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אוניברסיטתews בן-גוריון בנגב NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY@BGU OF THE NEGEV SUMMER 2009 N Save the date — Ben-Gurion Day, November 23, 2009 I BGU Researchers Awarded ERC Starting Grants

were selected for their prestigious Science and Nature. that exist between bacteria “promising track-record His project will seek to reveal and humans, and of certain of early achievements the molecular architecture of mechanisms that the immune appropriate to their integrin mediated cell adhesion system may use to control both research field and using cryo EM with hope of the benign and pathogenic career stage, including shedding light on the structural bacterial populations. His significant publications make-up of proteins, which program was noted for its (as main author) in make this fundamental process “elegant combination of major international of cells, involved in processes molecular design, synthetic peer-reviewed such as cancer growth, chemistry, biochemistry and cell multidisciplinary metastasis formation. The ERC biology” and was termed “very scientific journals, referees noted that “this is an ambitious.” or in the leading excellent project with potential international peer- to have high impact on the reviewed journals of field.” Founded in 2007, the European Dr. Michael Meijler their respective field,” as per Research Council (ERC) is Two University researchers have ERC criteria. Meijler received funding to dedicated to “stimulating been selected to receive Starting develop a chemical platform scientific excellence by Grants from the European Both researchers are members to examine sensing of bacterial supporting and encouraging Research Council (ERC). The of the National Institute for crosstalk by higher organisms. the very best, truly creative highly-competitive grants are in the Negev His focus is upon furthering scientists, scholars and considered Europe’s most (NIBN), a unique research the scientific understanding engineers to be adventurous and prestigious research awards. environment that promotes of the complex interactions take risks in their research.” They were created, according to cutting-edge applied research the ERC’s mission statement, to in biotechnology at BGU. The encourage “pioneering frontier researchers received additional research in any field of science, recognition for the University’s engineering and scholarship.” excellent research environment, noting that BGU has “developed The two BGU recipients – important interdisciplinary Dr. Michael Meijler of the research initiatives.” Department of Chemistry and the Edmond J. Safra Center for Medalia, at the forefront of the Design and Engineering the cutting-edge field of cryo- of Functional Biopolymers electron tomography, has and Dr. Ohad Medalia of the already published articles in Department of Life Sciences – leading journals, including the Dr. Ohad Medalia

I Prof. Daniel E. Koshland, Jr. I Ikaria Holdings to License I The 39th Annual Board of I Historian Pieces Promenade4 Dedicated at the BGU Developed5 Technology Governors9 Meeting Together 24Ancient Story Jacob Blaustein Institutes BL-1040 News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

I Leading French Innovation Foundation Signs Cooperation Agreement with BioNegev

The Sophia Antipolis and the National Institute of sciences and the chemical result of the first official visit of Foundation, which founded Biotechnology in the Negev. industry. a delegation of leading French and runs the leading BioNegev is a full member bio-clusters to last innovation science park in the Council of European Innovation clusters have summer, which was followed in France, and the newly- Bio-Regions (CEBR) and proven to be powerful shortly thereafter by a joint created BioNegev group have represents the State of Israel in engines of regional economic proclamation between French announced the signing of an CEBR’s steering committee. development and drivers President Nicolas Sarkozy agreement of cooperation. of innovation. They enable and Israel’s President Shimon Sophia Antipolis, centered companies to integrate in Peres in Jerusalem. BioNegev was founded around the University of clusters where they can recently under the auspices Nice, is a multicultural, collaborate with and learn This joint effort will of BGU President Prof. multidisciplinary community from research institutions, bring together the Israeli Rivka Carmi to capitalize among the leading R&D hubs suppliers, customers and entrepreneurial spirit and on the world renowned in Europe. The park includes competitors. forward looking innovation academic achievements research facilities specializing and the vast richness of of the University, Soroka in information technology, The Sophia Antipolis — infrastructure, resources and University Medical Center life sciences, environmental BioNegev collaboration is a skills in France.

I Prof. A. Mark Clarfield Named New Director of Medical School for International Health

Prof. A. Mark Clarfield, his medical degree from the the McGill Faculty from incumbent of the Sidonie University of Toronto in 1975. 1989-92. He maintains an Hecht Chair in Geriatrics, was He went on to specialize adjunct status there. recently named as the new first in Family Medicine, then Director of the Medical School Community Medicine and In 1992, he moved to Israel for International Health in Public Health, and finally in and worked at the Sarah collaboration with Columbia Geriatrics. He later moved to Herzog Hospital for several University Medical Center. Montreal, where he was with years where, among other Clarfield replaced Prof. Carmi the Faculty of Medicine at tasks, he was the Chair of the Margolis, who has been McGill University from 1978- Helsinki Committee (IRB). Director of the School since 1992. From 1994-2001, he was Head its establishment in 1998. of the Division of Geriatrics During this time, graduates During that period, Clarfield at the Ministry of Health in Prof. A. Mark Clarfield have completed successful was Chief of Geriatrics at the Jerusalem, after which he was and the related dementias, residencies in some the most Sir Mortimer B. Davis – Jewish appointed Head of Geriatrics the organization of health prestigious medical centers in General Hospital as well as at the Soroka University care services, medical history the United States. head of the McGill University Medical Center. and ethics. He also publishes Division of Geriatric Medicine. medical humor, book reviews Clarfield was brought up and In addition, he was the Clarfield’s research interests and miscellaneous pieces in educated in Toronto, receiving Assistant Dean of Students at include Alzheimers disease various newspapers.

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I Prof. Daniel E. Koshland, Jr. Promenade Dedicated at the Jacob Blaustein Institutes

From L-R: Prof. Raymond Dwek FRS, Dr. Douglas Koshland, Prof. Rivka Carmi and Phlyp Koshland The Prof. Daniel E. Koshland At the unveiling of the truly appreciate your coming “He believed dramatically Jr. Promenade at the Jacob Promenade, University to learn more about the that his vision could make a Blaustein Institutes for Desert President Prof. Rivka Institutes,” he said. difference. It was a vision that Research was dedicated this Carmi spoke about her not only had sustainability spring in the presence of the deep appreciation for Prof. Dwek spoke affectionately but created technology that late scientist and benefactor’s Koshland and his fascination about his long friendship would be a force for peace in son and daughter, Dr. Douglas with the research being done with Koshland, whom he had the region – something that Koshland from the United at the Blaustein Institutes, known since 1972. “Dan and BGU has done so well with States and Phlyp Koshland located in Sede Boqer. She I often talked about the future its outreach programs,” he from Australia. noted that it was fitting that the of BGU, which was to create continued. shaded promenade connects sustainability and viability for The Director of the Oxford the different academic the future of the Negev and In mentioning his family’s Glycobiology Institute and disciplines at the Institutes. the future of Israel,” he noted. emphasis on supporting member of the University’s “He wanted BGU to focus on scientific research, Douglas Board of Governors Prof. Director of the Blaustein concrete developments which remarked that the “promenade Raymond Dwek FRS, a Institutes Prof. Avigad Vonshak would lead to applied and should be a place of colleague and close personal thanked the siblings for taking commercial applications in interaction and scientific friend of the late Prof. the time and making the effort the area of desert research – in discourse to bring people Koshland, joined them on their to see the place that was particular, water resources and together.” visit. so dear to their father. “We desert agriculture.

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I Ikaria Holdings to License BGU Developed Technology BL-1040

A potentially breakthrough Western world. Approximately To date, 15 patients were treatment in preventing cardiac 1.3 million cases of nonfatal successfully treated with BL- tissue damage following acute MI are reported each year 1040 with no complications. myocardial infarction has been in the U.S. alone, with an Moreover, six months follow- licensed by BioLineRx Ltd., annual incidence rate of up results from the first five the Israeli clinical stage drug approximately 600 cases per patients show BL-1040's development company, to 100,000 people. efficacy in preventing cardiac the American company Ikaria remodeling and preserving Holdings, Inc. The treatment compensates cardiac function. Final results for the physical changes of the trials are anticipated in Invented by BGU researcher in the heart due to heart late 2009. Prof. Smadar Cohen and disease. Currently in a phase colleague Prof. Jonathan I/II clinical trial, BL-1040 is BioLineRx in-licensed the Prof. Smadar Cohen Leor of Tel Aviv University’s administered via the coronary technology in 2005 from products and therapies for Neufeld Cardiac Research artery during standard BGU’s tech transfer company critically ill patients. Institute, BL-1040 is the first catheterization and flows into BGN Technologies. BioLineRx injectable device designed to the damaged heart muscle, is headquartered in Jerusalem, Prof. Cohen is the incumbent address cardiac remodeling. where it forms a protective Israel. Ikaria Holdings, Inc. is of the Claire and Harold Oshry “scaffold” that enhances the a biotherapeutics company Chair in Biotechnology and Acute Myocardial Infarction mechanical strength of the headquartered in Clinton, NJ, Chairperson of the Department (MI) is a leading cause of heart muscle during recovery which develops acute care of Biotechnology Engineering. morbidity and mortality in the and repair.

I BGU Research Spotlighted by Journal of the American Chemical Society

An article written by a team of state structures. Notably, the Alina Grego, Sivil Kopilevich at the Massachusetts Institute researchers headed by Prof. Ira research team discovered and Dr. Leila Zeiri, all from of Technology (MIT), where Weinstock of the Department that the behavior of the BGU’s Department of his doctoral advisor was Prof. of Chemistry was highlighted molecular frameworks departs Chemistry. Richard R. Schrock, recipient on the cover of the May issue dramatically from traditional of the 2005 Nobel Prize in of the prestigious Journal models for diffusion through Weinstock noted, “This global Chemistry. His work recently of the American Chemical porous solid-oxide (rigid) exposure on the cover of the received funding from the Society. materials. The paper was most prestigious and highly U.S.-Israel Binational Science written with Prof. Achim cited journal in chemistry is a Foundation (BSF) and the The article, titled Flexible Müller from the University positive development for our Israel Science Foundation Pores of a Metal Oxide-Based of Bielefeld in Germany Faculty of Natural Sciences, as ISF), which is funding both Capsule Permit Entry of and Prof. Carles Bo and his well as for BGU and the State his research and laboratory Comparatively Larger Organic student Peré Miró, both from of Israel.” equipment as part of their Guests, examined how the Institute for Catalysis of program to absorb young molecular open frameworks Catalonia, Tarragona, Spain. A member of the Department researchers. allow for greater flexibility The group also included of Chemistry since 2006, of molecular versus solid- graduate students Ayala Ziv, Weinstock earned his Ph.D.

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I Conference Focuses on Challenges to Academic Freedom

A day-long international for scholastic and scientific In the session entitled boycott on German symposium on “Academic purposes, but also serves the “Academic Freedom beyond universities immediately Freedom” was held on the social-political purpose of the Center,” Dr. Massoud A. following World War I. An Marcus Family Campus to enhancing diversity of view, Eghbarieh, Chairperson of the interesting debate emerged mark the tenth anniversary not only in academia but also Department of History at the around the significance of of the establishment of the in the general society. Academic Arab Institute for the academic boycott of Department of Politics and Teacher Training at Beit Berl South Africa in the 1960s and Government. “We wanted The question of corporate Academic College, argued the 1970s, as presented by Prof. to look at the wider issues funding, particularly in case for an Arab university Jacqueline Cock from the regarding academic freedom, the pharmaceutical arena, in Israel. “In societies where University of Witwatersrand, not just from the Israeli point was raised. In a session on a protracted social conflict and the current attempts to of view,” said one of the “Challenges to Academic exists, such as the one impose a boycott on Israel organizers of the event and a Freedom,” Dr. Michael between Jews and in the UK, as presented by founder of the Department, Weingarten, a professor at in Israel, the need for such Newman. Prof. David Newman. Tel Aviv University’s Sackler institutions, in our case, is School of Medicine, addressed even more urgent, not only for Two key themes emerged Former Minister of Education, the vulnerability of clinician- academic freedom, but also for during the sessions: the debate Israel Prize laureate and law researchers to influence from the advancement of the Arab of whether or not academic professor Amnon Rubinstein the drug companies that community in Israel,” he said. boycotts serve extraneous noted that in recent years, fund their research. “Undue political objectives, and the alleged lack of academic influence includes agreements One session was devoted the impact of a collective freedom in Israeli universities not to publish negative to the relationship between denial of academic freedom, has been a major element results, selective reporting academic freedom and particularly when it is aimed in an ongoing campaign of side-effect profiles and academic boycotts. Prof. at communities that are at American and British biased statistical procedures Ute Deichmann of both the often at the forefront of campuses to boycott them. to improve the impression of University of Cologne and critical discourse within their Rubinstein argued that a drug’s efficacy or safety,” he BGU discussed the harmful respective countries. academic freedom is essential stated. impact of the international

I Dr. Rudich Honored by Israel Endocrine Society

Dr. Assaf Rudich of the Rudich’s research deals with He has previously received Department of Clinical understanding how obesity a number of prizes for his Biochemistry and the S. Daniel and specifically, changes work from the Israel Diabetes Abraham International Center in fat tissues, contribute to Association and the Israel for Health and Nutrition obesity-associated health Endocrine Society, including at the Faculty of Health risks. His studies range from the Chowers Prize in 1999. His Sciences recently received large-scale epidemiological research is characterized by the Lindner Prize from the studies, through clinical close collaboration between Israel Endocrine Society. research to basic cellular and a scientifically-productive lab, This is considered their most molecular medicine, and have and active, multi-disciplinary prestigious prize for scientific been published in recent work with colleagues of achievements and contribution years in top medical and diverse disciplines in Israel Dr. Assaf Rudich to endocrinological research. endocrinological literature. and abroad.

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I Israeli Pediatric Society Honors Prof. Rivka Carmi

IAPA’s annual conference. Faculty, a position she held Institute for Biotechnology for 5 years. Between 2002- in the Negev in its founding Dedicated to promoting 2005, she also served as the stages. pediatric primary care in Israel, Chairperson of the Israel the Israel Ambulatory Pediatric Association of Medical Deans. Carmi is a member and Association promotes research consultant of national, regarding children and their Her research focuses mainly professional and public health care in the community. on the delineation of the committees and organizations, IAPA also works to expand clinical manifestations and is a scientific reviewer for and improve the training molecular basis of genetic various international journals of pediatric residents in diseases in the Negev Arab- and funding agencies and Prof. Rivka Carmi community-based , population. Author serves on the editorial board of emphasizing preventive care, of over 120 publications in prestigious scientific journals. BGU President Prof. Rivka developmental issues and , she has She was awarded several Carmi received an award the management of chronic identified 12 new genes awards from the Student in excellence from the disease in children. and delineated three new Association as well as a life Israel Ambulatory Pediatric syndromes (one of which achievement award by the Association (IAPA). The award President Carmi is a geneticist is known as the Carmi Yated organization (children was bestowed in recognition and pediatrician by training. Syndrome). She has taken a with ), an of “her vast contribution to She served as Director of the proactive role in the Bedouin Achievement in Medicine the promotion of medicine Genetics Institute at Soroka community by initiating Award by the Municipality generally and of pediatrics University Medical Center projects to stem the spread of Beer-Sheva, and the 2008 specifically, especially in the and held several important of hereditary diseases. In the Women of Distinction Award field of genetics in the Jewish academic administrative past few years, she was deeply of the Hadassah Women’s and Bedouin populations in positions in the Faculty of involved in biotechnology Zionist Organization of the south [of Israel].” Carmi Health Sciences. In 2000, she initiatives at BGU, serving as America. received the award at the was elected as Dean of the Acting Director of the National

I Cleantech Excellence Award to Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research

The Jacob Blaustein Institutes Vonshak accepted the award newest developments, novel Studies. International scientific for Desert Research, located on behalf of the Institutes. technologies and outstanding collaboration activities of at the University’s Sede Boqer quality services. the Institutes are dealt with campus, recently received the CleanTech – the 13th Annual by the Blaustein Center CleanTech 2009 Excellence International Summit and The Blaustein Institutes for Scientific Cooperation, Award in the category of Exhibition for Environmental include some 90 scientists, 60 promoting exchange Outstanding Academic Quality, Renewable Energy, technical and administrative programs, postdoctoral Institution in the Field of Infrastructures and Water staff members and over 150 training, workshops and joint Environmental Studies. Technologies – included more Israeli and foreign research research programs with other The ceremony was held in than 100 companies and over students, who have the academic institutions all over the presence of Member of 15,000 visitors from Israel and capacity to perform basic and the world. The Center is also Knesset Avshalom Vilan and abroad. The event has gained applied research related to responsible for the operation Mayor of the Ramat HaNegev the status of a high quality desert sciences. More than of the Dryland Research Regional Council Shmulik business platform, where 130 students from around the Specific Support Action (SSA), Rifman as part of CleanTech companies, researchers and world study at the Albert Katz an activity supported by the 2009. Director Prof. Avigad professionals display their International School for Desert European Union.

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I Reading Through the Lens of “Jewish Literatures”

What are Jewish literatures? in New York, will also serve received numerous Among other qualities, this as Director of the newly- academic awards. term can be defined as “a established Center for Yiddish marketplace of voices, a Studies at BGU. A prolific Explaining the cultural space of extraordinary writer, editor and scholar, he decision to create the density,” according to noted is the author of nine books, Center, Chairman of Yiddish scholar Prof. David G. including Night Words: the Department of Roskies. At a fascinating talk as A Midrash on the Holocaust, Hebrew Literature part of a two-day conference one of the first liturgies for Prof. Yigal Schwartz to mark the establishment of Holocaust Remembrance remarked that there the Jewish Literature track in Day ever to appear, Against are very few places the Department of Hebrew the Apocalypse; Responses in the world with Literature, Roskies explained to Catastrophe in Modern an academic center that the study of what he Jewish Culture, and A Bridge for Jewish literature. terms sifruyot yehudiot of Longing: The Lost Art of The aim of the new – “Jewish literatures” – is Yiddish Storytelling. His most Center is first and concerned not just with that recent book is Yiddishlands: A foremost a mission of Prof. David G. Roskies written in Yiddish, “but with Memoir, which is a retelling of preservation, added Jewish literary expression in his remarkable family saga in a Schwartz, who is also Director re-envisioning of a civilization. all languages and genres,” series of lively, irreverent and of Heksherim: The Research It is creating a thickness of including Ladino and Judeo- interwoven stories. A native Center for Jewish and Israeli description,” one that he Arabic. of Montreal, Canada, where Literature and Culture. hopes will become “an echo his mother hosted a Yiddish chamber in which all forms As of the next academic intellectual salon in their home Roskies said that the and all periods of Jewish year, Roskies, a professor during his childhood, Roskies curriculum of Jewish self-expression miraculously of Jewish Literature at the became a renowned scholar Literatures “is more than a reverberate.” Jewish Theological Seminary in his field, for which he has method of reading. It is the

I Prof. Gabi Ben-Dor Named Visiting Professor at Venerable Scientific Institute in India

Dr. Morton and Toby his doctoral degree from the The Indian Institute of Science Mower Chair in Shock Wave Institute for Aerospace Studies (IISc) was conceived as a Studies and a member of the (UTIAS) at the University research facility in the 19th Department of Mechanical of Toronto. His research century and became the Indian Engineering, has been interests include shock wave Institute of Science in May 1909. named the Centenary Visiting induced turbulent mixing; Professor at the Indian planar and spherical shock Many national facilities are Institute of Science, one waves attenuation in dust-gas housed at the Institute, which of India’s oldest research suspensions; waves in multi- also hosts one of the best institutions, which is currently phase media; shock waves libraries and computational celebrating its Centenary Year. propagation in porous and facilities in all of India. The granular media; application Institute hosts hundreds of Prof. Gabi Ben-Dor Ben-Dor completed his of shock dynamics and visitors from India and abroad Prof. Gabi Ben-Dor, Dean of undergraduate and graduate perturbation theory to shock every year and is the venue the Faculty of Engineering studies in Mechanical wave reflection phenomena for many major national and Sciences, incumbent of the Engineering at BGU, and and protective technologies. international academic events.

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I Drug Found Safe for Pregnant Women

More than half of pregnant women, poses no significant According to pediatrician relieve nausea and vomiting women experience severe risks for the fetus if taken and clinical pharmacologist, during pregnancy,” he stated. nausea and vomiting – so- by women early in their principal investigator and called “morning sickness” – pregnancy. Professor Emeritus at BGU The study is part of the during the first trimester and Dr. Rafael Gorodischer, doctoral thesis of Ilan Matok beyond. Working together with the Metoclopramide is the drug and was conducted by the Clalit Health Services at the of choice in Europe and Israel three Israeli entities as part In a large cohort study Soroka University Medical for morning sickness-like of the Ben-Gurion MotheRisk published in June in the Center and the Hospital for symptoms. “The findings of Obstetric Registry of Exposure renowned New England Sick Children in Toronto, this very large cohort study collaboration (BeMORE). The Journal of Medicine, Canada, they were testing examining infants born to study of the safety of other researchers from the Faculty the drug as used in the most mothers who were exposed medications commonly used of Health Sciences found that severe cases, what is referred to Metoclopramide during off-label in pregnancy is an Metoclopramide, approved to as an “off-label” use, the first trimester provides ongoing project of BeMORE in the U.S. for nausea, beyond the scope of a drug’s significant reassurance for the investigators in large cohorts vomiting and heartburn, but approved label, for nausea and safety of the fetus when the of women in southern Israel. not specifically for pregnant vomiting during pregnancy. drug is given to women to

I Elderly Eating Habits may Provide Clues to Patient Risk

Lifestyle factors, such as elderly people’s appetite and many other variables,” she participants (ages 70-82 years) smoking, physical activity and mortality rates, with those who explains. “Past studies failed in the Health ABC study, nutrition, play important roles report impaired appetite more to show an association with researchers analyzed DAEE in the onset and progression likely to die sooner. survival. It was thought that and dietary factors, including of chronic diseases, decreased appetite may be an self-reported appetite, according to Dr. Danit The study, published in the indicator or a result of other enjoyment of eating and intake Shahar, a researcher at the May issue of the Journal of health problems, and that assessed by the Block Food University’s S. Daniel Abraham Nutrition, Health & Aging, malnutrition, rather than low Frequency Questionnaire International Center for Health demonstrates a link between appetite was associated with (FFQ) and Healthy Eating and Nutrition and Department the Daily Activity Energy mortality.” Index (HEI) over a nine-year of Epidemiology. These Expenditure (DAEE – an period. factors may be especially accurate measurement of total “Dietary Factors in Relation important in older people, physical activity), appetite to Daily Activity Energy Participants who reported who are at an increased risk and mortality among well Expenditure and Mortality improved appetite were for illnesses and death. functioning community- among Older Adults,” analyzes at lower risk for mortality. dwelling adults. data from the Health, Aging Similarly, participants who Information on an elderly and Body Composition study reported good appetite at patient’s eating habits may be “These findings are (Health ABC) to demonstrate baseline had a low risk for important for health providers important because they that higher DAEE is strongly mortality. The results remained regarding risk for patient show how subjective associated with increased significant taking into account deterioration and mortality. A appetite measurement can appetite, resulting in lower health status, physical activity, new study by Shahar’s team predict death, even when risk of mortality in healthy demographic and nutritional reveals a linkage between adjusting for health and older adults. Using 298 older indices.

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I The 39th Annual Board of Governors Meeting

Prof. Michal Schwartz delivers the Zlotowski Annual Lecture in the W.A. Minkoff Senate Hall

Under the banner “Powered meet with BGU’s exceptional the University community neither encountered nor even by People,” the 39th Annual researchers and learn more had to confront some of the considered before.” Board of Governors Meeting about their work. most difficult challenges it showcased the faculty, has faced in its nearly 40- “If there is a silver lining students and staff who have In his address at the Opening year history. From the global to what has happened,” transformed Ben-Gurion Plenary Session, Israel’s financial meltdown resulting she concluded, “it is in University into one of the most new Minister of Science and in painful budget cuts to the rediscovering the strength of dynamic centers for research Technology, Rabbi Prof. Daniel frightening missile attacks on the BGU connection inside in Israel. Hershkowitz, took up the Beer-Sheva during the war in the University and around theme and praised the “human Gaza, BGU’s friends, faculty, the world when it is needed In addition to the annual talent and resources, the students and staff were called most.” Carmi particularly activities such as the unveiling courage and strength” of the on to cope in unprecedented thanked the University’s of new names on the Ben- people that live in the Negev. ways. She noted that, “international family of Gurion and Founders Walls “There are wonderful things “practically overnight, we supporters, from Associates and the presentation of the being done here. This is the found ourselves facing a new to staff, who stand by us at all University Report to the ‘power of people’ that makes reality in which we had to times and particular, in times members, this year’s program this miracle possible.” make daily decisions in an of need.” included on-site visits, this emergency forum, based on time on the Marcus Family In her remarks, University the instructions of Israel’s Her comments were echoed Campus in Beer-Sheva, to President Prof. Rivka Carmi Home Front Command, by Beer-Sheva’s new mayor allow participants a chance to noted that during the past year, attending to needs that we had Ruvik Danilovich, who

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Chairman’s Council: Back L-R: Eric Charles, UK; Prof. Yitzhak Peterburg, Israel; Danièle Bidermann, France; Nava Rubenzadeh, Argentina; Carol Saal, USA; Harold Paisner, UK; Gerard Worms, France; Bertie Lubner, South Africa. Front L-R: Chairman of the Executive Committee David Brodet; President Prof. Rivka Carmi, M.D.; Chairman of the Board Roy J. Zuckerberg; Vice-President for External Affairs Prof. Amos Drory

addressed the Plenary: “What the world. The awardees have women in the early years music and dancing, is always is exceptional is your faith,” he all published extensively in of their career. Prof. Carmi the most popular event of declared. “It’s no small thing highly-esteemed international referred to the “disturbing the Board of Governors to visit during this continuing scientific journals and have reality of gender inequality meetings, and this year was economic crisis, yet you won prestigious competitive in academia,” and thanked no exception. In addition continue to come and support research grants.” (see full story the Managing Director of the to the superb student jazz us. You are our true friends.” on page 13) Foundation in Israel Avner ensemble and the Zlotowski Danilovich, who at 38 is one Azulay for the Foundation's Dance Troupe, guests at this of Israel’s youngest mayors, This year also marked the support of this ground- year’s event were greeted by a called BGU “a beacon of light launching of the new Marc breaking project, which new Arab and Jewish student to the region.” Rich Foundation Prizes for recognized 14 young female musical group. A joint project Women Researchers, the first researchers and another six of Hillel: The Foundation for The session also provided an dedicated fund at an Israeli senior ones. Jewish Campus Life and the opportunity to acknowledge university created to promote Office of the Dean of Students, scientific accomplishment. the status of women in The annual Student Evening, the seven-member El Metroze The outgoing Chairman of academia, specifically targeting which includes dinner, (“Intertwining”) Ensemble the Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education, Prof. Shlomo Grossman, welcomed the participants and acknowledged the scientific achievements of the University.

The President’s Prize for Outstanding Scientific Achievement 2009 was presented to seven faculty members “whose tremendous scientific contributions to the University have had an Danièle Biderman helps Prof. Rivka Carmi unveil the new names on the Ben-Gurion Wall as Swiss Associates President immeasurable impact upon Michel Halperin and Arieh Dubson of the Moscona Fund of Mexico look on

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performed a haunting musical in order to improve or make mélange playing ethnic and an impact that will matter to western instruments. individuals, communities, nations and even the world.” Treasurer of the BGU Foundation in the UK Eric Indeed, the six recipients Charles conducted the have all given prodigiously of dynamic annual auction during their time and talents. They the evening to raise funds for were: President of the Jordan student projects and programs, National Red Crescent Society assisted by AABGU President HE Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid, Carol Saal. “Eric really takes Jordan; actress Gila Almagor, this job seriously and ran the Israel; artist and sculptor Dani auction like a real auctioneer,” Karavan, Israel; historian Saal exclaimed afterwards. Prof. Anita Shapira, Israel; “It was something of a cliff- Chairman of the Konrad- hanger, but in the end, I was Adenauer-Stiftung Prof. Dr. overwhelmed by the response Bernhard Vogel, Germany; of the small group and the fact and Chairman of Ben- Member of the Board Lucien (Yehuda) Bronicki, Israel, comments during the that we received funding for Gurion University’s Board of symposium on Renewable Energy 90 percent of the projects.” Governors and businessman Roy J. Zuckerberg, USA. THE BEST OF THE BEST “Israel’s emphasis on In his speech at the ceremony, excellence and innovation Al-Hadid quoted the late has brought Israel to Egyptian President Anwar internationally-recognized Sadat, who paid a visit to BGU heights of achievement in the exactly 30 years ago that week realms of technology, science in 1979. “Sadat was impressed and culture,” said President by the work of the University,” Carmi at the moving, outdoor said Al-Hadid, “and stressed evening ceremony in which that its work ‘is vital not only BGU’s Honorary Doctoral for Israel, but also for Egypt Degrees were bestowed upon and the entire Middle East.’ It six outstanding individuals. makes me profoundly honored The honors, she declared, that this historic institution “are about contributing talent, that has contributed so much A musical dialogue. The Arab-Jewish El Metroze (“Intertwining”) musical expertise, time and resources to the human cause has seen ensemble greeted guests at the Student Evening

The Darbuka group from the “Netivot Yoram” music school in Beer-Sheva perform at the Opening Plenary Session

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fit to consider me as one of acknowledged that if there its esteemed doctorates,” said was one thing in her life she Al-Hadid. would change, it would be education. “Since I abandoned Al-Hadid, who is also school, I have been chasing Chairman of the Standing after more and more Commission of the knowledge, just not to be left International Red Cross behind. I was never ashamed and Red Crescent, was to be like a beggar, to collect instrumental in the creation of pieces and crumbs from the the first-ever academic course tables of great intellectuals,” for Jordanian paramedics she said, expressing her worry in Israel. The program will about the apparent trend to be launched in the near neglect education. future at BGU’s Leon and Mathilde Recanati School The Zlotowski Annual Lecture for Community Health was presented by Prof. Michal Professions. Schwartz of the Weizmann Institute of Science, who kept Israeli Minister of Science and Technology Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz addresses the Opening Plenary Session During the course of the the audience fascinated with Board of Governors Meeting, her presentation titled, “The about the University’s of the Blaustein Institutes for Al-Hadid visited the Gate of immune system maintains the impressive achievements Desert Research; Dr. Nurit Peace built to commemorate brain and the mind in health in developing sources of Ashkenasy of the Department Sadat’s historic visit to the and disease: Implications renewable energy in the areas of Materials Engineering; University in 1979, and for neurodegenerative and of solar energy, renewable Dr. Iris Visoly-Fisher of the also honored Canadian mental diseases.” Introduced biofuels and photovoltaic cells. Department of Chemical philanthropists Henry (Harry) by Director of the Zlotowski Engineering and Prof. Sammy Bloomfield, and Evelyn Center for Neurosciences “Every day, the sun floods Boussiba, Director of the Bloomfield Schachter on Prof. Yael Amitai, the event us with vast quantities of French Associates Institute for behalf of the Jordan National was held in the presence energy,” said Prof. David Agriculture and Biotechnology Red Crescent Society for their of benefactors and Vice- Faiman, Chairman of the of Drylands and Head of the “promotion of the ties between Chairperson of the Board Department of Solar Energy Landau Family Microalgal the Society and Ben-Gurion Suzanne Zlotowski and and Environmental Physics Biotechnology Laboratory University of the Negev.” Adelene Zlotowski, UK. and Director of the National at the Blaustein Institutes. Solar Energy Center at the Chairman of the Board of Renowned Israeli stage and At a symposium on renewable University’s Jacob Blaustein Ormat Industries Yehuda screen actress Gila Almagor energy, participants heard Institutes for Desert Research. Bronicki – who is also a “One square meter of desert member of the University’s receives in the course of a Board and an honorary year the energy equivalent of doctorate recipient – one whole barrel of polluting summarized the symposium, oil. BGU is proud to be a emphasizing the relationships partner in positioning Israel between research and at the center of the world industry. in developing unique solar energy technologies.” At a panel discussion entitled “Researchers Returning Moderated by the Vice- Home,” several bright, young President and Dean for Israeli-born researchers Research and Development spoke about their personal Prof. Moti Herskowitz, who is experiences in deciding to also a researcher in the field of return to the country following renewable energy, the panel their post-doc studies despite Dr. Amiel Ishaaya (left) on the panel of “Researchers Return Home” included Dr. Eugene A. Katz lucrative offers in the U.S. with fellow participant Dr. Eli Lewis and Prof. Daniel Feuermann and abroad. They explained

12 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

why they chose to return to Israel and, in particular, why they came to Ben-Gurion University.

The panel included Dr. Sigal Abramovich of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences; Dr. Galia Avidan of the Department of Psychology; Dr. Amiel Ishaaya of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Dr. Eli C. Lewis of the Department of Clinical Biochemistry; Benefactors Suzanne Zlotowski (far right), Adelene Zlotowski and Adelene's son Louis-James with Prof. Michal Schwartz Dr. Miki Malul of the at the Zlotowski Annual Lecture I Excellence in Research Recognized

L-R: Prof. Yuval Golan; Prof. Ron Apte; Prof. Avishai Henik; Prof. Tamar Alexander-Frizer; Prof. David Eichler; Prof. Joseph Pliskin; Prof. Berry Pinshow The President’s Awards receipt of prestigious scientific accomplishments.” Faculty of Engineering for Outstanding Scientific competitive research grants. Sciences; Prof. Avishai Achievement were They were presented with a The recipients were Prof. Henik of the Department presented to seven scroll that reads as follows: Tamar Alexander-Frizer of of Psychology at the members of the academic “The President’s Prize for the Department of Hebrew Faculty of Humanities faculty in recognition of Outstanding Scientific Literature at the Faculty and Social Sciences; Prof. their scientific contributions Achievement is hereby of Humanities and Social Berry Pinshow of the to the University. awarded to each of these Sciences; Prof. Ron Apte of the the Mitrani Department outstanding individuals in Department of Microbiology of Desert Ecology at the The recipients were recognition of their notable and Immunology at the Faculty Jacob Blaustein Institutes selected on scientific merit, achievements in research, of Health Sciences; Prof. David for Desert Research; and in acknowledgement their role in transforming Ben- Eichler of the Department Prof. Joseph Pliskin of the of their extensive Gurion University of the Negev of Physics at the Faculty of Department of Health publications in highly- into a world-class academic Natural Sciences; Prof. Yuval Systems Management at the esteemed international institution and their significant Golan of the Department of Guilford Glazer School of scientific journals and contribution to the nation’s Materials Engineering at the Business and Management.

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Visiting Dr. Ron Folman’s lab, L-R, front: Jacques Jacubert, France; Sylvia Herman, USA; Sandra Joel, USA; L-R, back: Jerry Herman, USA; Billy Joel, USA

Department of Public Policy Institute for Biotechnology in atmosphere of doing service; and I’ve found that there and Administration; and Dr. the Negev and Department of most Israeli researchers is something special about Raz Zarivach of the National Life Sciences. “There is a new do seek a way back home, BGU,” commented Ishaaya.

Deputy Vice-President and Dean for Research and Development Prof. Arie Moran pointed out that there is a “crucial point of recruitment” of researchers abroad, before they have become inextricably committed to work there.

The Chairman’s Dinner Dance provided a magical conclusion to the Board events. In her remarks, Prof. Carmi thanked Roy Zuckerberg for his tireless work on behalf of the University and presented him with a kinetic model of the BGU logo. Guest of Honor Prof. Avishay Braverman – the former University President and now Minister of Minority Affairs in the Israeli government – noted that “the University continues to attract all the best people. They know Participants gather for the tour of the Guilford Glazer School of Business and Management – L-R: Ricki Alon, USA; that BGU is Israel’s future,” he Eric Charles, UK; Tamar Levi-Hevroni, BGU; Jacqueline Charles, UK; Lloyd Goldman, USA told the guests.

14 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I While I was Sleeping

One of the six recipients of the was hit by a missile. A part of 2009 Rich Foundation Prizes me died. A part of me lives. for Excellence in Research “Thinking about that day, was Dr. Rachel Barkan of those moments, I am still the Department of Business amazed that I found the Administration at the Guilford strength to get out of the car, Glazer School of Business and even more so, that I was and Management, who was able to recall and say Professor seriously wounded in the final Aviad Israeli’s phone number missile strike on Beer-Sheva in before losing consciousness. January. I am also repeatedly amazed In a brief, emotional address, by dear friends, members of Barkan, an expert in decision- the BGU community. Aviad, making and behavioral who by the way specializes in economics, expressed crisis management, triggered Dr. Rachel Barkan her deep gratitude to the a supportive network of men University community for its and women. All of them rose “The President was simply with food day in and day out, support throughout her ordeal. to the occasion. Rivka, the Dean – Arie, the supporting them, embracing Her remarks are reprinted here Chair – Ayala, Mira – the head them with love. in full: “When my parents arrived at of administration of the school, the hospital after 3 hours of a Professor Pliskin – Yossi, “While I was sleeping, so to “What happened to me defies tormenting drive in the dark and so many others. There speak, Ben-Gurion University imagination. Looking at the – both meanings apply – they is something so Jewish and was a family to my family, and scars, experiencing the pain, were embraced, not with big so Israeli about arranging an to me. I am shocked – time and time titles and academic positions, apartment for them to stay in, again by the realization that I but by people. making beds, loading a fridge “Thank you.”

Vice-Chairman of the Board Bertie Lubner and his wife Hilary, South Africa, with the student recipients of the Lubner Prize for Community Service

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Board member Dov Tadmor, Israel President Prof. Rivka Carmi and Chairman of the Board of Governors Roy Zuckerberg, USA

Chairman of the Executive Committee David Brodet, Executive Committee Theodor (Tito) Schoenberger, Israel (left), with long-time Executive Committee member Yair Green, Atty., Israel, Board member Lenny Roth, USA member Zwi Zurr, Israel

Zoom Fleischer, USA; Board members Edy and Sol Freedman, USA Harvey Malyn and Board member Ellen Marcus, USA

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Riki and Coby Dayan, USA and family at unveiling of the Dayan Garden in honor of Ita and Eitan Dayan

L-R: Harry J.F. Bloomfield, Canada; President Prof. Rivka Carmi; Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid, Jordan; and Rector Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt

To see more photos, click to www.bgu.ac.il/board

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I A Matter of Honor

Back row, L-R: Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Prof. Dr. Bernhard Vogel, Chairman of Ben-Gurion University's Board of Governors Roy J. Zuckerberg, President of the Jordan National Red Crescent Society H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid; Front row, L-R: Historian Prof. Anita Shapira, actress Gila Almagor, artist and sculptor Dani Karavan

It was a particularly moving the International Red Cross and the acceptance of the Red in acknowledgement of an ceremony this year as Red Crescent – a humanitarian Crystal emblem alongside Israeli-born actress who began the University granted organization that provides first those of the International her career in her teens and honorary doctoral degrees aid and assistance to those in Red Cross and Red Crescent has taken part in dozens of to six outstanding recipients: distress, regardless of race, and therein allowed for the plays and films, portraying a President of the Jordan religion or creed; in honor inclusion of Magen David broad spectrum of characters National Red Crescent Society of a man who has dedicated Adom in the company of and astounding audiences H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid, his life to helping others these august bodies; and with with the exceptional qualities Jordan; actress Gila Almagor, whilst recognizing the rights deep respect for his resolute she imbued in each and every Israel; artist and sculptor Dani of every individual to receive cooperation with Ben-Gurion one; in appreciation of a Karavan, Israel; historian Prof. aid and the obligation of all to University of the Negev as one renowned actress, a judge at Anita Shapira, Israel; Chairman be involved; in appreciation of the founders of the Israeli- international film festivals, who of the Konrad-Adenauer- of his tireless promotion of Jordanian academic program received prestigious prizes in Stiftung Prof. Dr. Bernhard public health, human rights for emergency medicine Israel and abroad, including Vogel, Germany; and Chairman and peace through the which will soon open at the the Israel Prize in 2004 for of Ben-Gurion University’s important public roles he plays University.” her contribution to Israeli Board of Governors Roy J. in the Hashemite Kingdom cinema and theater, who has Zuckerberg, USA. of Jordan and worldwide, Gila Almagor was honored “in succeeded in renewing and for which he has received recognition of a distinguished broadening the fields in which His Excellency Dr. Mohammed numerous international artist, a leading lady of she is involved, including Al-Hadid received the awards and honors; in Israeli stage and screen, who television acting and writing recognition as “the President acknowledgement of a loyal with her many talents and books and scripts which have of the Jordan National Red friend for his uncompromising fruitful activity has left her won worldwide acclaim; Crescent Society and Chairman struggle for open dialogue mark on Israeli culture in a in honor of a woman who of the Standing Commission of and equality, which led to wide range of disciplines; tirelessly devotes her time and

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I A Matter of Honor

energies to public activity, an ambassador of the Jewish Retired State Prime Minister Roy J. Zuckerberg was including on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa people and the State of Israel Prof. Dr. Bernhard Vogel recognized as a successful Municipal Council and with the through his commemoration of received the recognition as businessman for “his Israeli Artists Association and the Holocaust and his tireless “an esteemed leader who exceptional accomplishments the Israel Cancer Association; promotion of the lofty causes served as Prime Minister of the in the field of investments, and in deep esteem for her of peace and human rights.” States of Rhineland-Palatinate who has devoted much of unceasing commitment to and Thuringia in the Federal his time and expertise to the welfare of sick children, Prof. Anita Shapira received Republic of Germany for the support and leadership founding the Gila Almagor the degree “in recognition many years and led these of numerous organizations, Wishes Foundation that fulfils of an eminent historian of states to a more promising including the American Red their wishes, instilling in them Zionism, the State of Israel future through the promotion Cross and the North Shore- a feeling of hope and victory.” and the Jewish people, whose of democracy and education; Long Island Jewish Health insightful and original point in acknowledgement of a System; in acknowledgement Dani Karavan was honored as of view laid the foundations tireless statesman who used his of an enthusiastic Zionist, a an “artist of vision, a leader in for research into the decisive unbridled talents and energies concerned and influential his field, a talented painter and period in the history of our for public service in key roles, member of the US Jewish illustrator and successful set country; in acknowledgement including Minister of Culture community, who continues designer, who was born in Tel of a renowned scholar, and Education in Rhineland- his father's tradition of loyal Aviv and became a renowned recipient of the Israel Prize Palatinate and Chairman of support for the State of international environmental in Jewish History 2008, who the Joint Commission of the Israel; in appreciation of a sculptor, bridging between researched the history of German Federal and State partner in the development the open and urban landscape immigration, settlement and Governments for Education of Ben-Gurion University of and creating dozens of Hebrew labor and revealed Planning and Research the Negev, Chairman of the environmental installations the complexity of turning the Development, out of a sense Board of Governors, for his in Israel and worldwide; in Utopian dream into reality, of responsibility and deep commitment to renewing acknowledgement of the understanding that study commitment; in appreciation the mission of the University recipient of the Israel Prize for of the past will aid in the of a loyal friend of the State through his strong belief Art and Science in 1977, whose comprehension of present of Israel, Chairman of the in its bright future as a top- works have left their indelible realities and building the future Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, class scientific research mark on Israel’s landscape of the State; in appreciation for his longstanding support institution; in honor of a from Tel Hai in the north to of an enterprising woman, of education and higher loyal friend who supports Nitzana in the south, including founder of the Yitzhak Rabin education and his involvement the University’s Honors MBA in the Knesset in Jerusalem and Center for Israel Studies, in advancing coexistence and program, and dedicates his the Negev Brigade Monument who has served in many key equality between all citizens of time to its students, thereby overlooking the city of Beer- positions, including as head Israel through the Foundation's bequeathing knowledge Sheva; in admiration for a of the Inter-University Project significant contribution to to future generations; and prolific artist who has won for the Research of Illegal the program for Accessibility with deep appreciation of numerous awards, including Immigration, President of to Higher Education and the a benevolent supporter for the prestigious Praemium the Memorial Foundation for studies of numerous Bedouin his unique contribution Imperiale Award of Japan, Jewish Culture and head of the students at Ben-Gurion through the establishment whose works have been Chaim Weizmann Institute for University of the Negev; and and development of the displayed in exhibitions the Study of Zionism and Israel in gratitude to a man who Zuckerberg Institute for Water worldwide, and whose at Tel Aviv University; and in has done much to strengthen Research at the Jacob Blaustein powerful creations include the esteem for an academician the ties between the State Institutes for Desert Research ‘Square of Tolerance – Homage who has authored many books of Israel and the European on the Sede Boqer campus, to Itzhak Rabin’ in Paris and and who invests her time Community in general and and for his active involvement ‘Passages – Homage to Walter and energies in teaching new Germany in particular by as a member of the Institute’s Benjamin’ in Spain; and in generations of Israeli students supporting European studies at scientific consulting committee, deep appreciation of a creative and in encouraging young the University, in the spirit and in the belief that water is the individual who, for more researchers in the quest for the name of the late Chancellor key element in a true dialogue than 60 years, has devoted knowledge in the roots of the Konrad Adenauer.” between citizens of the Middle his life to art and has become realities of our lives.” East.”

19 News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Prof. Amos Oz at Birthday Fete: I Feel Most at Home at BGU

“The Hebrew language is next generation of writers. We my passion, my devotion sincerely hope that you will and the fire in my bones,” maintain this status here at declared Prof. Amos Oz, one BGU for many years to come.” of Israel’s best-known authors and political voices, during “I plan to go on teaching at the festive event in honor of this University as long as I his 70th birthday. The event have a voice. I love this place,” was a tribute to his prolific declared Oz, as if in answer to literary career and his role as Carmi. “Of all the universities an educator as a member of where I’ve taught and given the University’s Department of lectures, I feel the most at Hebrew Literature. home at BGU.” He cited the warm relationship between Oz is incumbent of the S.Y. teachers and students, student Prof. Amos Oz with singer Ronit Ophir Agnon Chair in Contemporary and students, and, “what is Hebrew Literature established most hard to find, amongst the incumbent of the Rosen Family Chinese, Russian and Polish,” by the German Associates. teaching staff themselves.” Career Development Chair she related, “and each was In 2007, his personal archive in Judaic Studies and head of sure that his stories could have moved to a permanent home Dean of the Faculty of the creative writing track in been written by someone from within Heksherim – The Humanities and Social the Department of Hebrew their respective countries.” Research Institute for Jewish Sciences Prof. Moshe Justman Literature, remarked that in the and Israeli Literature and noted that “Amos Oz is past the choice of writing in The tribute to Oz included a Culture at BGU. indelibly inscribed in our Hebrew, or in Yiddish, always musical rendering of poetry collective memory and is, meant being restricted to the from his book, The Same Sea, “We are fortunate to have more than any history book, a literary margins. “But Amos by singer Ronit Ophir, and a Amos as a member of our permanent part of the record Oz, through the translations surprise performance on the intimate family,” University we leave for generations to of his books, has somehow recorder by Amos’ wife Nili Oz. President Prof. Rivka Carmi come, of what it means to be managed to penetrate the said in her introduction to here in this place and at this rest of the world in an Oz joked to the audience the event. “Even now, as time.” extraordinary way.” that the “concentrated dose” a professor emeritus, he of compliments he has been continues to devote time to In her introduction to Oz’ Following the publication receiving during the on-going teaching and cultivating the address, Dr. Anat Weisman, of his widely successful birthday celebrations were masterpiece, A Tale of Love reminiscent of what one reads and Darkness, she explained only in an obituary. “You have that Oz received thousands ruined my motivation to die.” of letters from readers around the world claiming that he The event was followed by the was writing their life story. opening of an exhibition of She noted that at the academic Oz’ works, titled The Mapping conference held two weeks of Language, which includes earlier as part of the birthday photographs, manuscripts, celebrations, three translators letters, research, newspaper of the same book noted they clippings, video clips, each felt it had originally been illustrations, art works and written in their language. personal belongings that span L-R: Alain and Candice Fraiberger, Switzerland, speak with Prof. Amos Oz in “These were the people who the breadth of his career and the exhibition area translated the text – into was curated by Ayelet Ofer.

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I Toronto Prize for Excellence in Research Awarded

of Epidemiology and Public Health, a Fulbright scholar who is a physician at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Soroka University Medical Center; Dr. Ofer Dahan of the Department of Environmental Hydrology and Microbiology at the Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research of the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research in Sede Boqer, Dr. Iris Shai receives the Toronto Prize from (L-R) Rector Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt, President Prof. Rivka Carmi, who applies his expertise to Vice-President and Dean for Research and Development Prof. Moti Herskowitz different problems related The annual Toronto Prize Canadian Associates of BGU to the study of failure criterion of to the issue from flow of for Excellence recognizing honor the 50th anniversary of mechanical components; contaminants to recharge of exceptional achievement by the State of Israel and has been Prof. Moshe Sipper of the water aquifers in drylands; promising young researchers awarded annually since 1998. Department of Mathematics, and Dr. Yaniv Poria of the was awarded at the Rector’s a leader in the field of Department of Hotel and concert. Selected by a This year’s winners are as evolutionary algorithms; Tourism Management at the committee headed by the follows: Prof. Zohar Yosibash Dr. Andrea Berger of the Guilford Glazer School for Vice-President and Dean for of the Department of Department of Psychology, Business and Management, Research and Development Mechanical Engineering and who researches the an expert on the management Prof. Moti Herskowitz, the head of the Computational development of attention and of heritage sites and on Prize was created by the Mechanics Laboratory, an numerical cognition; Dr. Eyal special segments of tourism Toronto Chapter of the expert on fracture mechanics, Sheiner of the Department consumption.

I Prof. Yigal Ronen receives Honorary Doctorate Degree

Former Dean of the Faculty recipient for the year 2009. including eight on the subject of Engineering Sciences and a of archaeology. Amongst his member of the Department of Ronen, a member of the outstanding achievements is Nuclear Engineering Prof. Yigal Department since 1976, served the proposal to use Americium Ronen received an honorary as its Chairman for three terms as nuclear fuel, mainly for doctorate degree from the before serving as Dean of the propulsion in outer space. Russian Academy of Sciences Kreitman School of Advanced The publication of his book for his outstanding scientific Graduate Studies for over ten Uncertainty Analysis, helped achievements. An honorary years. He served as Dean of turn this subject into a scientific doctorate degree from the the Faculty from 2003-08. discipline. Prof. Yigal Ronen Academy is considered the highest honor awarded in A prolific scientist, Ronen has In 1988, he was elected as received an honorary doctorate Russia to foreign scientists. written and edited six books a Fellow of the American degree from St. Petersburg Ronen is currently the only and more than 120 articles, Nuclear Society. In 2007, he Polytechnic in Russia.

21 News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

I Coalition Monitors Dust Storms in Central Asia

Following the collapse of systems that are expected the Soviet Union in 1991, the to serve as a basis for regional newly independent Central strategy and tactics to mitigate Asian states inherited a serious adverse change. Funded by problem of desertification. the European Union, Sixth Large-scale irrigation Framework Program (FP6), the development led to the project includes a number of ecological catastrophe in the BGU researchers: Aral region which has resulted Profs. Dan Blumberg, Haim in frequent dust and sand Tsoar, Jiftah Ben-Asher, and storms, leading to serious land graduate student Shimrit degradation. Maman Tirosh, from the Department of Geography and Dr. Leah Orlovsky of the Environmental Development Department of Solar Energy and Prof. Nikolai Orlovsky and Environmental Physics and graduate student Rodika Dr. Lea Orlovsky at the Jacob Blaustein Induitu from the Department Institutes for Desert Research of Desert Agrobiology at the importance for the stability wind-caused – erosion from (BIDR), is coordinating a BIDR, in addition to scientists and ecological safety of the sand and dust storms, will four-year ecological research from Portugal, Germany, region and other areas. study these processes within project in Kazakhstan, Russia and the Central Asian the participating countries with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan states. The Central Asian sand seas the aim of suggesting possible to investigate the pattern of are currently semi-stable, land reclamation and plant-life airborne salt-dust deposition According to Dr. Orlovsky, which indicates environmental recovery measures. across Central Asia, and set up the problems that Central change and possible climate a database for monitoring the Asia experiences are not change since their formation. The project was recently region. unique; they are part of the showcased by the European general desertification process For the duration of the project, Community and is featured The multi-national project occurring worldwide. The several working groups in a recently published is developing monitoring monitoring system may be of dealing with aeolian – or compendium on FP6 projects.

I International Conference Explores Business Ethics

Despite pressures in some Management and Prof. David Over 60 scholars and officers thought that everyone would countries to boycott Israel and Frenkel of the Department of leading corporations from cancel at the last moment. But Israeli academic institutions, of Business Administration at Europe, the USA and Israel we did it, and it was quite a the European Business Ethics the Guilford Glazer School of participated in the conference success.” Network (EBEN) held its Business and Management, the entitled “Conflicts in the World annual research conference at event included presentations of Business Ethics” and hosted EBEN is a cross-national Ben-Gurion University. This of papers on such topics by the Department of Business network founded in 1987 was the first time the annual as uniform standards Administration. as a non-profit association conference was held outside for medical testing, the dedicated to the promotion of of Europe. relationship between profits “Nobody believed that we ethics in academia, business, and happiness, transparency, could do it,” said Frenkel, the public sector and civil Organized by Dr. Yotam and the concept of “Virtue in professor emeritus at the society. Lurie of the Department of Business and Management.” Glazer School. “Everyone

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I Hans Fischer Fellowship to Prof. Zohar Yosibash

Prof. Zohar Yosibash, founder scientists from outside of 2001 with computational treatment of bone diseases. and head of the Computational TUM who intend to explore biomechanics, especially with Mechanics Laboratory at the innovative, high-risk topics in the verification of validation Yosibash is the first Israeli Department of Mechanical their scientific research areas. of p-FE models of the human to receive the fellowship, Engineering, was recently femur. which is named after TUM honored by the Technical As a Hans Fischer Senior Professor Hans Fischer University of Munich (TUM) Fellow, Yosibash will continue They hope that their work (1881-1945), Nobel Prize for his scientific contribution his collaboration with together at the newly created laureate in Chemistry (1930), in the field of Computational Prof. Ernst Rank, head of the Munich Center for Advanced for his pioneering work on Biomechanics. Yosibash Institute of Computational Computing will lead to the haemoglobin and related was awarded the Institute of Engineering at TUM. Yosibash development of a computer structures. He is also involved Advanced Study (IAS) Hans has long experience in high- aided quantitative planning in other multidisciplinary Fischer Fellowship, which order finite element methods and analysis tool that will assist research groups at the is granted to outstanding and has been involved since orthopedists in diagnosis and Technical University of Munich.

I A Cause for Celebration

Families and friends came to the Marcus Family Campus to cheer on the 156 new graduates at the moving Ph.D. ceremony. This was one of a series of University graduations that took place this summer, starting with the Medical School for International Health and the Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School ceremonies in May (38 and 117 new M.D.s respectively), through the undergraduate ceremonies held over a two week period in July. This year 3,305 new Bachelors and 1,648 Masters degrees were awarded.

23 News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

I Historian Pieces Together Ancient Story Photo: Peter Lanyi from the Israel Museum, Jerusalem Photo: Peter Lanyi from brother and predecessor of of the Hellenistic and Roman Antiochus IV – the Greek period. king whose persecution of the Jews provoked the “This was a real detective Hasmonean revolt in 167 story. I was able to fit the BCE – was King Seleucus pieces together and figure IV (reign 187-175 BCE). The out that they all belong to story recounts that Seleucus one inscription,” relates Gera. sent his representative “Subsequently, I was able to Heliodorus to Jerusalem to prove that these fragments seize the treasures of the were actually the lower Jewish Temple, but that he portion of the Heliodoros was severely beaten as a result stele and belonged to the of divine intervention. The king’s letter. This was really an scene was immortalized in its exciting realization.” depiction by the Renaissance painter Raphael on a Vatican Thus the question of the fresco. origin of the earlier inscription was unequivocally settled. Attempts to steal the Temple It also must have come from wealth are alluded to in an Maresha. An equally exciting ancient limestone inscription discovery, says Gera, “is that found on what is known as the the king’s letter dealt with the “Heliodoros stele.” Considered appointment of a man named one of the most important Olympiodorus to the office of ancient inscriptions found in high priest of the province, Israel, the stele documents an with responsibility over all exchange of letters between its temples, including the several Seleucid (Greek) Jerusalem temple.” officials dating to 178 BCE, and mentions Seleucus IV and Heliodorus. The stele was Receive NEWS@BGU Online exhibited at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, but its origin was To subscribe, send an e–mail to [email protected] unclear and the stone's lower and it will arrive directly into your inbox. part was missing. Produced by the Department of Publications and Media Relations The three smaller fragments Editor: Faye Bittker of a Greek inscription were Text: Patricia Golan found at an Israel Antiquities Translation: Jacqueline Watson-Alloun The Heliodoros stele reunited with the found fragments Authority excavation at the Photos: Dani Machlis, Kineret Mizrahi, ancient biblical site of the Wolfgang Motzafi-Haller, Photo Campus, When Dr. Dov Gera finally scene in the Second Book of city Maresha, today inside Arnie Schlissel, Niva Simon Design: www.image2u.co.il pieced together the ancient Maccabees has a historical the Beit Guvrin National fragments of text that were foundation,” relates Gera, a Park. The archeologists, who Further details of the research projects found at an excavation inside member of the Department of thought these were three described here may be obtained from: [email protected], Tel: 972-8-646-1753 the Beit Guvrin National Park, Jewish History. unrelated inscribed Greek he couldn’t believe it. “It was fragments, showed them to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev too good to be true. Here was According to the Second Gera, a recognized expert on P.O.Box 653, Beer–Sheva 84105, Israel www.bgu.ac.il, Vol.2 No.2 evidence that the fantastic Book of Maccabees, the elder epigraphy and historiography