegenerative Meanwhile, Prof. Sarne has produced dox as an “enigma” for which there is diseases and injury with research indicating that administering a currently no known explanation. marijuana very low dose of tetrahydrocannabinol In studying the long-term effects of Marijuana has long been known to (the major psychoactive component of Ritalin on the brain, Rehavi aims to relieve pain and nausea, but the medi- marijuana) – about one-thousandth of uncover the mystery and help patients cal benefits may in fact be much more the amount of a single cigarette – to cope with the challenges of withdrawal significant. Researchers at the Adelson the victim of a brain trauma within from the drug. “Rather than just treating Center are finding major medical prop- the first 24 hours can help minimize the severe side effects of withdrawal as erties in marijuana that could affect the injury. The technique enlists the is currently done today, our goal is to the way neurodegenerative diseases and brain’s own self-protective mechanism treat the entire process.” brain injuries are treated. to keep damage from spreading. The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Isolating the components of mari- Adelson Center for the Biology of Addictive juana and studying each individually Connection between Ritalin and Diseases was founded by addiction re- can lead to significant medical advances, cocaine searcher and clinician Dr. Miriam Adelson explains Prof. Zvi Vogel, the Director of Ritalin is routinely prescribed for and her husband, Sheldon G. Adelson, the center. One of these components is children with attention deficit hyperac- both TAU honorary doctors. Dr. Adelson cannabidiol (CBD), which Prof. Vogel tivity disorder (ADHD). Yet the mecha- earned her MD at TAU’s Sackler School has been investigating for the past three nism by which Ritalin works to calm of Medicine. 17 interview 18 historical tragedy without signing away away without signing tragedy historical of Jewish depth the acknowledge can proper. Palestinians the to Israel And of return to aright leading without this trauma refugees’ Palestinian the nize recog can But Israelis rights. national legitimate forfeit their will they pain, mutual their were to recognize they if that think they because other’s suffering each denying “competitive victimhood,” other’s pain? each aboutacknowledging What amajor barrier. remains sides two the between of trust complete lack However, other’sof each a existence. negation the beyond moving finally We psyche. are collective their tion in a revolu also is This state. own their for basis the as Green Line the accept of a majority Palestinians And ago. ades acouple of dec scenario unimaginable –an state independent Palestinian of an establishment the accept of Israelis ity A major to peace. obstacle this coming have sides both negotiations, in stalemate adead-end? to us leads this Surely reconciliation. and about peace talk we cannot which without sides, for both internalizations arepainful deeply These of Return. Right the and homeland sider their con they of what majority to the claim it’s their relinquishing Palestinians, the for And Jerusalem. It dividing is land. home webiblical of consider our what part conceding it requires For Israelis, narratives. historical our in beliefs core it challenges as process, psychological is a It profound fundamental. is This identities. collective and rights national play? at issues psychological intractable most the are it aboutWhat territory. is as S conflict is as much about psychology aboutpsychology as much is conflict ome say that the Israeli-Palestinian Israeli-Palestinian the ome that say Israelis and Palestinians engage in in engage Palestinians and Israelis present Despite the Not necessarily. other’s of each recognition Mutual made tremendous progress in over in progress tremendous made ------There was no Green Line, even though though even Line, no Green was There of map Israel. brought home apolitical of Israelis? generation anew among of peace” a “culture nurture done be instead to can What of Israel. future the izing jeopard existentially as wrong-doing, of acknowledgement any concession, any paints It intractable. conflict the makes and learned, is mentality siege This like. the and us” world against is thewhole existence, for very a fight our “We in are mentality: to siege reference some Ifind day every –almost books text school press, the in articles ers, lead political of view.our The speeches world this maintain that socialization of agents powerful of extremely but also Holocaust, the including experiences, of not real is aresult siege only under being of feeling tality.”national This “siege men call psychologists social that “grayness”? proverbial this accepting to averse so Israelis are Why to end. needs game The blame sides. by both were committed actions of sorts all which during of bloodshed, about years – we’re100 conflict talking agray is Ours to ahomeland. rights their My ten-year old daughter recently recently My old ten-year daughter a phenomenon is impediment A key Impossibility the the Realm - - - - B

encouraging development. encouraging extremely –an this said explicitly and Lebanon in camps refugee visited has President to reality. adjusted be Abbas can expectations that so Arabic, in and loudly, this unequivocally, to declare proper. needs to Israel leadership Their not returning be will they that accept to population refugee their preparing being challenge psychological biggest the I see For Palestinians, the goals. their violenceto achieve to use ceasing in state, own to their of Israelis rights the incitement, recognizing in battling in education, In Israelis. the as same the take? to need dothey steps What Palestinians? of the what And worldviews. negative other and other,of the mentality siege negation aspirations, of maximal go our –to let measures other amongst books of text revision and curricula school in changes require will This peace. promotealso can education conflict,” “ethos of the sustaining in critical is But education of if levels. basic most the on socialization is pro-conflict This Palestinians. to the nothing and Israel, to belongs theland all that teaches This West hasn’t the Israel Bank. annexed They need to do exactly, absolutelyexactly, to do need They eyond of of -

2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

Despite the impasse in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, TAU’s Prof. Daniel Bar-Tal, recipient of the 2011 Harold Lasswell Award By Judd Yadid of the International Society of Political Psychology, emphatically believes that the two sides can overcome the formidable psychological barriers to reconciliation

How does religion fit into this interdependent, and have thousands of Finally, how would you answer process of promoting an ethos of town-twinning arrangements. All these skeptics who claim none of this reconciliation? countries and societies have undergone is possible – that Israelis and When you are talking on a national- reconciliation after protracted, bloody Palestinians are destined to fight istic level, you can make compromises, conflicts. So there is hope for us. We each other for eternity? but when we are talking of religion, can combine applicable elements such Hatred is not genetic. It is learned then only God can solve the problem. as joint projects, publicized meetings be- and used to condition each new genera- There are not enough religious voices tween our leaders, civil society collabora- tion into thinking that no other reality that promote peace, rather than sanctify tion, changes to school curricula, mutual besides conflict is possible. And if we war. This is a major impediment to apology, and so on. The possibilities are can learn this hatred, we can unlearn peacemaking. However, a promising endless. The last two chapters of my it too. template is the Interreligious Council, next book focus on this very question; established under former US President what faces this reconciliation can take. George W. Bush, which consists of chief rabbis, imams, bishops and so forth. It is tasked with promoting interfaith Prof. Daniel Bar-Tal, dialogue and non-violent solutions a TAU faculty member for nearly forty to conflict. So there is a multi-faith years, is the Branco Weiss Professor channel of communication. This is a of Research in Child Development powerful basis for a positive role for and Education at the Constantiner religion in ending the ethos of conflict School of Education. He completed that dominates the two peoples. his undergraduate studies at TAU, What foreign models of and doctorate at the University of reconciliation could further this Pittsburgh. aim of achieving a lasting peace? The author and editor of over twenty books and two hundred articles, There have been real results in coun- Bar-Tal’s latest publication, Intractable tries such as Bosnia and Northern Conflicts: Socio-Psychological Ireland. South Africa’s Truth and Dynamics and Foundations, will be Reconciliation Commission is credited released by Cambridge University with helping the country heal its racial Press in mid-2012. wounds. France and Germany teach common histories, are economically 19 historical collection Germany Marius Bischoff,20,avolunteerfrom Cologne, happened. me closertowhatreally in theCollection.They bring the DerStürmernewspapers from theLodzGhettoand fascinated bythediaries in JudaismandIsrael.I’m I’ve alwaysbeeninterested 20

By Louise Shalev England, 1938 the BishopofDurham,London, HiemerwithforewordErnst by The PoisonousMushroomby quickly aspossiblefordeportation 1936) aimedtoround up Jews as Palestine!” (Dresden, Germany, The game:“JewsOut!.Goto Nazi children’s literature, 1935 1938 , 1934, newspaper DerStürmer Original copiesoftheNazi Clockwise from left: teer usedittoconnect tohiscountry’s Elders ofZion . Ayoung German volun- her seminalwork onthe Protocols ofthe Israeli Supreme Justice Court used it for links totheir past in Germany. Aformer to trace his grandparents’ mysterious A largest resources on20 reopened WienerCollectionisoneoftheworld’s With over1.5milliondocuments,TAU’s newly Third Reich,anti-SemitismandtheHolocaust documentary filmmaker used it documentary A Window onto A Window th centuryGermany, the lion indexed clippings,unpublished comprises some 100,000books,1mil- the publicafterextensive renovations. Wiener Collection, which reopened to resource they drew upon was TAU’s andJewishhistory past.Thecommon The continually growing collection Anti-Semitism 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

Tracing the Past Documentary film makerArnon Goldfinger, pictured, a TAU lecturer in film and a TAU graduate, made use of the Wiener Collection for his prize-winning documentary, HaDira (The Flat). The film traces Goldfinger’s efforts to reconstruct his grandparents’ past in Germany from newspapers and documents he found in their apartment after his grandmother’s death. Among the surprising items stuffed in the apartment were issues of the Nazi newspaper Der Angriff (The Attack). “One of the things I was forced to deal with in making the movie was the question of the importance of knowing your family’s past. Undoubtedly the discoveries I made with the help of the materials in the Wiener Collection illuminated the complex path I was following with the exposure of my family’s charged and unclear past,”

A Window onto

Anti-Semitism Still shot from The Flat

memoirs and testimonies, 40,000 docu- Governments during WWII. Its materi- Above is a selection of just a few of ments on the Nuremberg Trials, multiple als also played a vital role in the charges the tools of hatred and incitement that editions of the Protocols of the Elders of war criminals at the Nuremberg trials. make up the collection. of Zion and 2,700 original magazines. TAU obtained the collection in 1980 The renovations to the Wiener Library Established by German-Jewish with the help of the late TAU donor Fred building were partially supported by the scholar Dr. Alfred Wiener in 1933 to Lessing, fulfilling Dr. Wiener’s wish to Beracha Foundation, established in 1971 expose the horrors of German anti-Sem- have it housed in Israel. by Josephine and Caroline Gruss to provide itism, the collection was transferred to The collection is directed by Tamar philanthropic aid to Israel. The building, London in 1939 for safekeeping and Sagi and is part of the Sourasky known commonly as the Wiener Library, served as a major resource for the British Central Library, headed by Na’ama has been renamed the Joseph and Caroline Ministry of Information and the Allied Scheftelowitz. Gruss Library of Special Collections. 21 A woman in Shanghai surfs the chan- Bronstein’s technology, a complex ists and enabling the use of ‘biometric nels on her TV with successive twirls amalgam of mathematics, computer locks’ - in which our faces, no matter of her fingers, doing away with cum- science and engineering, allows imaging what gestural variables, serve as infal- bersome remote controls. A man in of non-rigid shapes to create geometric lible PIN codes and signatures. Miami adjusts the room temperature profiles of movable animate objects. This Using the same technology, 3D by waving his left hand, dims the lights enables the identification or “reading” recognition could open the door to a with his right, and locks his apartment of the 3D object despite variations in world of multifaceted natural human- by drawing a quick ‘L’ in the air. In its form and position, such as a person machine interfaces – for instance, the Mumbai, a surgeon presents the victim waving or jumping. use of specific facial gestures and body of a facially-disfiguring attack with an movements to control computers, ap- anatomically accurate 3D virtual mirror Myriad applications pliances and the like, without the need of how she will look after surgery, and in At just 22, Bronstein, along with his for keyboards, buttons and other soon- San Francisco, a paraplegic plays virtual identical twin brother Michael, devel- to-be-passé physical instruments. soccer, his 3D avatar scoring goals with oped a pioneering 3D facial recognition Another bold advance is the develop- masterful overhead scissor kicks. modality that enables highly-accurate ment of a ‘virtual mirror’ that generates It’s not science fiction, but reality- identification of and differentiation anatomically precise 3D post-surgery in-the-making – the brave new world between people – and the astound- images – a major innovation given that the technological innovations of ing ability to tell the brothers apart. the fact that current visual prediction Dr. Alex Bronstein of TAU’s Fleischman Licensed to an Israeli start-up in 2010, in cosmetic and restorative surgery is Faculty of Engineering are helping to this technology has major ramifications confined to 2D. Bronstein and his usher in. for security – such as tracking terror- collaborators’ technology could also fundamentally change the way surgical operations are performed in other areas, such as neurosurgery, where surgical planning and brain imaging will be On the Frontier of 3D elevated to new heights of precision. Advanced 3D technology and its real-world Bronstein is also collaborating with applications stand to revolutionize a major American automobile company everything from security to to utilize his technology to make more versatile and thus productive assembly surgery – and TAU’s new lines. And, with an array of additional faculty recruit Dr. Alex applications – including virtual dressing Bronstein is leading rooms and computational archaeology – the way his innovations are playing a formidable role in the shaping of a new, 3D era.

22 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

A team of TAU researchers are de- veloping a new method of destroying cancerous tumors that could ensure per- Tumor manent tumor removal and immunity to the cancer’s return. Based on tumor ablation, a process through which the Blaster tumor is destroyed from inside the body, researchers Prof. Itzhak Kelson, of the to a cluster bomb – “instead of detonat- Raymond and Beverly Sackler School ing at one point, the atoms continu- of Physics and Astronomy, and Prof. ally disperse and emit alpha particles Yona Keisari of the Sackler Faculty of at increasing distances.” Not only are Medicine, have developed a radioac- the cancer cells destroyed but in most tive wire the size of a pin, which, when cases the body also develops immunity inserted into a solid tumor, releases against the return of the cancer. lethal radioactive atoms that irradiate The technology has been licensed the tumor with alpha particles. by Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd., The radioactive wire developed by radiation by implanting radioactive TAU’s technology transfer company, the team circumvents the drawbacks of ions directly into the tumor. The wire to Althera Medical Ltd. The treatment, traditional gamma or beta radiation. is coated with atoms that emit not just called DaRT – “Diffusing Alpha- Although alpha radiation is more lethal alpha particles, but also daughter atoms Emitter’s Radiation Therapy,” is being to the tumor cells, its range is too short which are themselves alpha emitters. commercialized by Althera Medical to be an effective treatment, explains These atoms diffuse inside the tumor, Ltd. in Tel Aviv and New York and Prof. Kelson. The wire developed by spreading further and further before will be tested in clinical trials at the the team skirts the drawbacks of alpha disintegrating. Keisari likens the process TAU-affiliated Rabin Medical Center.

The Future is Freemium In an internet age where the widespread users are active con- online availability of free content has tributors, not passive reduced consumers’ willingness to pay, consumers, of content. a new business model – ‘Freemium’ In one of a series – has emerged, in which basic access of interdisciplinary to content is provided for free while e-commerce research additional, premium services are of- projects spearheaded by fered for a fee. In response to this a major agreement be- changing climate, a recent study con- tween Google and Tel Aviv University, ing that potential fee-paying subscribers ducted by Dr. Gal Oestreicher-Singer Oestreicher-Singer and Zalmanson ana- of content websites are not necessarily and doctoral student Lior Zalmanson lyzed Last.fm, an online radio and social the most avid content consumers, but of the Faculty of Management—Leon networking site that uses the Freemium rather the most active participants in the Recanati Graduate School of Business model. Consumers who participate in website’s online community, the study Administration has found that a key user talkback and the like demonstrate stands to improve the adaptability and means for converting users from ‘free to a higher propensity to upgrade to pre- thus profitability of business models for fee’ lies in incorporating a ‘community’ mium in order to use extra features com- online content providers in a rapidly into content websites, where ‘Freemium’ pared to users who do not. By suggest- changing digital era. 23 Conventional wisdom holds that plas- Landesberg Chair in Green Chemistry can replicate polypropylene’s resilience – tics should be biodegradable to lessen of the Raymond and Beverly Sackler presenting chemists with the challenge pollution and safeguard the planet. Faculty of Exact Sciences, is developing of making it as “green” as possible. Now, a TAU solution for producing a new versions of one of the world’s most In response, Prof. Kol, together stronger version of a non-biodegradable common plastics. with his team of researchers, has suc- plastic – polypropylene – could end up Polypropylene, characterized by its ceeded in developing new catalysts Plastic rather being just as environmentally-friendly. strength and durability, is used in an ar- for the polypropylene manufacturing than metallic auto-parts Drawing on the principles of green ray of applications including textiles and process, resulting in the production will reduce chemistry – a field that advocates more packaging – for example, in creating of the strongest version of it created car fuel consumption. efficient use of energy and the produc- air-tight containers for food preserva- to date. This breakthrough has major tion of less hazardous waste – Prof. tion. To date, none of the biodegradable ramifications for future applications Moshe Kol, incumbent of the Bruno alternatives that have been developed of polypropylene, particularly in the manufacturing of cars. One-tenth the weight of steel, polypropylene in its improved form could replace metallic How to auto-parts, resulting in cars that weigh less and thus consume less fuel. Make Therefore, while not biodegradable, this new and improved polypropylene “Good” stands to save immense amounts of energy – particularly in an age where car ownership in countries such as China Plastics and India is soaring – redefining what it means for a material to be considered “green.”

A Driving Force for Better Diagnosis Imagine a tiny camera that can swim the body – can be dangerously invasive. through the body like a tadpole, provid- Capsule endoscopes have already been ing close-up images of hidden problems developed for use in the small intes- in the digestive tract. If this seems like tine, but whereas they travel randomly, science fiction, it’s now closer to re- snapping pictures every half a second, ality in the laboratory of Dr. Gabor Kosa’s new “wireless” capsule uses the Kosa, a mechanical engineer at TAU’s magnetic field of magnetic resonance Fleischman Faculty of Engineering and imaging (MRI) as a driving force to a new faculty recruit from ETH Zurich, enable the capsule to “swim” in a more Switzerland. precise and deliberate path, directed by Kosa has developed a swimming a physician. mechanism for a tiny “capsule endo- “The ability to drive the capsule will scope” which travels through the diges- not only lead to better diagnoses, but The swimming tail that propels the capsule endoscope tive tract taking pictures of difficult- patients will experience a less invasive to-see tumors or wounds. Traditional procedure in a fraction of the time en- oped in collaboration with Peter Jakab endoscopes – small cameras or optic doscopy takes today,” says Kosa. of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital fibers that are attached to flexible tubing The technology, which was reported in Boston, affiliated with Harvard designed to investigate the interior of in Biomedical Microdevices, was devel- Medical School. 24 Leadership

City of Frankfurt Honors Buchmann Vice Chairman of the TAU Board of Governors and major TAU benefactor Josef Buchmann was presented with a Badge of Honor of Frankfurt by the Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt Petra Roth, a TAU honorary doctor. TAU President Joseph Klafter especially flew in to give the main speech at the ceremony. Here are excerpts:

From left: TAU “Josef Buchmann has played a vital role over three born. Founded in 2004, the school is now Israel’s leading President decades in building up Tel Aviv University, in fortifying institution in the field. Its activities are carried out in full Joseph Klafter with the German-Israeli relationship, and in strengthening the partnership with the Israel Philharmonic and its honorary Bareket State of Israel. president and guiding personality is Maestro Zubin Mehta. and Dr. (h.c.) Josef Josef’s involvement with Tel Aviv University began in Four years ago, the school’s orchestra played a special Buchmann 1980, when he initiated the establishment of the Frankfurt memorial concert for the United Nations General Assembly Chair for Visiting Professors. Very soon afterwards, he en- on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which coin- dowed the Josef Buchmann Fellowship Fund jointly at Tel cided with the date Auschwitz was liberated. Ninety young Aviv University and the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University. students, many of whom were grandchildren of Holocaust It was the first bi-national doctoral fund at Tel Aviv survivors, performed in a concert entirely sponsored by University and it was – and still remains – the largest fund Josef, himself a Holocaust survivor. of its kind, having given over 300 fellowships to PhD stu- Buchmann is also funding an international scholarship dents in Tel Aviv and Frankfurt. program that brings outstanding foreign students to the Josef’s next project at Tel Aviv University was endowing Buchmann-Mehta School. the law school in the memory of his parents, Eliezer and There is another side of Josef that is not connected to Haya Sara Buchmann, who perished in the Holocaust. The the University that I would like to talk about, the side that Buchmann Faculty has evolved into the country’s most in- is always ready to help. fluential law school, internationally recognized for its high He has personally welcomed new immigrants from Russia quality research, practical training, and pursuit of social coming to Israel and made sure they received hot meals. justice. Just this year we received Buchmann funding for a He has enabled 250 Israeli children to receive a traditional new legal clinic for Holocaust survivor rights. Jewish education, together with hot lunches, at the Buchmann The fellowships, the law school – one could understand Educational Campus. He has donated medical equipment if Josef had stopped there. But he had a bolder vision, his to save the lives of Israeli soldiers. He has established the largest yet for Tel Aviv University. Buchmann Ward at the Sourasky Medical Center and He proposed to join three great loves – the Israel the Buchmann Gynecology and Maternity Center at Tel Philharmonic Orchestra, Zubin Mehta, and Tel Aviv Hashomer in Israel; and the Buchmann Children’s Hospital University – into one, groundbreaking project. in Frankfurt. And thus the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music was He has also never forgotten his native city of Lodz, Poland, 25 Initiatives

where he has provided hot meals for elderly Jews, financed During the same visit, he unveiled a memorial in Survivors the restoration of 6,000 Jewish graves, and partnered in the Park honoring Poles who saved Jews during the war, which Lodz Ghetto Memorial at the train station. he supported together with the Lodz municipality. In 2009, on the 65th anniversary of the liquidation of Finally, Josef is a true patriot of Israel. For his exceptional the Lodz Ghetto, he was decorated with the “Commanders contributions to the State of Israel he was recognized by Cross with Star” of the Polish Order of Merit – the highest President Ezer Weizman, Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin and honor bestowed in Poland – by President Lech Kaczyński. Ariel Sharon, and most recently, President Shimon Peres.”

able underprivileged children to undergo real change through music and to offer them a door into society.” Modeled on El Sistema in Venezuela, the

President of program, now in its second year, set up wind the Swiss and string orchestras for children and youth. Friends Anette Bollag- The program was launched last year at three Rothschild outlying areas in Israel: Neve Michael in Pardes with pupils in the Sulamot Hanna, Migdal Ohr in Migdal Ha’Emek and at program the Kadima Youth Home in Yavneh. Following the success of the first year, the program has been extended this year to include children in Beersheba, Ethiopian children in Rehovot and Sulamot Program children in south Tel Aviv. Many of the teachers are students of TAU’s special master’s program for strings and winds at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, sponsored by the Swiss friends of TAU. Music for Prof. Tomer Lev, a member of the steering committee from the Buchmann-Mehta School Social Change of Music, stresses the significance of these pro- Based on the idea that perhaps children at-risk don’t grams for the students who teach the children – both as an need therapy in the traditional sense, but rather a corrective, important experience in teaching and also as a model for super-positive experience, TAU’s Sulamot (“Scales”) Program social change through music. – Music for Social Change is demonstrating successfully Prof. Tammie Ronen, Head of the Renata Adler Memorial that music is a valuable tool for improving the emotional Research Center for Child Welfare and Protection at TAU’s happiness of children at-risk. The program is an initiative Bob Shapell School of Social Work and incoming Social of TAU’s Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, the Israel Sciences Dean, says that studies the center has conducted Philharmonic Orchestra KeyNote program on the program and TAU’s Bob Shapell School of Social since its inception Work and is funded by Keren Hayesod show that it has of Switzerland, the Israel Philharmonic We enable underprivileged brought about sig- Orchestra Foundation and the American children to undergo real change nificant change in Friends of the Israel Philharmonic. It is through music. the children’s hap- directed by TAU faculty member Sarah piness and ability Elbaz. to express emotion. Anette Bollag-Rothschild, Chairman of the steering com- Her study also indicates that the program also brought the mittee and the President of the Swiss Friends of TAU, says, level of subjective wellbeing of the children at-risk to that of “We will all benefit from a program preventing antisocial be- regular children. havior that provides meaningful leisure time and after-school “Our dream is that every Israeli child should have the activity. With Sulamot we have exactly what we need to en- right to play an instrument,” says Mrs. Bollag-Rothschild. 26 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

David J. Azrieli Hall Dedicated The beautiful entrance University Club marking 20 years of support by the Azrieli to TAU’s Genia Schreiber Foundation for TAU. Prof. Klafter praised Mr. Azrieli as a David Azrieli University Art Gallery was “man of foresight and great generosity of spirit, who single- dedicated by TAU President handedly created a school that is an exciting, thriving center Joseph Klafter and Dean of of excellence with an international reputation.” Prof. Klafter Arts Hannah Naveh in honor noted that when the school needed more space to launch a of David J. Azrieli, TAU Honorary Doctor and founder of master’s program in architecture, Mr. Azrieli stepped up, TAU’s Azrieli School of Architecture. The plaque was un- “getting so personally involved that he even designed the veiled after a special luncheon held at the Marcelle Gordon two beautiful floors that we are building today.”

Zeev Segal Hall

A Model of Justice and Fairness The late Prof. The Zeev Segal Hall at the Gordon Faculty of Social Zeev Segal Sciences was dedicated in tribute to the late Prof. Zeev Segal by his wife Lili and son Hadar, one year after his untimely passing. Prof. Segal was a longtime member of the Department of Public Policy and Director of the Executive Master’s in Public Policy, as well as one of Israel’s most prominent jurists and legal commentators. Segal’s regular col- umns in the Ha’aretz newspaper provided important insights ability to persist into the most pressing legal matters in Israeli everyday life, and not give up. influencing both the public and legal debate in his fields of This is what Zeev expertise, which included constitutional and administrative was all about and Lili Segal and son Hadar law, ethics, media law and freedom of expression. this is his legacy.” “This hall is the most fitting place to commemorate In a special issue of the TAU journal Kesher in Zeev’s Zeev’s prolific activities at the University,” said Lili Segal. “It memory, Former Head of the Supreme Court Aharon Barak is here that he trained generations of students, giving his wrote, “Zeev responded to daily events and offered legal so- workshops in welfare policy, freedom of speech and con- lutions based upon fundamental values of human rights, struction and housing policy and more, bringing students the rule of law, the separation of powers and the independ- into contact with Israel’s finest minds including government ence of the courts. His death is a great loss to the field of ministers, Members of Knesset, judges, and professors and Israeli jurisprudence.” media figures. Speakers at the dedication for the lecture hall included In a video message conveyed to the meeting by President Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Regional Development of Israel Shimon Peres, Peres hailed Prof. Segal as one of the and the Development of the Negev and the Galilee, Silvan foremost protectors of democracy in Israel. “Democracy has Shalom, a TAU graduate; Supreme Court Justice Elyakim revealed itself lately as a fundamental entity in ensuring our Rubinstein; and Ha’aretz editor Aluf Benn, also a TAU grad- existence here, no less than security,” said Peres. “To defend uate, as well as top university officials and leading members democracy one needs soul, deep breadth of thought, a con- of Israel’s legal community including former Heads of the science, sharp powers of observation and persuasion and the Supreme Court of Justice Aharon Barak and Meir Shamgar. 27 Initiatives

From England with Love TAU’s inaugural 2011 UK Legacy Mission brought together a diverse group of British Jews for a deeply moving visit to TAU and Israel

Last summer, TAU introduced a new con- cept for widening its UK circle of supporters. The Tel Aviv University Trust – Great Britain invited members of the UK’s Jewish commu- nity to leave a bequest to TAU, and in return be

Group photo hosted for an unforgettable trip to Israel. The 22 participants at Israel’s of the inaugural Legacy Mission, who ranged from judges Haifa naval base to artists, psychoanalysts to mathematicians, businessmen and human rights pioneers, were led across the country by Geoffrey Simmonds – the driving force behind the initiative – and enjoyed exclusive access to Israel’s innermost cultural, academic and political sanctums. Immersed in the vibrant tapestry of TAU and Israel, the participants met leading researchers, enjoyed performances by renowned orchestras and dance ensembles, toured the Western Wall tunnels, and made a pilgrimage to the desert final resting place of Israel’s founding father, David Ben- Gurion. And while all but one of the participants had visited Israel before, it was the first time any of them had met the Mayor of Tel Aviv and a senior government minister, had a TAU private afternoon tea with the British Ambassador, and been President given access to Israeli naval and air force bases. Joseph Klafter From the action-packed itinerary came a cascade of unveiling the UK Legacy emotional experiences, and a profound re-connection with Mission Wall Israel through support for Tel Aviv University. In a poignant of Honor ceremony at TAU’s Cymbalista Jewish Heritage Center on 28 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

campus, participants were recognized for their contributions to the university, and invited to share their thoughts on what TAU and Israel means to them. Their remarks encapsulated the spectrum of their passions – of having the “privilege to be able to contribute toward the growth of a dynamic university;” “the opportunity to meet some of TAU’s most inspirational, pioneering people;” and “the honor of paying tribute to hard-working parents who couldn’t receive a high- er education yet made sure that their children did.” Ayelet Tal, Director of TAU’s Development and Public Affairs Division, thanked the group for “becoming part of the Tel Aviv University family,” and for forging a new era of closer ties between the university and British Jews. In rec- ognition, a wall of honor was unveiled by TAU President

Joseph Klafter, fittingly located opposite Beit Hatefutsot – Jack Glenton the Museum of the Jewish People. Hailing the participants’ receiving his certificate of generosity of spirit, Prof. Klafter paid tribute to their contri- appreciation bution to advancing the university’s research endeavors, and securing for it a thriving future. The next UK Legacy Mission will take place in early June, 2012.

“An amazing and uplifting experience. Director of TAU’s If you think you know Israel, this Development and Public Affairs mission will make you think again.” Division Ayelet Tal presenting – Ray & Anthony Zenios Dr. Michael Brown with his certificate of appreciation

Smuggling Jews to Freedom At the Cymbalista ceremony, Marilyn Sheinman of London dedicated her bequest to her parents, Alec and Malka Kesselman, who helped smuggle Jews out of Nazi Europe to pre-state Israel. “It was the last few years of World War Two. Millions of Jews were being shot, starved and gassed in Nazi-ruled Europe. Knowing that my late father had an interest in photography, one of his brothers-in-law involved in ‘Aliyah Bet’ – the smuggling of Jews into Mandatory Palestine – asked for his help to create fake passports. Using hard-to-come-by film, my father photographed real UK passports and developed the film using chemicals provided by a pharmacist friend. He then cut out potatoes and, with special ink, created forged British Home Office stamps for the passport negatives. Rolled up in waxed paper and put into talcum powder tins, the forged material was sown into the lining of old fashioned brown suitcases by my mother, an expert seamstress, together with money, weapons, clothes and other items. The suitcases, carrying their ‘cargo of freedom,’ were then secretly transported by my uncle to Marseilles in France, and the forged passports were eventually distributed to Jews entering pre-state Israel. It gives me a great sense Marilyn Sheinman of pride that my family was instrumental in saving many lives of immigrants this way, and I was delighted to addressing the be able to dedicate my Living Legacy to Tel Aviv University, where there may well be grandchildren of those audience at the Cymbalista very immigrants studying today.” ceremony

29 Friends Associations

australia canada

NEW SOUTH WALES TORONTO Yeast and You First Overseas School Alumni meeting David Dinte, President of the During TAU President Australian Friends of Tel Aviv Joseph Klafter’s recent University in New South Wales, and visit to Canada, he his wife, Judy, hosted a cocktail func- was guest of honor at tion in their home attended by Meir the Toronto Friends Buber, Senior Resource Executive at Association’s first TAU TAU. Prof. Shoshana Bar-Nun of the Overseas Students TAU Department of Biochemistry and Program (OSP) Alumni Molecular Biology spoke on “Wine, event, attended by 60 Beer, Bread, Diet and Longevity: Meet OSP graduates, their OSP graduates at the Toronto event the Yeast!” Among those attending parents and guests. were new Friends members and local Representing the parents, Julie Sue Schwartz spoke community leaders. about the wonderful experience her son was having Prof. Klafter and philanthropist and TAU at TAU, while OSP graduate Michelle Boles spoke on supporter Leslie Dan VICTORIA behalf of the students and alumni. In a separate event, Film evening Prof. Klafter met with donors and Jewish community leaders at a private dinner The Australian Friends in Victoria re- hosted by Martin and Joan Peskin. cently hosted a successful film night, an exclusive preview showing of the Ides of Forging ties March at the Jam Factory Complex in Prof. Klafter met with the Ontario Minister of South Yarra. The event was attended Health and Longtime Care, Deb Matthews, by TAU’s Meir Buber and drew 350 to discuss neuroscience; and with Minister people. of Training, Colleges and Universities Glen Murray; as well as with the presidents of the Cocktail evening University of Toronto and Ryerson University During Mr. Buber’s visit, an elegant to discuss future academic cooperation agree- cocktail evening for 60 was held at the ments with TAU. home of Victoria Chapter President Minister Glen Murray with Prof. Klafter Victor Wayne and his wife, Karen. MONTREAL Both Mr. Buber and Dr. Wayne spoke at the event. President’s visit Prof. Klafter received a warm welcome in Montreal, where he met with National President of the Canadian Friends Judge Barbara Seal and members of the Board of the Canadian Friends, as well as with TAU Governor Marcel Adams From left: and his family; attended a dinner reception in his honor hosted by longtime John Banky and Victor TAU supporters Tina and Max Smart in their home; and met with top offi- and Karen cials of McGill University, headed by Wayne Heather Monroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, with whom he dis- cussed future collaborations between Erratum: the two institutions. During his visit, The evening with Prof. Colin Price of Prof. Klafter and Meir Buber, Senior TAU’s Department of Geophysics and Resource Executive at TAU also met Planetary Sciences that was held in with TAU supporters. Melbourne in July 2011 was generous- ly hosted by Rosie and Dov Potaznik. From left: Sylvan, Marcel and Margaret Adams 30 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

france

austria Hallyday performs Tennessee Williams Through the Austrian Gate Iconic French singer and actor Johnny Austrian Federal Minister for Science Hallyday performed in an adapta- and Research Prof. Dr. Karlheinz tion of the Tennessee Williams play Töchterle visited the campus as head Kingdom of Earth in an evening at- of a delegation that met with lead- tended by members and guests of the ing TAU researchers collaborating French Friends. The event was sup- From left: Danielle Schemoul; Catherine Visan; Marc Haddad; Prof. with Austria. Mr. Michael Rendi, ported by theater director Bernard François Heilbronn, President of the French Friends; Yossi Gal, Ambassador of Austria to Israel, and Murat and his wife, Zana. Mr. Murat Israeli Ambassador; Jaume Tapies, President of Relais & Chateaux; Chantal Aziza; Lyne Gelrubin; and Georgie Amiel Dr. Ariel Muzicant, President of the will be giving a master class at TAU’s Austrian Jewish Community, joined Department of Theater Arts this year. the delegation. After the presentations, they walked through the Austrian italy Gate of the University and visited the laboratory of Prof. Isaac Witz at the Department of Cell Research and Rome film screening Immunology. A special screening of TAU stu- dent films took place as part of the International Rome Film Festival. The event was sponsored by the French Friends of TAU with the support of Emmanuelle Hess Israeilovici and Mirella Haggiag of Rome. Six films by TAU students and graduates competed for prizes judged by a 10-member jury that included Italian directors Ettore Scola and Roberto Faenza, and Oscar-winning costume designer Milena Canonero. Minister Karlheinz Töchterle with TAU President The Maria Teresa Venturini Prize was awarded toAudition by TAU student Eti Joseph Klafter Tisco, and the public award sponsored by Elisabeth Descombes of France went to Second Watch by TAU graduate Udi Ben-Arie. germany Karin Giersch Chair for Research to celebrate the 90th birthday of their in Modern Painting at TAU’s Katz President, Dr. h.c. Ernst Gerhardt, Friends mark 40th birthday Faculty of Arts. Attended by donors, founder of the Ernst Gerhardt The German Friends celebrated their supporters and executive committee Scholarship Fund at TAU. This year, 40th anniversary at a special event held members, the event featured a talk by the occasion was celebrated together at the Giersch Museum in Frankfurt Prof. Dr. Heinz Riesenhuber, Member with his accomplishments as an active hosted by Senator E. h. Prof. Carlo of Parliament and a former Federal citizen of Frankfurt at the Frankfurt Giersch, founder of the Carlo and Minister for Research and Technology, Hilton Hotel, sponsored by German on the importance of scientific coop- savings bank Frankfurter Sparkasse and eration between Germany and Israel, TAU. Frankfurt Mayor Petra Roth, a as well as a musical performance by TAU honorary doctor, and Prime the Figural Choir. Concluding remarks Minister Volker Bouffier attended, and were given by Friends President Dr. Herbert Hans Grüntker, Chairman of h.c. Ernst Gerhardt. the Board of Frankfurter Sparkasse, gave greetings. The event was followed Honoring Dr. Ernst Gerhardt by a moving performance by mem-

From left: Prof. Dr. Heinz Riesenhuber, Dr. h. c. Carrying on a 25 year-long tradition, bers of the Ensemble of the National Ernst Gerhardt and Senator Prof. Carlo Giersch the German Friends turned out in full Theater of Frankfurt. 31 Friends Associations

argentina

Focus on Economics Palestinian state in the making? For the 16th year running, the Argentinean Friends of TAU held their influential Prof. Uzi Rabi, Director of TAU’s International Economic Symposium in Buenos Aires. Featuring talks by renowned Moshe Dayan Center for Middle analysts, this year’s symposium was a resounding success with an attendance of Eastern and African Studies, discussed 1,200 people including diplomats and business leaders. the scenarios for a Palestinian state at TAU President Joseph Klafter gave a conference and dinner hosted by the opening greetings and Governor Argentinean Friends. During his visit, of the Bank of Israel Prof. Stanley he met with ambassadors and diplomats Fischer sent a video message. associated with the Commission for the Following the formal discussions, a Middle East of the Argentine Council dinner was hosted by Argentinean for International Relations (CARI). Friends Leon and Paula Arazi at their residence. It was attended by Prof. Klafter; the Argentinean From left: Enrique Szewach, Consultant, IDB; Dr. Sergio Berensztein, University of Torcuato Di Tella; Dr. Ricardo Arriazu, economic and Ambassador to Israel Dr. Carlos financial advisor; Dr. Miguel Kiguel, Torcuato Di Tella University and Director of EconViews Faustino Garcia; Israeli Ambassador Daniel Gazit; Argentinean Friends brazil President Polly Mizrahi de Deutsch; and Senior Resource Executive at TAU Herman Richter, as well Friends and supporters of TAU. Technology lessons for Brazil Punta del Este meeting “Creating New High-Tech The annual meeting at Punta del Este Friends. Opening greetings were given Industries: The Israeli Experience was attended this year by 1,800 peo- by Argentinean Friends President Polly and Implications for Brazil” was the ple and organized by the Argentinean Mizrahi de Deutsch. subject of a seminar co-sponsored Friends with the help of the Friends During the long weekend, social by the Brazilian Friends of TAU and associations of Brazil and Uruguay. gatherings were hosted by TAU Friends the Insper Institute of Education The theme of this year’s meeting was Miriam and Adolfo Smolarz, Kuky and Research, with which TAU has the Arab Spring and its regional and and Sergio Grosskopf and Maria and a cooperation agreement. Keynote international implications, which was Raul Mochon from Argentina; and speaker was TAU’s Prof. Shmuel Ellis discussed by panelists Prof. Itamar by Enrique and Viviane Manhard of of the Faculty of Management—Leon Uruguay. A TAU President’s Recanati Graduate School of Business Award was conferred upon Administration. TAU benefactor Sergio Grosskopf, presented by From left: Kuky Prof. Rabinovich and Grosskopf; Friends Polly Mizrahi de Deutsch. President Polly The award recognizes Mr. Mizrahi de Deutsch; former Grosskopf’s contribution as TAU President a philanthropist, commu- Itamar Rabinovich; nity leader and and Sergio staunch friend Grosskopf Insper Conference of Israel. Rabinovich, former TAU President; Dr. Luis Alberto Lacalle Herrera, for- mer President of Uruguay; and TAU Honorary Doctor Dr. Marcos Aguinis, TAU Honorary who was presented with a Tel Aviv Doctor Dr. University Award by the Argentinean Marcos Aguinis 32 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

uk Israel: Innovation nation The TAU Trust Great Britain and Anniversary garden BBQ Stenham hosted a breakfast briefing TAU Trust Great Britain Chairman by Dr. Giora Yaron, Chairman of the David Levin hosted a BBQ at his TAU Executive Council, on “The Tale home in celebration of the first suc- of Israeli High-Tech: Past, Present and cessful year of the trust’s alumni group Future.” in the UK. Prior to the event, partici- pants took a guided tour of the Royal From left: TAU Trust trustee Edwin Wulfsohn, Dr. Botanic Gardens at Kew. Giora Yaron and TAU Trust Chairman David Levin

usa Tarun Das, co-founder and North East Region co-chair of TAU’s India-Israel All that Jazz Forum, and Prof. Asher Tishler, To the sweet sounds of jazz, an over- Dean of TAU’s Faculty of flowing crowd of TAU alumni and Management—Leon Recanati Friends gathered for a reception at the Graduate School of Business Peter Lik Gallery in New York’s trendy Administration, were featured Soho. Ron Prosor, Israel’s Ambassador panelists, and the discussion to the UN, briefed guests on Middle was moderated by Stanley M. From left: Stanley Bergman; Chairman of the TAU Board of Governors East geopolitics and the UN vote on Bergman, Chairman and CEO Harvey Krueger; Consul General Ido Aharoni; Prof. Asher Tishler; Tarun Das; AFTAU CEO Gail Reiss; and Consul Rajarani Sugandh Palestinian statehood. Oren Heiman of Henry Schein, Inc., and co- spoke about this year’s successful New chair of the India-Israel Forum. York Alumni Scholarship Campaign Among the guests enjoying the intriguing exchanges were TAU for underprivileged TAU students and Rajaram Sugandh, Consul of Economic & Commerce Governor Shimon lucky Yosi Ben-Levi won the evening’s Affairs to the India Mission in New York, and Ido Topor “silent auction” for a Peter Lik original. Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York. and TAU Governor and member Entering the academy of the AFTAU Board of At the legendary Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts, alumni and Directors Friends were delighted to toast TAU President Joseph Klafter upon his induction Nomi Ghez into the distinguished American Academy of Arts & Sciences. They celebrated with fine wine, hors d’oeuvres and a live jazz combo. After a welcome from Sackler School of Medicine graduate Dr. Avi Almozlino, the Consul General of Israel to New England Shai Bazak offered From left: Ambassador Ron Prosor (center) with co-chairs of the New York Alumni Leadership a personal appreciation of Prof. Committee Alon Waks (left) and Kobi Kastiel Klafter and then briefed guests on current developments in the The India-Israel partnership Middle East. Nearly 100 dignitaries, community leaders and guests enjoyed break- fast and a forum on the robust eco- Director of Alumni Affairs Prof. Israel Shaked, nomic partnership between India and Ayelet Vardi and Consul Managing-Director of the Israel at New York’s Regency Hotel. General Shai Barak Michel-Shaked Group in Boston (left), and TAU President Prof. Joseph Klafter 33 Friends Associations

Western Region

Out-of-this-world evening Friends for dessert and an intriguing Aventura, Florida. Guests met with American Friends Dr. Robert and presentation by Ronna Rubinstein, Chaim Shacham, incoming Consul Susanne Reyto hosted 50 alumni and project coordinator of Space IL, on General of Israel to Florida/Puerto Space IL’s mission to “plant the Israeli Rico, and were treated to a lively post- flag on the moon.” Guests also enjoyed screening question-and-answer session a current affairs briefing by David with director and TAU graduate Lior Siegel, Israeli Consul General in Los Geller, moderated by Isaac K. Fisher. Angeles.

Southeastern Region Walk the red carpet More than 50 TAU alumni and guests From left: Deputy Consul General Gil Artzyeli, AFTAU Director of Alumni Affairs Ayelet Vardi, gathered for an evening of popcorn, Consul General David Siegel, Susanne Reyto movie snacks and a screening of three and Ronna Rubinstein award-winning TAU student films in Lior Geller and Isaac K. Fisher

israel Art tour of Jerusalem One hundred members of the Israeli Scholarship campaign Friends took part in a fascinating tour A campaign by the Israeli Friends of churches and art in Jerusalem or- to raise funds for scholarships was ganized by the Israeli Friends and launched at the start of 2011 with led by leading TAU lecturers in the considerable success. Spearheaded by arts. The tour included visits to the Amos Shapira, President of the Israeli Crusader Church of the Resurrection in Abu Gosh and the Church of the Holy Friends, and Sigal Sepulcher in Jerusalem. The tour’s proceeds are earmarked for student scholar- Adar, Director, the ships in art history. campaign has so far raised funds for 120 scholarships. sweden The funding will go toward the tuition costs of new immi- Commemorating Raoul Wallenberg grant students, sin- A ceremony marking the 25th anniver- Pictured, TAU President Joseph Klafter with Israeli Friends President gle-parents and stu- sary of the establishment of the Raoul Amos Shapira (center) and Gen. Yoav dents from outlying Wallenberg Prize in Human Rights and Galant areas. The cam- Holocaust Studies by the Swedish Friends From left: President of the Swedish Friends Prof. paign was launched within the frame- of TAU was held at TAU’s Cymbalista Peter Seideman, Swedish Ambassador Elinor work of a meeting of the Business- Heritage Center. Attending were Swedish Hammarskjöld and TAU President Joseph Klafter Academic Club of the Israeli Friends, Friends President Prof. Peter Seideman, the Swedish Ambassador to Israel, Elinor featuring guest speaker IDF General Hammarskjöld, and other diplomatic representatives, as well as guests from Israel Yoav Galant, who spoke on Mideast and Sweden. The prize, named in honor of the Swedish diplomat who saved thou- security. Mr. Shapira, who himself sands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust and later disappeared, is awarded donated five scholarships in memory annually on the anniversary of Wallenberg’s disappearance to a doctoral student of his late father Yitzhak Shapira and specializing in human rights or Holocaust research. This year’s winners are Orna late father-in-law Avraham Ovadia, Carmel and Yehonatan Alsheh. The 2012 prize, which also marked 100 years emphasized the important role of the since Wallenberg’s birth, was co-sponsored by the International Raoul Wallenberg scholarships in enabling young people Fund. The ceremony was moderated by Prof. Dina Porat, Head of TAU’s Kantor to gain a higher education and inte- Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry and incumbent of the grate fully into Israeli society. Alfred P. Slaner Chair in Anti-Semitism and Racism. 34 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

Cooperation agreements Astronomy with Harvard Cancer Research with The study of cosmology, galaxy evolution, high- b Vienna energy phenomena, stars and planetary systems is c A cooperation agreement for skin the focus of the new Raymond and Beverly Sackler cancer research was signed between Harvard-Tel Aviv Astronomy Initiative, funded by major TAU benefactor Dr. TAU's Cancer Biology Research Cen- Raymond Sackler. The initiative is a joint collaboration between TAU's Ray- ter and the Comprehensive Cancer mond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy and the Insti- Center of the Medical University of tute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for As- Vienna. The agreement was signed trophysics. The program, which is directed at TAU by Prof. Amiel Sternberg, by Prof. Isaac Witz of TAU and Prof. will support research, exchange between students, post-docs students and Christoph Zielinski, Chairman of the faculty, as well as lectures and workshop between Harvard and TAU. Department of Medicine and Coor- dinator at the Medical University of TAU-Cambridge Interfaith Program Vienna, in the presence of Deputy b TAU and the University of Cambridge have entered Ambassador of Austria to Israel Hans c into a new collaboration in the field of interreligious stud- Almoslechner. ies that will spread knowledge of and critical insight into the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Under the agreement, two research centers will be established: the Center for Religious and Interreligious Studies at TAU and the Cambridge University Project for Religions in the Humanities. At both centers, a cadre of world- class scholars will study the three monotheistic religions comprehensively and will collaborate with similar Christian, Muslim and Jewish academic initiatives around the world. The two centers will conduct joint conferences, seminars and exchange programs between faculty and students. The initia- tive’s inaugural international conference, entitled “With God on Our Side,” will take place in Tel Aviv in late 2012 and will explore the role of religious From left: Prof. Isaac Witz, TAU Rector claims in conflict. Aron Shai and Prof. Christoph Zielinski

Sundance Festival

screeningThe film Barbie Blues, made on a $800 budget by Adi Kutner of TAU’s Department of Film and Television, was screened in the short film category at this year's Sundance Film Festival, Utah. One of 64 short films accepted for screening TAU Given Green Thumbs Up at the festival out of 7,675, the film In a milestone for environmentalism use; and community-related proj- revolves around the meeting of a at TAU, the university was recently ects that strengthen environmental bored suburban teenager with her accredited as a "green campus" by awareness. Among the green in- new neighbor, which turns from an the Israeli government, in recognition novations at TAU are more efficient innocent afternoon encounter into a of its efforts to create a more sustain- lighting, the "Nature Campus" hurtful incident. This is the third time Adi Kutner able institution. The accreditation is educational initiative, stands for the in four years that female filmmakers awarded to Israeli universities that city of Tel Aviv’s new bicycle rental from TAU have been represented at implement programs in three key system in addition to a comprehen- the prestigious festival. Student films areas: academic degrees and courses sive plan for campus bicycle paths, from TAU’s Department of Film and in environmental studies; heightened and the construction of the Porter Television were screened 467 times resource efficiency through recycling School of Environmental Studies’ in international film festivals during and reduction of electricity and water state-of-the-art EcoBuilding. 2010-11, and garnered 48 awards. 35 people

TAU Scholar Appointed Yad Vashem Chief Historian Holocaust expert Prof. Dina Porat, head of TAU’s Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry and incumbent of the Alfred P. Slaner Chair for the Study of Contemporary Anti-Semitism, was named the new Chief Historian of the Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem, one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to the study of the Holocaust. Porat, the former Head of the Chaim Rosenberg School of Jewish Studies, said, “Today, the Holocaust is be- ing denied and diminished. Facing the ways that it is used or misused will be my responsibility.” Prof. Dina Porat

Thursday Nights on Campus prizes TAU launched the new “Thurs- days on Campus” weekly hap- penings, which will run throughout Awarding Social Entrepreneurship the school year. Every Thursday Dr. Adi Koll, creator of one of TAU's flagship community outreach programs evening, students and the public – "Access for All" – was presented the Knesset Speaker's Award by Knesset can attend – free of charge – lec- Speaker MK Reuven Rivlin. The program, previously known as the People's tures, film screenings, musical University, provides teaching by TAU students to marginalized groups in so- performances and exhibitions. In ciety, including battered women, ex-convicts and teenage delinquents, giving between, they can relax at a café some 1,000 participants a taste of university life and hope for the future. Koll or bar, stroll through the farmers was cited for “singlehandedly launching the project – unique in the world – and market or take a dance lesson. for dedicating herself to improving the lot of weak and helpless groups in soci- ety.” Supported by the Legacy Heritage Fund and the Matanel Foundation, the program serves as a model for other Israeli universities.

Dr. Adi Koll receives the prize from former Supreme Court Judge Dalia Dorner and Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin.

36 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

For Argument’s TAU Post-Docs Lead the Way An impressive 10 out of 20 Rothschild Dr. Khitam Sake Fellowships for post-doctoral study abroad Muhsen For the second time in three were awarded in 2011 to TAU students years, a TAU team has won the World Debating Championships in Specializing in fields ranging from genetics and electrical engineering to the English as a Second Language epidemiology, psychology and zoology, TAU’s Rothschild post-doctoral fellows Category (ESL), held this year in are exporting Israeli know-how – and gaining new knowledge and skills – at Manila. Mathematics students and some of the worlds’ top academic institutions. brothers, Omer and Sela Nevo, One recipient, TAU PhD graduate Khitam Muhsen, is now a post-doctoral won the gold for their debat- fellow at the Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland, ing performance on the ethics of Baltimore. Dr. Muhsen is studying the possible negative effects of a common scientists studying climate change, stomach infection on the efficacy of vaccines against diarrheal diseases beating 3,000 other participating like cholera in developing countries. Her specific interest is the Helicobacter teams and solidifying their win at pylori bacterium that infects more than half of the world’s population. Directly the European Championships six linked to enteric diseases such as peptic ulcers, gastritis and stomach cancer, months ago. Yoni Cohen-Idov, a infection rates are disproportionately higher in poorer areas due to crowded former winner and the team's train- living conditions and substandard sanitation. er, says, "We're showing the world Dr. Muhsen, an Israeli Arab from the town of Furiedis, wrote her doctoral the cultural Israeli who knows how dissertation at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine on the link between infection to express himself in an eloquent with Helicobacter pylori in early childhood and cognitive impairment of and determined manner." Arab children. “I am determined to make a difference to the health of my community,” she says. Her PhD supervisor, Prof. Daniel Cohen, head of TAU’s School of Public Health, hailed her success in “providing new knowledge on the negative impact of H. pylori infection on cognitive abilities among Israel Arab children,” adding that “these estimates could be further extrapolated to other populations all over the world.” Given the obstacles that Israeli Arabs face in higher education, Dr. Muhsen’s achievements are all the more remarkable. Despite comprising over 20% of the general population, Israeli Arabs constitute less than 6% of Israeli graduate students, 3.3% of doctoral candidates, and an even smaller proportion of post-doctoral students. Dr. Muhsen attributes her success to the fierce spirit of independence that she has harbored since childhood, coupled with the From left: TAU President Joseph Klafter unwavering support of her parents and seven siblings. congratulates Sela (left) and Omer Nevo. After finishing her studies in the United States, Dr. Muhsen plans on returning to Israel to continue her research into health characteristics of the Israeli-Arab sector.

kind in Israel, the program will admit requirements,” says TAU’s Director of community 25 students in its first intake in May. Preparatory Programs Ilan Leiba. By Students will benefit from services offering them this unique program, the such as tailored tutoring and one-on- program’s initiators hope to ensure one counseling so that they can then the students’ acceptance into and New Preparatory join the regular preparatory program. successful graduation from university, rogram for Jointly funded by Israel’s National and their long-term integration into P Insurance Institute, Welfare and Social the job market. This endeavor marks Disabled Students Services Ministry and the Council a major milestone in the University’s A new preparatory program for Higher Education, the program efforts to make the campus more ac- (mechina) that targets a specific group is “designed to make higher educa- cessible to students, both physically of students – those with both learning tion more accessible by providing and academically – and, according to and physical disabilities – is to open disabled students with the tools they Leiba, is “guided by a philosophy of this summer at TAU. The first of its need to meet the necessary academic equal opportunity for all.” 37 Supreme Court Appointment Prof. Daphne Barak-Erez will be the first woman from academia to hold the appointment and the youngest member currently on the court

Dean of Law Daphne Barak-Erez has been appointed to the highest judicial body in the land. Highly acclaimed and awarded for her work in the field of public law, Prof. Barak-Erez has served as Dean of the Buchmann Faculty makers of Law since July 2011. She will join the Supreme Court has held the Stewart and Judy Colton Chair for Law and in May 2012. Security since 2006. When she took up her appointment as dean of law, Barak- A specialist in administrative and constitutional law, Erez asserted that academia has a critical role to play in comparative law, privatization, legal feminism, and Israeli understanding law as a product of society. She explained legal history, Barak-Erez has been a visiting professor at news that a law faculty must aspire to achieve two goals simulta- several top institutions including the Universities of Toronto, neously – being competitive in the global arena and at the Columbia Law School and Stanford Law School. same time being relevant to current challenges faced by the Israeli legal system. According to Barak-Erez, a law school Mark of courage should prepare students to become effective professionals, Throughout her career, Barak-Erez has been commit- involved citizens and social leaders. ted to advancing social justice and improving public life A home-grown product of Tel Aviv University, Barak- in Israel. In recognition of her public service in the area of Erez joins four other TAU alumni currently serving on human rights and the rule of law, she was recently awarded the Supreme Court: Justices Dr. Yoram Danziger, Hanan the Ometz (“Courage”) Prize. Among her other numerous Melcer, Uzi Vogelman and Esther Hayut. honors are the Heshin and Zeltner Prizes, the Woman of Barak-Erez completed her LLB and LLM degrees, both the City Award of the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, the summa cum laude at TAU. She then pursued SJD studies Women in Law Award of the Israel Bar Association and at TAU as one of the first recipients of the Colton Family the TAU Rector’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching (twice). Foundation Scholarship Fund established by TAU sup- Barak-Erez has also served on several committees includ- porters Stewart and Judy Colton. She joined the TAU law ing as a member of the Council for Higher Education and faculty in 1992, and served in various positions, including as President of the Israeli Law and Society Association. as director of the Faculty’s Minerva Center for Human She is the author of numerous books and articles including Rights, the Cegla Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Outlawed Pigs: Law, Religion and Culture in Israel (2007) Law and as Deputy Dean of the Faculty. Prof. Barak-Erez and Administrative Law (2010).

TAU Appoints Vice President New Vice President for R&D Prof. Raanan Rein, TAU’s former Vice- Prof. Eran Rabani of the Raymond and Rector, the Sourasky Professor of Latin Beverly Sackler School of Chemistry has American and Spanish History and the been appointed TAU’s new Vice President Head of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Research and Development, replacing for International and Regional Studies, Prof. Ehud Gazit. A TAU faculty member was recently appointed Vice President of since 1999, Prof. Rabani has served as Chair TAU. The author and editor of numerous of the Department of Chemical Physics and books and academic articles, Prof. Rein is a co-editor of as head of the Sackler Institute for Chemical Physics, and the journal Estudios Interdisciplinarios de América Latina y has been a visiting professor at Harvard, Columbia and UC el Caribe. Among his other honors, he was awarded the title Berkeley. He is regarded as a pioneer in the field of the theory of Commander in the Order of the Liberator San Martin of materials at the nanometer scale, molecular conductivity by the Argentinean government for his contribution to and many-body quantum dynamics. Argentinean culture. 38 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

New Chairman for Ramot EMET Prizes Dr. Giora Yaron, Chairman of the TAU Awarded by the Prime Minister’s Executive Council, has been appointed Office for excellence in academic and Chairman of Ramot at Tel Aviv University professional achievements, 2011 Ltd., the university’s technology transfer EMET Prizes went to Professor arm. He has established several start-up Emeritus Dan Zakay of the companies including PentaCom, P-cube Department of Psychology, Gershon Prof. Dan Zakay Prof. Noga Alon and Qumranet and serves today, among H. Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences, and to 2008 Israel other roles, as founder and chairman of Itamar Medical Prize laureate Prof. Noga Alon of the Raymond and Ltd., and founder and Board member of Qwilt. Dr. Yaron Beverly Sackler School of Mathematical Sciences, in- also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Amdocs cumbent of the Florence and Ted Baumritter Chair in and the advisory boards of Rafael Defense Systems Ltd. and Combinatorics and Computer Science. the Israel Ministry of Defense.

Prof. Yaron Oz, the incumbent of the Prof. Moshe Mevarech, the Morris Yuval Ne’eman Chair of Physics, has been and Manya Leigh Chair for Biophysics appointed the Dean of the Raymond and and Biotechnology, has been appointed the Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences. Dean of the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Prof. Oz was Chair of TAU’s Raymond Sciences. A faculty member since 1980, Prof. and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Mevarech has twice served as the Chair of Astronomy from 2006 to 2011, and is cur- the Department of Molecular Microbiology rently the Vice President of the Israel Physical Society and and Biotechnology. In addition to his decades at TAU, Prof. editor of the Journal of High Energy Physics. The recipient Mevarech has been a visiting researcher at the University of numerous prizes and grants, Prof. Oz has received fund- of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, Germany’s Max-Planck ing for the establishment of two prestigious Israel Science Institute for Biochemistry in Martinsried and the University Foundation Centers of Excellence. of Würzburg, and at Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prof. Hannah Naveh has been re- appointed the Dean of the Yolanda and Prof. Tammie Ronen, the former Head David Katz Faculty of the Arts. During her of TAU’s Bob Shapell School of Social many years at TAU, Prof. Naveh has headed Work and the current Head of the Renata TAU’s General and Interdisciplinary Studies Adler Memorial Research Center for Child Program in the Humanities and the NCJW Welfare and Protection, has been appointed Women and Gender Studies Program, and the Dean of the Gershon H. Gordon Faculty has served as the TAU President’s Advisor on the Promotion of Social Sciences. Prof. Ronen’s research of Women and Women’s Status. Prof. Naveh is a member and practice focus on positive psychology and the role of and a chair of numerous boards and committees, including coping resources of self-control and social support to pro- the Yehoshua Rabinovitz Foundation’s Literature Committee mote children’s subjective well-being. and the Bezalel Academy of Arts Board of Governors. Prof. Shaul Harel of TAU’s Sackler Advocate Keren Raplansky Elad has Faculty of Medicine was awarded the 2011 been appointed TAU’s new Legal Adviser. Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Previously the Legal Adviser of Ashdod Medicine Award, which honors faculty who Port and Vice Legal Adviser of Israel’s exemplify the qualities of a caring mentor Ministry of Finance, Raplansky Elad in the teaching and advising of medical serves as a voluntary Member of the Tel students. Prof. Harel’s remarkable life story Aviv District’s Disciplinary Court of the was the subject of the film Children Without a Shadow, Israel Bar Association. which recounts the experiences of Belgian Jews in hiding during the Holocaust.

39 Meir Buber was appointed Senior Herman Richter was appointed Senior Resource Executive for English-speaking Resource Executive for Latin America and Countries at TAU’s Development and Public Spain at TAU’s Development and Public Affairs Division. Buber’s prior roles include Relations Division. Richter is a director of Senior Economic Adviser to former Israeli the Israel-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel’s Trade and has served as the worldwide treasurer Commissioner to the USA, Deputy Director for Havatzelet Hashomer Hatzair, as a General of Israel’s Chamber of Commerce and Executive fundraiser for the Open University of Israel, and as Keren Director for Keren Hayesod in Victoria, Australia. Hayesod’s representative in São Paulo, Brazil.

Appointments: • Prof. Tovi Fenster, Humanities, Director of the University Institute for Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation • Prof. Michael Gluzman, Humanities, Director of the Laura Schwarz-Kipp Center for Hebrew Literature and Culture • Prof. Yael Hanein, Engineering, Director of the Marian Gertner Institute for Medical Nanosystems and Co-Director, Tel Aviv University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology • Prof. Martin Kupiec, Life Sciences, Director of the Joan and Jaime Constantiner Institute of Molecular Genetics • Prof. Arber Nadir, Medicine, Director of the Djerassi-Elias Institute of Oncology • Dr. Ury Scott, Humanities, Director of the Stephen Roth Institute for the Study of Contemporary Anti- Semitism and Racism • Prof. Arieh Solomon, Medicine, Director of the Albert and Elba Cuenca Institute for Anti-Aging Therapy Research • Prof. Dov Te’eni, Management, Academic Director of the Orange Institute for Internet Studies • Prof. Idit Weiss-Gal, Social Sciences, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching • Prof. David Assaf, Humanities, incumbent of the Sir Isaac Wolfson Chair in Jewish Studies • Prof. Shoshana Bar-Nun, Life Sciences, incumbent of the Louise and Nahum Barag Chair in Molecular Genetics of Cancer Biology • Prof. Yoram Cohen, Exact Sciences, incumbent of the Joshua Jortner Chair in Chemistry • Prof. Eddie Dekel, Social Sciences, incumbent of the Grace and Daniel Ross Professor of Economics • Prof. Meir Feder, Management, incumbent of the Chair of Information Theory • Prof. Moshe Kol, Exact Sciences, incumbent of the Bruno Landesberg Chair in Green Chemistry • Prof. Yoel Rephaeli, Exact Sciences, incumbent of the Jack Adler Chair of Extragalactic Astronomy endowed by P.E.F Israel Endowment Funds • Prof. Gil Rosenman, Engineering, incumbent of the Henry and Dinah Krongold Chair of Microelectronics • Prof. Lev Shemer, Engineering, incumbent of the Chair of Experimental Fluid Dynamics • Prof. Dov Te’eni, Management, incumbent of the Mexico Chair in Management Information Systems • Prof. Eran Yashiv, Social Sciences, Chair of the Department of Public Policy Honors: • 2012 Rothschild Prize in Humanities, Prof. Margalit Finkelberg, Humanities • Honorary Doctorate from the University of Jaén in Spain, Prof. Dany Leviatan, Exact Sciences • Fyssen Foundation International Prize, Prof. Amotz Zahavi, Life Sciences • S. Yizhar Prize, Prof. Hagit Halperin and Dr. Oded Menda-Levy, Humanities • The Israeli Association for Aquatic Studies’ Lifetime Achievement Award, Prof. Lev Fishelson, Life Sciences • 2012 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Mechanical Engineering, Professor Emeritus Zvi Hashin, Engineering

The Berber Identity Movement and the Demonic Desires: “Yetzer Hara” Challenge to North African States and the Problem of Evil in Late By Bruce Maddy-Weitzman, University of Texas Press (2011) Antiquity By Ishay Rosen-Zvi, University of This book analyzes the rise of the modern Pennsylvania Press (2011) ethno-cultural Berber/Amazigh movement in North Africa and the Berber Diaspora. The author analyzes 150 appearances of the The book illuminates issues such as the concept of yetzer hara, or evil inclination, in formulation of official Islamist and Arab classical rabbinic literature to explore the bib- nationalist narratives and policies aimed lical and post-biblical search for the sources of at subordinating Berbers, and the emer- human sinfulness. In contrast to most academic research that gence of a counter-movement agitat- categorizes the term as destructive sexual desire, Rosen-Zvi ing for Berber empowerment. Bruce contends that in late antiquity the yetzer represents a gen- Maddy-Weitzman is Senior Research eral tendency toward evil. Prof. Ishay Rosen-Zvi is Associate Fellow at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Professor of Hebrew Culture at TAU and a Research Fellow at and African Studies, Entin Faculty of the Humanities. the Shalom Hartman Institute for Advanced Studies. 40 2012 Issue TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY REVIEW

Q. How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

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The renowned Symphony Monday, May 21, 2012 The Buchmann-Mehta School of Orchestra of Tel Aviv University’s Music at Tel Aviv University was Buchmann-Mehta School of Music 7:30 p.m. founded in 2004 to ensure the future has performed all over the world. of Israel’s orchestras by preparing Zankel Hall at a new generation of exceptional Now these extraordinary young musicians — orchestral musicians are coming to Carnegie Carnegie Hall performers, conductors and others Hall for one very special concert. Seventh Avenue between — for professional careers. 56th and 57th Streets Since the school’s creation, more New York City We invite you to be a patron. than 50 students have performed with the Israel Philharmonic Program Your $25,000* Orchestra, and 40 of the world’s Conducted by Sponsorship includes leading musicians have visited Zeev Dorman • 25 tickets for the performance the school to give master classes. Students have won dozens of Mozart: “Don Giovanni”, K. 527 • Four invitations to an exclusive prizes in prestigious international Overture reception and recital by the competitions, and the orchestra concert soloists on Sunday “ Finch’ han dal vino” performs in some of world’s Zachariah Njoroge Karaiithi, baritone evening, May 20, 2012 most distinguished venues, “ Batti, batti, o bel Masetto” • Sponsorship listing on including the United Nations, the Einat Aronstein, soprano display poster outside the Auditorio Nacional de Musica in “ Là ci darem la mano” Carnegie Hall building Madrid, the Tonhalle in Zurich, Zachariah Njoroge Karaiithi • Listing in the reception program & Einat Aronstein and the Konzerthaus in Berlin, * $1,900 is not tax-deductible to glowing reviews. Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major for Violin Your $10,000* and Viola, K. 364 Sponsorship includes Hagai Shaham, violin For more information, please contact Matan Noussimovitch, viola • 10 tickets for the performance Gail Reiss, President & CEO Vivaldi: Concerto in G Minor for • Two invitations to an exclusive 212.742.9058 | [email protected] Two Violoncellos, RV 531 reception and recital by the Hillel Zori, cello concert soloists on Sunday Kristina Reiko Cooper, cello evening, May 20, 2012 Mozart: Symphony No. 35 • Listing in the reception program in D Major, “Haffner”, K. 385 * $800 is not tax-deductible EXPA NDING THE FUTURE

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Carnegie Hall sponsorship evite + flyer_R28 TAU Review.indd 1 1/18/12 1:32 PM Tel Aviv

University Canada Norway Lay Leadership Judge Barbara Seal, CM Herman Kahan National President Chairman Worldwide Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University (CFTAU) Norwegian Friends of Tel Aviv University

Theodore Goloff SOUTH AFRICA Argentina Chairman Jonathan Osrin Polly Mizrahi de Deutsch Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University Chairman President Montreal Chapter South African Friends of Tel Aviv University Argentinean Friends of Tel Aviv University Dr. Norman Halpern Spain Australia President Isaac Querub Victor Wayne Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University President President Toronto Chapter Spanish Friends of Tel Aviv University Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University Victoria Chapter (Melbourne) France SWEDEN Prof. François Heilbronn Prof. Peter Seideman David Dinte President President President French Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFAUTA) Swedish Friends of Tel Aviv University Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University New South Wales Chapter (Sydney) Germany Switzerland Dr. h.c. Ernst Gerhardt Anette Bollag-Rothschild Austria President President Dr. Hannes Androsch German Friends of Tel Aviv University Swiss Friends of Tel Aviv University President Austrian Friends of Tel Aviv University INDIA UK Aaron Solomon David Levin Brazil Chairman Chairman Dr. Mario Arthur Adler Indian Friends of Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv University Trust in Great Britain President and Chairman Brazilian Friends of Tel Aviv University Israel Leslie Wolfson Amos Shapira Chairman Esther Kuperman President Tel Aviv University Trust in Great Britain Head of Chapter, Rio de Janeiro Israeli Friends of Tel Aviv University Scottish Group Brazilian Friends of Tel Aviv University Mexico Uruguay Dr. Mario Gurvitz Cardoni Dr. Arie Dorenbaum Ricardo Hofstadter Head of Chapter, Porto Alegre President President Brazilian Friends of Tel Aviv University Mexican Friends of Tel Aviv University Uruguayan Friends of Tel Aviv University

Netherlands USA Robert van der Heijden Jon Gurkoff President National Chairman Dutch Friends of Tel Aviv University American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU)

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