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אוניברסיטתews בן-גוריון בנגב NNEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY@BGU OF THE NEGEV SUMMER 2008 VOL 2 I Microsoft Israel Announces Creation of Joint “Innovation Labs” with Ben-Gurion University

Microsoft R&D of these fields in the Negev as center in Haifa. a national mission. “BGU is the second largest educational Speaking at the institution in the country ceremony, Yaacovi, training engineers, second only explained that to the Technion,” she said, the company lamenting the fact that today, will select 12 the vast majority of graduates outstanding leave the Negev. She detailed students each year the University’s involvement as interns. As part in developing an Advanced of the agreement Technologies Park adjacent to Microsoft and the Marcus Family Campus. University researchers will Remarking on the agreement, carry out joint Deputy-Rector Prof. Yael projects. There Edan said: “Co-operation with will be seminars Microsoft’s R&D Center is the President Prof. Rivka Carmi and CTO Yoram Yaacovi of Microsoft’s R&D Center and professional right way of ensuring that the conferences during best brains remain in Israel.” Ben-Gurion University of Prof. Rivka Carmi and Yoram the year, and the students Moshe Lichtman, Corporate the Negev and Microsoft’s Yaacovi, CTO and General will participate in Microsoft’s Vice-President and President of R&D Center in Israel have Manager of Microsoft’s innovation competitions. Dr. Microsoft Israel R&D added: announced that they recently R&D Center, at the opening Ronen Brafman, a member of “We believe that cooperation signed an agreement of ceremony of the University’s the University’s Department with academia as a strategic cooperation. Within Annual Project Day, organized of Computer Sciences, will technological model is positive this framework, outstanding by the Faculty of Engineering supervise the University’s and enriching to both sides. computer science students Sciences. involvement in this initiative. Cooperation with Ben-Gurion will complete internships University of the Negev with Microsoft Israel at an Microsoft has created six similar BGU President Prof. Rivka allows outstanding students a “Innovation Lab,” which is facilities in the United States. Carmi noted that the University direct path to the heart of the focused on hands-on practical This is the first lab of its kind teaches around 20 percent of the technological achievements in research. The announcement to operate outside of the US. students in the country in hi-tech the world market, whilst coping was made by BGU President The Lab will be located at the fields and sees the expansion with real challenges.”

I Hubert Burda Prizes I Minister-President of North I Marvin Kalb I 38th Annual Board of for Innovation Rhine-Westphalia Receives Receives Robert St. John Governors Meeting Marks the 2 3 5 th 7 Awarded Honorary Professorship Award 60 Anniversary of Israel News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

I Hubert Burda Prizes for Innovation Awarded

Publisher and Chairman of the The 13 recipients are the Board of Hubert Burda Media. innovators of nine different “Dr. Burda understands Israeli projects, one from each innovation and the promise department in the Faculty of of our younger people and Engineering Sciences. decided that this is the right investment into the future of The winners were as follows: this small country,” declared Marina Gitelman and Evgeny BGU President Prof. Rivka Berger, Information Systems Carmi at the opening session. Engineering; Daphna Volsky, “This is why it is significant Nuclear Engineering; Pamela that these prizes have been Oren and Ophir Artzi, created this year, as we Communication Systems celebrate the 60th anniversary Engineering; Mor Peleg and Stephanie Czerny congratulates Evgeny Berger and Marina Gitelman, recipients of the Burda Prize for Innovation of the establishment of the Guy Dabah, Biomedical State of Israel,” she said. Engineering; Yiftach Barash, Thirteen graduating Freescale, Udi Barel. A number Biotechnology Engineering; engineering students received of Israel’s leading industrialists According to the University Eitan Yair, Structural the Hubert Burda Prize for and entrepreneurs, including citation, the students were Engineering; Daniel Reisner, Innovation at a ceremony Dr. Joseph (Yossi) Vardi and recognized, for “their Mechanical Engineering; marking the opening of the Sammy Sagol, were also intellectual creativity and Tamar Yelin, Chemical University’s annual Projects present at the event. technological innovation Engineering; Talia Gazit and Day. Traditionally a showcase which will advance future Roni Shascham, Industrial for fourth-year students from The newly-created Burda Prize research and development of Engineering and Management. the Faculty of Engineering is the brainchild of Dr. Burda, the world.” Sciences, this year the event was broadened to include projects from the Faculties of Natural and Health Sciences and from the Department of Psychology.

Managing Director of Marketing & Communications at Hubert Burda Media Stephanie Czerny represented the renowned German publisher Dr. Hubert Burda at the ceremony. The opening session also included greetings from CTO and General Manager of the Innovation Labs, R&D Technologies of Microsoft-Israel, Yoram Yaacovi; the CEO of Polymer Logistics, Zvi Yemini; and the Director of Development of Students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering with one of their advisers, Dr. Amir Shapiro (second from right)

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I Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia Receives Honorary Professorship

between Israel and the European Union in her speech to the Knesset in March. “I would like to see Israel having a ‘privileged relationship’ with the EU. We are working towards this and have concrete proposals,” the Minister-President stated.

According to the University citation for the honorary professorship, Rüttgers was recognized for his “many laudable accomplishments in education, science, research and technology as Federal Cabinet Minister and as Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia; in deep appreciation of a sincere and L to R: Prof. Avigad Vonshak, Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers and Rector Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt devout friend of the Jewish people and the State of Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers, Minister- Prof. Avigad Vonshak, who greater understanding and Israel, who has encouraged President of North Rhine- moderated the event. coexistence. Noting that North Christian-Jewish dialogue, Westphalia, Germany, Rhine-Westphalia has been and who embodies the warm recently received an honorary As a former minister for running an exchange program relationship and cooperation professorship from the Jacob education, science, research for Israeli students since 2004, between Germany and Blaustein Institute for Desert and technology in Chancellor Rector Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt Israel, in the spirit of Konrad Research (BIDR). He was Helmut Kohl’s Cabinet in the said, “It is my privilege to Adenauer and David Ben- honored for his instrumental 1990s, Rüttgers negotiated honor a person with not only Gurion; in gratitude for role in reaching agreements on the agreement under which the vision of the importance of his steadfast continuing scientific-technical cooperation Israel was able to benefit globalization of education, but support of the long standing between the European Union from EU research support who also takes action to bring relationship between and the State of Israel and programs. He has also actively about active cooperation of the State of North Rhine- between Germany and Israel. promoted German-Israeli the exchange of knowledge, Westphalia and Ben-Gurion bilateral scientific research researchers and students.” University, as established “Since the founding of and development projects, by former President of the Blaustein Institutes, particularly in the areas of In his address at the Sede Germany, Johannes Rau; and our researchers have had oceanography and water Boqer ceremony, Dr. Rüttgers in recognition of his deeply- strong ties with the scientific technology. called for the expanding held belief in the power of community of the Federal of German-Israeli scientific science and education to Republic of Germany in Rüttgers has strongly cooperation “beyond research improve our world and as a almost all the disciplines, from supported collaborative and development.” He said vehicle to promote mutual desert architecture to water, research projects between that he was encouraged by understanding, peace and algal-biotechnology and solar researchers in the region Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coexistence in the Middle East energy,” noted Director as a way to promote call for even closer links and beyond.”

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I Prof. Rivka Carmi Honored by Hadassah

doctor 38 years earlier at 2000 when she became the the Hadassah hospital in first woman in Israel to head Jerusalem. “I have closed the a medical school at BGU. A circle in my medical work with pediatrician and geneticist, sadness and joyfully opened Carmi has studied the genetic another large circle of work of diseases of the Bedouin. One another kind for the good of of her discoveries, a rare the State of Israel,” she said. congenital skin disorder, is “Theoretically, the investment called the Carmi Syndrome. that Hadassah made in me She also founded an has been lost, but in fact it educational organization to has received a large dividend help Bedouin women.” because actually, I am continuing to realize the vision At the same ceremony, of the Hadassah Women’s Hadassah, the Jewish Organization to work for ‘the world’s largest membership Prof. Rivka Carmi admires the glass plaque while Marlene Post, former National development of the State of organization and America’s President of Hadassah, reads the text. Israel and to meet its changing largest women’s organization, Hadassah, the Women’s National President Nancy needs’.” also recognized two Israel Zionist Organization of Falchuk and former Deputy Prize laureates: Prof. Anita America, recognized Prof. President of the Supreme In the official announcement Shapira for her ground- Rivka Carmi as a “Woman Court and State Comptroller detailing the decision, the breaking work defining the of Distinction” at a moving Miriam Ben-Porat. organization noted that study of Zionism and actress ceremony held in June. The “Prof. Rivka Carmi is the first Orna Porat for her work event took place at the Knesset “Life takes place in cycles,” woman ever to head an Israeli both on and off stage, as in Jerusalem, in the presence said Prof. Carmi in her university. A graduate of the “grande dame” of Israeli of Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik, remarks, recalling how she Hadassah Medical School, she theater and the pioneer of MK Amira Dotan, Hadassah started her studies at as a first made history in the year children’s theater in Israel.

I Magnets with Staying Power

A discovery that could prove current classical computers, ‘forgetfulness’ of the encoded act as a carrier of quantum to be a milestone on the explains Tsukerblat. “Whereas information.” The challenge, information. road to the development of a a classical computer has a he concludes, lies in exploring quantum computer was made memory made up of bits, the reasons for forgetfulness The research was carried out by Prof. Boris Tsukerblat from where each bit holds either and how to remedy the through the interdisciplinary the Department of Chemistry a ‘one’ or a ‘zero’, a quantum problem. collaboration of three groups: and is described in an article computer encodes information Bielefeld University of published in a recent edition at the nanoscale in a sequence The article, “Quantum Bielefeld, Germany; Institut of the prestigious journal, of qubits (quantum binary oscillations in a molecular Neel of Grenoble, France and Nature. digits). magnet,” reports Ben-Gurion University, with unprecedented results on the the support of the German- A quantum computer could The development of the basis of a magnetic molecule Israeli Foundation for Scientific solve certain problems quantum computer is containing vanadium and Research and Development much faster than any of our hindered by ‘decoherence,’ or oxygen atoms which can (GIF).

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I Marvin Kalb Receives Robert St. John Award

In his talk titled, Kalb is the incumbent of the Nasser. He was dubbed “The Next American Edward R. Murrow Professor the “Dean” of the foreign President and the of Practice, Emeritus at press corps in Israel during Israeli-Palestinian Harvard University. His Operation Galilee in Lebanon Conflict,” Kalb distinguished journalism in 1982 – the fifth conflict he predicted that career encompasses 30 years had covered in the region. Barak Obama will of award-winning reporting for St. John traveled the world, win the US election CBS and NBC News, as Chief carrying out research for the in November, Diplomatic Correspondent, World Book Encyclopedia and noting that this year Moscow Bureau Chief, and making radio broadcasts. the electorate is host of Meet the Press. Among interested in ABB, his many accomplishments, According to President Carmi, “anyone but Bush.” he was recipient of the Robert St. John “wanted to He dismissed 2006 National Press Club provide Israelis with the accusations Fourth Estate Award. Kalb opportunity to hear how that Obama as has authored or coauthored Israel and her neighbors are president would 10 nonfiction books and perceived by the foreign press. be, “bad for Israel” two best-selling novels. He Therefore, he decided to help and encouraged hosts the Kalb Report, a us here at BGU by providing Marvin Kalb members of the discussion of media ethics and an ongoing invitation to hear audience to see responsibility at the National from these journalists as Award-winning news what Obama wrote in his Press Club in Washington, visiting lecturers under the commentator Marvin Kalb first book. “In it, he describes D.C., and is a regular auspices of the chair in his received the Robert St. John Israel as ‘sacrosanct’ and he contributor to Fox television name.” Chair for Objective Middle means it. Both Democrats and and National Public Radio. East Reporting in June. At Republicans will support Israel “I knew Robert St. John the ceremony, University to the hilt. Both also want an The Robert St. John Chair well,” recalled Kalb, after the President Prof. Rivka Carmi agreement. It is part of the for Objective Middle East presentation of the scroll. noted that Kalb “follows in the American platform.” It is not, Reporting honors the memory “I was at his 80th and 90th tradition of veteran journalist he emphasized, that John of a journalist and prolific birthday parties and at the Robert St. John – combining McCain doesn’t care about author who wrote 23 books ceremony in Washington [St. first-hand quality reporting the Israeli-Palestinian issue, it and worked for many news John’s 100th birthday] when from Washington and around is simply that “he will be too organizations. He wrote eight this chair was inaugurated.” the globe with the kind of preoccupied with Iraq, the books about the Middle East, intelligent commentary that war that the Republicans have including well-reviewed To see the lecture online, click defines a first-class observer of committed themselves ‘to not biographies of David Ben- to mms://karish.bgu.ac.il/bgu- human nature.” losing’.” Gurion and Gamel Abdel academic/tekes.wmv

I Prof. Zeev Zachor Honored

Prof. Zeev Zachor, President of recently in recognition of his courage and determination the College and his leadership Sapir College near Sderot and “exemplary Zionist spirit,” as an educator committed to during these difficult times. a member of the University’s from the City of Herzilya. At providing higher education The judges noted that he is “an Department of Jewish History, the awards ceremony, Mayor to students regardless of daily outstanding example of the received the Herzl Award Yael German lauded Zachor’s rocket attacks from Gaza on Zionist enterprise.”

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I Graduates for the Future

Zach Ngalo Otieno-Ayayo from the Department of Life Sciences receives his diploma from Prof. Rivka Carmi, while (from left) the Dean of the Kreitman School for Advanced Graduate Studies Prof. Ramy Brustein, Rector Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt and Dean of the Facutly of Natural Sciences Prof. Abraham Parola look on.

“I have an almost 20 year is one of Africa’s greatest best research universities in majority of graduates are from long relationship with this problems, so it is critical the world,” he explained, the Faculty of Humanities University,” asserted Zach that new methods are found “as part of the University’s and Social Sciences – 2,044, Ngalo Otieno-Ayayo, who to control the mosquitoes policy to attract the highest including recipients of came especially from Kenya that carry the disease,” he caliber graduate students, teaching certificates. There to receive his Ph.D. from the explained. “Hopefully, I including Masters and Ph.D. were 1,153 graduates from Kreitman School of Advanced will be able to continue candidates.” The creation of the Faculty of Engineering Graduate Studies at a festive my research in Africa in the Negev Fellowships, to Sciences; 856 from the graduation ceremony in June. collaboration with Israeli complement the prestigious Guilford Glazer School of “I originally came to BGU researchers.” Today he heads Kreitman Foundation and Business and Management; to do guided research on an the Department of Biological Pratt Fellowships, he noted, 575 from the Faculty of Natural International Atomic Energy Sciences at the University has given the University the Sciences; 548 from the Faculty Agency fellowship program in of Eastern Africa in Baraton power to attract an increasing of Health Sciences and 53 from 1989-90, but in the end, I came Kenya, where he also serves number of outstanding the Jacob Blaustein Institutes back to do my Ph.D. because as chairman of the University’s doctoral students. The number for Desert Research. of the excellent research and Research Committee. of incoming doctoral degree supportive atmosphere.” candidates at BGU rose from In May, 74 new medical According to Dean of the 273 students last year to 313 doctors received their M.D. Ngalo Otieno-Ayayo is one Kreitman School Prof. Ramy this year. degrees from the Joyce and of a record 155 students Brustein, this has been a Irving Goldman Medical who received their doctorate significant year for advanced Two weeks later, some 5,229 School at the Faculty of degrees this year. His degree studies at the undergraduate and graduate Health Sciences and 23 doctorate thesis, written University, as a direct result of students received their from the Medical School for the Department of Life the administration’s ongoing degrees in two consecutive for International Health Sciences at the Faculty of efforts to invest in advanced ceremonies, breaking down as in collaboration with the Natural Sciences, focused research. “We have committed follows: 1,633 Masters degrees, Columbia University Medical on biological methods for energy and resources to make 3,431 Bachelors degrees and Center. mosquito control. “Malaria BGU competitive with the 165 teaching certificates. The

6 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I 38th Annual Board of Governors Meeting Marks the 60th Anniversary of Israel

and Faculty Deans outlined the At the Student Affairs ramifications of government Committee, members of the policies at the Academic Student Association eloquently Development Committee, reminded the Governors of while proudly announcing a the impact of two strikes and number of newly-established the Second Lebanon War upon prestigious programs. They their studies over the past outlined efforts to develop three years and detailed their new international academic extensive activities to enrich ties and the considerable student life throughout the strides being made in University. The Associates advancing the University’s Affairs Committee included research agenda. This includes presentations by the Vice- The Finance Affairs Committee: (l-r) Vice-President and Director-General David the ability to offer competitive President for External Bareket; President Prof. Rivka Carmi; Co-Chair Micha Dapht, Israel; Co-Chair Eric Charles, UK; Chairman of the Board Roy J. Zuckerberg start-up packages based on Affairs Prof. Amos Drory, scientific merits and the results who highlighted a record The Marcus Family Campus General David Bareket and of a successful recruitment year in the magnitude of came alive with more than his team detailed the financial policy of some of the best and support of BGU friends, and 300 guests from Israel and constraints of the University brightest young researchers. a fascinating presentation around the world who came to and sister institutions in celebrate the 60th anniversary Israel, the troubling fiscal of the State of Israel at the 38th consequences of the Annual Board of Governors 90-day faculty strike at the Meeting between May 25-28, beginning of the academic 2008. The four-day Meeting year and ongoing draconian offered Board members governmental budget and guests an opportunity cuts while weathering the to engage with students repercussions of the volatility and faculty members while of world markets and a learning more about the weakened dollar. University’s accomplishments. A number of special events Rector Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt, L-R: Representatives of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Dr. Lars Hansel, and of marked important milestones the Vice-President and Dean the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation,Yair Torenheim, and Prof. Rivka in the development of the for R&D Prof. Moti Herskowitz Carmi unveil new names on Ben-Gurion Wall for 2008 University, as highlighted on these pages.

Board members participated in the important business of the committee meetings with presentations by the University’s senior administration, academic faculty and students, all of whom outlayed the year’s accomplishments and their future plans. At the Finance Friends from Philadelphia meet with faculty members at the festive opening dinner, including Dean of the Faculty of Affairs Committee, the Engineering Sciences Prof. Yigal Ronen (back row, far left) and Vice-President for External Affairs Vice-President and Director- Prof. Amos Drory (far right)

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38th Annual Board of Governors Meeting (con’d)

Chairman of the Board Roy J. Zuckerberg and annual reports by both University President Prof. Rivka Carmi and Rector Jimmy Weinblatt. The keynote address was given by the internationally- acclaimed Israeli writer and BGU professor Amos Oz, incumbent of the S.Y. Agnon Chair in Contemporary Hebrew Literature established by the German Associates. Six outstanding researchers received the President’s Prize for Outstanding Scientific Achievement, saluting the On Monday night guests enjoyed a special multi-media performance in Park Golda in Ramat HaNegev international and national by new University campaign contribution to BGU and the jazz ensemble. The event was accomplishments of the consultant John Gleir, Negev. The text acknowledged sponsored by Dorian Goldman University’s exceptional who analyzed the current the University’s appreciation and Marvin Israelow, New scientists during the nation’s fundraising environment for of its “magnanimous friends York, NY; Alex Goren, New 60th anniversary. academic institutions in the and supporters who have York, NY; Ben and Arline United States and around the committed themselves to the Guefen, Houston, TX; Fred Changing venues to world. advancement of knowledge and Marlene Levinson, San University’s Sede Boqer and scholarly research as part Francisco, CA; Joel Reinstein, Campus, participants were During ceremonies at the of the greater development of Boca Raton, FL; Carol and given a unique view of Ben-Gurion Wall and the the Negev region and the State Dr. Harry Saal, Palo Alto, practical coexistence in a Founders Wall, worldwide of Israel.” CA; and Max and Marjorie presentation titled “Creating Associates were recognized for Schechner, West Newton, an Environment for Peace,” their individual support of the The Student Association MA, on the occasion of the moderated by Jacob Blaustein University, in the presence of hosted its fun-filled Student 36th anniversary of BGU’s Institutes for Desert Research family and friends. Members of Evening, impressing guests American Associates. Director Prof. Avigad Vonshak. the Ben-Gurion Society were with the musical and dancing Member of the BIDR faculty presented with a special scroll talent of the student body, The Opening Plenary Session Prof. Alon Tal described marking the 60th anniversary which includes the Zlotowski of the Board included “A Model Agreement for of Israel that lauded their Dance Troupe and a student welcoming remarks by Environmental Cooperation,”

Members of the Departments of Hebrew Literature and Jewish History were on hand to celebrate 60 years of Israeli culture with performing artists and writers: (l-r) Etgar Keret, Prof. Haviva Pedaya, Nidaa Khoury, Prof. Nissim Calderon and musical artist Yehudit Ravitz

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of the Laboratory in the enthralling “A Showcase the 25th anniversary of the Prof. Sammy of the Humanities: From the Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer Boussiba. Heart – Israeli Culture in Department of Social Work Context.” and the 30th anniversary of Dr. Natan Aridan BGU’s trailblazing Open of the Ben- Moderated by Prof. Nissim Apartments Program. In Gurion Research Calderon of the Department an inspiring speech at the Institute made of Hebrew Literature and event, Herzog praised the a poignant a central figure in cultural Department as “dynamic, presentation at studies in Israel, the event vibrant and innovative.” the gravesite of featured readings and Moderated by Chairman Paula and David conversations with faculty of the Spitzer Department Martin Landau (left) with Prof. Sammy Boussiba Ben-Gurion that at the dedication of the Landau Family Microalgal focused on David Biotechnology Laboratory in Sede Boqer Ben-Gurion and a draft accord dealing emphasized his critical role in with environmental issues the period leading up to the shared between Israel and creation of the State of Israel the Palestinians. Also on 60 years ago. the program were Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian Guests traveled northward in graduate students and alumni the direction of Beer-Sheva from the BIDR’s Albert Katz for a festive dinner celebrating International School for Desert the 60th anniversary of the Studies. State, which was held on the shores of the enchanting man- Dr. Natan Aridan of the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel Guests had an opportunity to made lake in the beautiful and Zionism talks to the guests the gravesite of Paula and David Ben-Gurion tour the Ben-Gurion Research Golda Park. The event, titled Institute for the Study of “Let There Be Life – L’haim!,” members Etgar Keret, one of Social Work Prof. Alean Israel and Zionism and the sponsored by Etty Luzzatto, of today’s brightest young Alkrenawi, the event included varied research laboratories at Raya Strauss Bendror, Dov Hebrew writers; Nidaa presentations by faculty the Blaustein Institutes. The Tadmor and Chezy and Zehava Khoury, a brilliant bilingual members and students. Guests Landau Family Microalgal Vered of the Israeli Friends Hebrew and Arabic poet, were able to meet with some Biotechnology Laboratory of BGU, included a display and Prof. Haviva Pedaya, a of the students involved in the was dedicated at a touching of the University’s academic leading scholar in Jewish Open Apartments Program at ceremony in the presence of strengths according to the thought. Musical icon Yehudit a special lunch in honor of the Martin Landau, UK, and head themes of the natural elements Ravitz sang popular songs program following the event. Earth, Wind, Fire and Water, that are based on poems by which were accompanied famous Israeli poets. The by performers using sand, musical group Ensemble fire and water and a musical Ha’Yona performed traditional group from the Black Hebrew Sephardic liturgical prayers community of Dimona. with a modern beat.

An intellectual and musical Minister of Social Welfare potpourri of local prose, Isaac Herzog was the guest poetry and music was of honor at “A Celebration presented by Israeli writers of Community Intervention: Chairman of the Executive Committee and members of the Engaging the Mind and Soul – Prof. Claude Cohen-Tannoudji David Brodet at the Second Plenary Departments of Hebrew Academia in the Community,” presents the Hyman and Irene Session of the Board Meeting Literature and Jewish History which commemorated Kreitman Annual Memorial Lecture

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38th Annual Board of Governors Meeting (cont’d)

Family and friends of Ruth Flinkman of the United States gathered together for a moving dedication ceremony of the Stan Flinkman Foyer in the Henry and Anita Weiss Family Building for Advanced Research, moderated by Dr. Ron Folman of the Department of Physics. The family visited the unique Atom Chip Fabrication facility in the Henry and Anita Weiss Family Building for Advanced Research. Ruth Flinkman and her sons and grandson (l-r, Lewis, Noah and Russell) visit the Atom Chip Fabrication facility Family and friends of Swiss On Tuesday, May 27, 2008, special resolution concerning Eric F. and Lore Ross of the businessman Abraham Ben the University awarded six the academic boycott of Israel. USA were present at the David Ohayon were on hand Honorary Doctoral Degrees, dedication of the Eric F. for the dedication of the granted in recognition of the Following a moving and Lore Ross Atrium for Abraham Ben David Ohayon individuals’ distinguished presentation by BGU faculty Community Action. At the Behavioral Sciences Complex. contributions to science and members Dr. Orit Nuttman- dedication of the Eric F. and During the ceremony, humanity, as detailed in the Shwartz and Dr. Dror Zeevi, Lore Ross Lecture Hall in special guest Nobel laureate official citations. The guest of who shared their experiences the Ruth and Heinz-Horst Guest speaker Prof. Daniel honor was President of the about living and working in Deichmann Building for Kahneman reminisced about Israel Academy of the Sciences the Sderot area, the Board Health Professions, Dean of his experiences at the young and Humanities and Board passed a formal resolution, the Faculty of Health Sciences University. Later, in the member Prof. Menachem “extending its concern to the Prof. Shaul Sofer described sparkling new auditorium, Ya’ari. This year’s recipients residents of Sderot and other some of the achievements of Kahneman delivered the included Prof. Avishay Western Negev settlements,” Faculty. Zlotowski Annual Lecture: Braverman, Israel; Prof. Claude and called on “the government “Recent Revolutions in Cohen-Tannoudji, France; of the State of Israel to take The exciting week came to a our View of the Mind,” in Baron David de Rothschild, proactive steps to provide warm ending with a friendly the presence of Suzanne France; Dr. Agnes Heller, for the security of all of its evening of home hospitality by Zlotowski, UK, and Adelene Hungary/USA; Carol Saal, USA; citizens.” University faculty. Zlotowski, UK. Prof. Amos Oz, Israel.

Nobel Prize laureate in Physics At the Second Plenary Prof. Claude Cohen-Tannoudji Session of the Board Meeting, of the Collège de France and “Challenges for the Future,” the Ecole Normale Supérieure led by the Chairman of the in France spoke to an Executive Committee, David enthusiastic audience on “Light Brodet, members were able to and Matter: The Modernity of review committee resolutions Einstein’s Ideas” at the Hyman that focused on varying and Irene Kreitman Annual aspects of the government Memorial Lecture. budget cuts and made a

To see more pictures from the Board Meeting, visit the online gallery: http://cmsprod.bgu.ac.il/Eng/Units/Board Prof. Daniel Kahneman delivers the Zlotowski Annual Lecture

10 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I President’s Prize for Outstanding Scientific Achievement Awarded

From L-R: Dr. Moshe Sagi, Prof. Yigal Meir, Prof. Ayala Malach Pines, Prof. Rivka Carmi, Prof. Yigal Schwartz, Prof. Ron Dagan and Prof. Joseph Kost

On the occasion of the 60th contribution in promoting of Health Sciences; Prof. Yigal The scrolls read as follows: anniversary commemorating academia in Israel. Schwartz, Department of “The President’s Prize for the establishment of the State Hebrew Literature, Pinchas Outstanding Scientific of Israel, the President’s Prize The prizes were distributed Sapir Faculty of Humanities Achievement is hereby for Outstanding Scientific during the Opening Plenary and Social Sciences; awarded to each of these Achievement was awarded to Session. The recipients are Prof. Ayala Malach Pines, outstanding individuals in six exceptional researchers. as follows: Prof. Yigal Meir, Department of Business recognition of their important Department of Physics, Faculty Administration, Guilford achievements in research, The honor recognized their of Natural Sciences; Prof. Glazer School of Business and their role in making Ben- accomplishments and role Joseph Kost, Department of Management; and Dr. Moshe Gurion University of the in helping to position Ben- Chemical Engineering, Faculty Sagi, Department of Dryland Negev a world-class academic Gurion University as a first of Engineering Sciences; Biotechnologies, the Jacob institution and their significant class research university Prof. Ron Dagan, Division of Blaustein Institutes for Desert contributions to the nation’s and for their considerable Infectious Diseases, Faculty Research. scientific accomplishments.”

I The Gainesmobile

Lis Gaines, one of the founders and former president of the American Associates of BGU, inspects the spiffy new “Gainesmobile” during the Board of Governors Meeting.

The vehicle, which makes touring the Marcus Family Campus a real pleasure, was donated in Lis Gaines’ honor by her sister-in-law Carol Nash Green. The Gainesmobile is powered by electricity and can comfortably ferry seven passengers.

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I Going Above and Beyond – Six Honorary Doctoral Degrees Awarded

gratitude to a dynamic leader who successfully transformed BGU into a significant, world- class institution, providing a nurturing home and state-of- the-art facilities for thousands of researchers and students; to a former President who brought the University to fiscal stability and left an architectural legacy of beauty on campuses in Sede Boqer, Eilat and the Marcus Family Campus in Beer-Sheva; and to a Member of Knesset who actively promotes social justice and the development of the Negev and the Galilee and the advancement of science and higher education in Israel.”

Prof. Claude Cohen-Tannoudji received the doctoral degree “In recognition of one of the world’s greatest physicists of our times, a gifted and prolific scientist who has Back row (L to R): Prof. Amos Oz; Prof. Claude Cohen-Tannoudji; Baron David de Rothschild. extended the frontiers of Front row: Prof. Ágnes Heller; Carol Saal; Prof. Rivka Carmi; MK Prof. Avishay Braverman quantum mechanics and quantum optics, developing The University conferred – this age-old ceremony at former senior economist at the new theoretical and practical honorary doctoral degrees on revered institutions around World Bank, who promoted approaches to the study of the six outstanding individuals the world has always been economic development and interaction between light and in recognition of their about going above and worked to prevent hunger matter; in honor of a pioneer accomplishments during beyond.” Rector Prof. Jimmy on four continents; with deep in the use of laser light to cool the 38th Annual Board of Weinblatt noted that each appreciation of a true visionary and trap atoms, providing Governors Meeting. of the evening’s recipients for his untiring efforts to scientists with new tools for “symbolize one or more facets develop the Negev and bring conducting experimental The degrees were granted in of David Ben-Gurion’s visions” the periphery closer to the research, revealing intriguing recognition of the individuals’ for the Negev and Israel, as center, increasing accessibility new insights that have paved distinguished contributions detailed in the University’s of the disenfranchised to the way for a wide range to science and humanity. citations quoted below: higher education and creating of future applications; in According to University new economic horizons admiration of a man who has President Prof. Rivka Carmi, MK Prof. Avishay Braverman for all the residents of the fearlessly and relentlessly “Regardless of the field we received the doctoral degree region, including his inspired spoken out against proposed are acknowledging – be it “In heartfelt recognition of the drive for the creation of the boycotts of Israeli academia; human liberties, education, fifth President of Ben-Gurion Advanced Technologies Park in profound gratitude for his performing arts or the sciences University of the Negev; a adjacent to the University; in long-lasting friendship with

12 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

the State of Israel and efforts of Israel, carrying on a family in her support of the State of Literature established by the to advance scientific research commitment of more than two Israel.” German Associates at Ben- in the region as a means of centuries that is perpetuated Gurion University of the promoting peace; and in deep in the names of the flourishing Prof. Amos Oz received Negev.” esteem of a member of the towns founded and nurtured the doctoral degree “In French Academy of Sciences by the Rothschild family; and recognition of an acclaimed Carol Saal received the and laureate of the Nobel Prize in recognition of his efforts author and essayist, one doctoral degree “In honor of in Physics in 1997, amongst in advancing education and of the foremost writers in a true friend of Ben-Gurion numerous other prestigious welfare, scientific research and contemporary Hebrew University and a partner to awards, and a dedicated higher education, encouraging literature, who has brilliantly its vision; in recognition of teacher at the Collège de those assets so crucial to the portrayed the complex reality her initiatives in the world of France and a researcher at the State of Israel – the future of Israel with a critical eye hi-tech, the application of her Ecole Normale Supérieure, generations of scientists and and a loving heart and a belief entrepreneurial gifts to the whose lectures and books scholars.” in the capacity of literature social sector, her passionate have inspired generations of as a bridge between people; advocacy of many worthy young physicists to join in his Prof. Ágnes Heller received to a master-craftsman who, and important causes and the scientific quest to unravel the the doctoral degree “In in his works so filled with centrality of volunteerism as secrets of our world for the recognition of an eminent personal experiences and local her life’s work; in deep esteem benefit of all mankind.” philosopher, one of the landscapes – from Jerusalem of her great contributions founders of the “Budapest and from the kibbutz, to Arad to Jewish education and Baron David René James School,” who has been in the Negev desert – conveys community life as President de Rothschild received an model of personal and how pain, love, fear and pity of the Saal Family Foundation the doctoral degree “In intellectual courage; in are universal experiences that and her work heading Jewish recognition of a distinguished admiration of a Holocaust resonate worldwide in over organizations in California, banker, scion of an survivor who has dedicated forty languages, touching the spearheading support of internationally-renowned her life to examining the moral hearts of readers around the medical research and higher business family and pillar of and ethical issues of our lives, globe; in deep esteem for education in the United the French Jewish community; posing fundamental questions a committed Zionist and a States and Israel; in heartfelt who, in continuing the about history, culture, tireless advocate for peace; in gratitude for her tireless efforts 200-year tradition of the democracy and modernity; in honor of a distinguished and on behalf of the University, Rothschild family, has appreciation of a woman who prolific writer and a member including the advancement become the embodiment of bravely withstood persecution of the Israel Academy of the of promising young scientists trust, integrity and stability by a totalitarian regime in her Hebrew Language, among and medical research and the in the tumultuous world of native Hungary, unwilling to whose many prestigious establishment of the Dr. Harry international markets; in compromise her independent awards are the 1998 Israel and Carol Saal Auditorium admiration for an Officer of the thought and integrity; in Prize for Literature and the in the Alon Building for Hi- French Legion of Honor, who acknowledgement of an 2005 Goethe Prize; in gratitude Tech; and in recognition of served for 18 years as mayor award-winning scholar whose for his enthusiasm and desire the energetic commitment of the town of Pont L‘Evêque; prolific body of work and over the years to dedicate his she brings to every position in deep esteem for his selfless teaching continues to inspire time to teaching, sharing his she holds, including her public service, leadership and generations of students; in sensitivity and wisdom with activities as a member of commitment to numerous profound esteem for a person his students and colleagues the Board of Governors and Jewish philanthropies, who did not hesitate to re- and nurturing young writers the Ben-Gurion Society and particularly on behalf of examine her ideas, never as a faculty member of the her dedicated leadership as French Holocaust survivors; losing her belief in the spirit of Department of Hebrew President of the American in gratitude to a loyal friend man and the values of mutual Literature and incumbent Associates of Ben-Gurion for his unflagging support of responsibility and brotherhood of the S.Y. Agnon Chair University of the Negev.” the Zionist vision and the State which have found expression in Contemporary Hebrew

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

I Two Professorial Chairs Inaugurated

is a prominent Pennsylvania Dean of the Guilford Glazer business leader and School of Business and philanthropist. As members Management and Dean of of the Ben-Gurion Society, the University’s Eilat Campus. he and his wife Roberta Currently, he serves as Vice- have served on the Board President for External Affairs. of Directors of the AABGU Philadelphia Chapter, of “As researchers, we are which Ernest is now chair. In compelled to understand how addition to funding the Ernest innovations and innovative Scheller, Jr. Chair in Innovative management processes Management, the Schellers can and are applied in the have generously supported workplace,” Drory explained. BGU’s nanotechnology “As educators, we must research and the Ginsburg- disseminate this knowledge to Aaron Fish and his son Samuel Ingerman Overseas Student our students by using the most It was an international and Wally Fish Family Program, in addition to appropriate teaching methods. celebration as two professorial Foundation, he and his establishing significant It is our responsibility to academic chairs were wife support many cultural deferred gifts. In 2004, they prepare them for the dynamic inaugurated during the Board and medical institutions in received the David Ben- and highly competitive world Meeting, in the presence of Montreal and Israel. They Gurion Award in recognition of innovation.” both benefactors and their have been involved with of their outstanding leadership families: the Fish family of the University for a number and generosity. Scheller summed up the Montreal and the Scheller of years, particularly in the connection between both family of Philadelphia. area of engineering sciences, Incumbent Prof. Amos Drory families with the well-known creating the Aaron Fish has held a number of senior anecdote that it is “better University Rector Prof. Jimmy Scholarship Endowment positions at the University, to teach a man to fish than Weinblatt praised the decision Fund in 2001, designated for including Chairperson of to give him a fish.” This, he to create academic chairs as the support of Mechanical the Department of Industrial explained, is the essence of the core of the University’s Engineering students. Engineering and Management, innovative management. endeavors and praised the two new incumbents, Incumbent Prof. Mordechai Prof. Mordechai Perl of the Perl has been with Department Department of Mechanical of Mechanical Engineering Engineering in the Faculty of since 1995, serving as Engineering Sciences and Chairman of the Department, Prof. Amos Drory of the Associate Dean for Academic Department of Business Development and then Management at the Guilford as Dean of the Faculty Glazer School of Business and of Engineering Sciences. Management. “Through his entrepreneurial skill, leadership, and charitable Aaron Fish, a member of deeds, Aaron Fish has had a the University’s Board of tremendous impact on the Governors and the Montreal lives of many individuals Executive of the Canadian including myself,” Perl said, in Associates of BGU, was a videotaped message. accompanied by his son Samuel. Through the Aaron Ernest (“Ernie”) Scheller, Jr. Roberta and Ernie Scheller, Jr. with Prof. Amos Drory (left)

14 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Minister of Social Welfare Isaac Herzog Praises Community Involvement

“You have to be a special Apartments Program that the pain of new immigrants human being to be in social marked its 30th anniversary. who have just come from work. You need a good heart Africa or the former Soviet and a strong stomach to attend Herzog noted that while Union, the conflicts between to the needs of the others,” professional challenges Jew and Arab – all these remarked Minister of Social for social workers are represent a major burden Welfare Isaac Herzog while great everywhere, they are on our resources,” Herzog speaking at the event marking especially difficult in Israel. “In declared in his passionate, the 25th Anniversary of the many ways, the problems spontaneous remarks. Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer are similar to those in every Department of Social Work. society: sexual harassment, “I believe that the Negev alcoholism, old age and poses a major challenge Herzog was the guest of family issues, violence in the to Israeli society,” he Minister of Social Welfare Isaac Herzog honor at “A Celebration of community, which are in continued, praising the Community Intervention: themselves a major challenge. Spitzer Department. “It works Herzog congratulated the Engaging the Mind and Soul – Add to all that what we within the community, and Board of Governors and the Academia in the Community,” have had to deal with since the projects are extremely University, “for showing vision saluting the achievements of the establishment of Israel: interesting and contribute and leadership in this field. the Department, together with the consequences of the to the success of services It has changed the lives of so those of the University’s Open Holocaust, the results of wars, throughout Israel.” many people in Israel.”

I Sderot: A Personal Viewpoint

Since 2001, the western rocket exploded in a parking student-faculty relationships. “I was astonished to see how Negev development town of lot on the campus. “My office “We expect the instructor to strong everyone was. I figured Sderot has suffered ongoing was a chaotic mess, fragments lead the class, but sometimes I’d find miserable, unhappy attacks of Kassam rockets of glass and plaster covered the students show more people, but actually they fired from the Gaza Strip. Two the room. All the windows had courage and deal with the helped me more than I helped University faculty members been shattered,” she related. stressful situation in more them,” he explained. He said Dr. Orit Nuttman-Shwartz, a adaptive ways than faculty that he discovered what it member of the Charlotte B. “What would have happened members,” she admitted. means to be living under the and Jack J. Spitzer Department if I hadn’t had enough time constant threat of rockets. of Social Work, and Dr. Dror to run away, or if I hadn’t Zeevi, an expert in Middle “First of all, if you have kids, Zeevi of the Department of heard the siren? I mustered East Studies moved to Sderot a think about them going out to Middle East Studies shared the courage to look out of few months ago from Tel Aviv play, worrying about them all their experiences of living and the window and saw the big where he had an easy, culture- the time. What if you’re having working in the area. hole in the ground left by the filled existence. “I felt that a shower, and you have 15 Qassam rocket, right where there was such a gap between seconds to find shelter. What Chair of the Department Roni was killed.,” she told the my life and theirs,” he said. if your building – like half of Social Work at the Sapir audience. “I was living in a bubble in Tel of the structures in Sderot – Academic College, Nuttman- Aviv and the people in Sderot doesn’t have a shelter or a Shwartz related how she Nuttman-Shwartz related the were suffering these missiles safe room?” Zeevi pointed out entered her office the day ongoing dilemma of whether everyday. I felt that there is that businesses have suffered after one of the College’s to continue teaching in this something wrong here. This greatly and expressed hope for students, Roni Yihye, had situation, and how a shared is the same country, the same an improved situation in the been killed when a Qassam traumatic reality impacts people.” future.

15 News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Prof. Amos Oz on Israel at 60: the Conflict of Dreams and Reality

urgent existential problems social solidarity.” that he believes must be solved in order for this The following day, Oz “golden age” to continue, received an honorary detailing his outlook for doctorate from the University. peace in the region. He also During his remarks, he noted addressed what he referred that the “University has been to as a “question of life and my home for 22 years” and death”: the renewal of “social that in many ways, receiving solidarity” within the state. this honor was almost “In Jewish shtetls in Eastern “incestuous.” But, he said, of Europe there was misery and all the honorary degrees that poverty and suppression, but he has received, this one “is not starvation and illiteracy. In closest to my heart. This is a Israel today, there are pockets family recognition.” of hunger and pockets of dehumanizing poverty,” he To see the keynote speech Prof. Amos Oz decried. “This is the urgent online, click to mms://karish. “Israel is a dream come true, the biblical monarchy, a petit business of the State of Israel, bgu.ac.il/bgu-academic/amos_ and therefore, it has a touch bourgeois middle European of Israeli society, to renew this oz.wmv of disappointment about it,” society where everyone is remarked Israeli writer, polite, a Jewish shtetl, or a Prof. Amos Oz, in his keynote Marxist paradise to which one speech at the Opening Plenary day even Stalin would come Session of the 38th Board for a visit and die of happiness of Governors Meeting. The to see this perfect Socialist internationally-acclaimed state. writer explained: “The only way to keep a dream rosy and “What has become of all intact is never to try to live it these monumental dreams?” out. This is true not only of he asked. “Some are still creating a nation. This is true struggling, some have died, of writing a novel, planting a and some have been taken garden or living out a sexual for granted. On the surface, fantasy. This is not about we have something that the the nature of Zionism; this is early founders and Herzl about the nature of dreams.” never dreamt about. What Oz, incumbent of the S.Y. we actually have here is a Agnon Chair in Contemporary very Mediterranean country. Hebrew Literature established Along the coastal plain where by the German Associates, 80 percent of Israelis live, it has been teaching in the is hedonistic, noisy, warm- Department for Hebrew hearted, materialistic, bursting Literature for over 20 years. with energies, but with painful pockets of poverty and Israel was born of many exclusion, but nonetheless, Leonard and Dorothy Wasserman from Philadelphia received an conflicting and sometimes a Mediterranean country.” unexpected surprise while on the Marcus Family Campus: their children th mutually exclusive dreams, he and grandchildren donated a public bench in honor of their 60 wedding anniversary. pointed out: the recreation of Oz went on to describe the

16 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Abraham Ben David Ohayon Behavioral Sciences Complex Dedicated

The Abraham Ben David behavior research, offices for Ohayon Behavioral Sciences faculty and administrative Complex was dedicated in staff and lecture rooms and the presence of benefactor includes a 380-seat auditorium. Abraham Ben David Ohayon and his family of Geneva, During the ceremony, former Switzerland. The special guest Chairman of the Department was Nobel laureate and former of Behavioral Sciences BGU lecturer Prof. Daniel Prof. Avishai Henik and his Kahneman and the guest of former mentor Kahneman honor was MK Prof. Avishay recalled the early days of the Braverman. Esther Halperin Department. Kahneman spoke Abraham Ben David Ohayon and his children Dan and Laurence spoke on behalf of the Swiss about teaching at the young Associates. university that used old store I don’t find in many other class,” nothing that “what has fronts as classrooms. places.” been accomplished here at Designed by Israeli architect BGU is almost unbelievable.” Alex Meitlis, the building “They were structures built to Kahneman, one of the Addressing Ben David Ohayon includes more than 3,000 be grocery stores, and those founders of the branch of directly, he commented, square meters and a covered were our classrooms,” he said, behavioral economics and a “I think you chose very well courtyard. The facility serves adding that “there was always recipient of the Nobel Prize in choosing to build this the needs of the Department something special about the in Economic Sciences in magnificent building on this of Psychology, housing enthusiasm here, a sense of 2002, called the Department beautiful campus and in this laboratories for human pioneering and warmth that of Behavioral Sciences “first- extraordinary place.”

I University Celebrates Eric F. and Lore Ross’ Heartfelt Commitment to the Community

Eric F. and Lore Ross of the you notes. USA were present at the dedication of the Eric F. At the dedication and Lore Ross Atrium for of the Eric F. and Community Action. Moderated Lore Ross Lecture by Chair of the Department Hall in the Ruth of Politics and Government and Heinz-Horst Prof. Fred Lazin, the ceremony Deichmann highlighted the University’s Building exceptional involvement for Health with the children of the Professions, surrounding community. The moderator and Ross’ were very touched by Dean of the the photo album presented Faculty of Health Eric F. and Lore Ross with Prof. Shaul Sofer (left) and Prof. Rivka Carmi by the children of Perach and Sciences Prof. Shaul Sofer the Hall. Participants had Mathilde Recanati School Community Action Unit that described the mission of the the opportunity to tour the for Community Health included hand-written thank School and the purpose of facilities at the Leon and Professions.

17 News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Creating an Environment for Peace

air pollution sources that are Jerusalem, a project that is transboundary and impact part of a multi-lateral “MERC” their air quality.” research grant with Jordanian and Palestinian partners. The model agreement has Suleiman Halash, an electrical been submitted to Israel’s engineer from Amman, aspires Ministry of Environmental to establish the first solar Protection and the Palestinian power company in Jordan. negotiating team on the His research assesses the environment. effectiveness of different solar technologies in the conditions The event also included of the kibbutzim in the Arava. a panel presentation Sawsan Batarseh comes from Prof. Avigad Vonshak focused on “Transboundary an agricultural family based A model for an agreement on that spanned several Environmental Research” by in Jarash, near Amman, environmental cooperation months of research and students from the Albert Katz Jordan. Her research analyzes was unveiled at the Jacob negotiations. The ambitious International School for Desert water and food security in Blaustein Institutes for Desert project was undertaken in Studies (AKIS). During the past Jordan with an emphasis Research (BIDR) during consultation with international year, three Palestinian and 10 on drought, food grains the Board Meeting. “This environmental legal experts Jordanian students have joined and recommendations for event reflects the continued and peer review teams of the School’s international contingency planning. commitment of BGU and the Palestinian and Israeli experts. student body that includes Hila Ackerman, an Israeli BIDR, not only to academic over 150 students from 25 from Jerusalem, worked excellence, but also to reach According to Tal, the different countries. with her Palestinian and out to societal needs of Israel agreement would encourage Jordanian counterparts to and it neighboring countries,” joint management over shared The students spoke about assess the stream pollution said Director of the Blaustein resources. “For example, their environmental research in the transboundary Zumar- Institutes Prof. Avigad Vonshak. Palestinians and Israelis would projects that have a regional Alexander drainage basin. both be directly involved impact. Immediately upon completing The agreement was created in the physical planning of her Masters degree, she was by Prof. Alon Tal, a member of areas on both sides which The following students and hired as the Director of the the BIDR and Dr. Mohammad are adjacent to the borders. a recent graduates presented Environmental Unit in the Said Al-Hmaida of Bir Zeit Israel would have a say in the their research: Samer Eid, Negev Highlands (Ramat University. Tal is a long-time sewage treatment strategy a biology teacher from HaNegev) Regional Council, environmental activist who in the Palestinian sector – Ramallah, spoke about his where she now oversees founded the public interest which directly affects our project on air pollution environmental regulation in advocacy group Adam Teva water resources, just as the patterns and exposures, the region. V'din – the Israel Union for Palestinians would have comparing measurements Environmental Defense, while access to monitoring of Israeli in east Jerusalem and west Al-Hmaidi is a past Director- General of the Ministry of the Environment of the Palestinian Authority.

Recognizing the proximity of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and the critical importance of protecting transboundary resources, Tal and Al-Hmaida initiated this cooperative project Hila Ackerman makes her remarks while (l-r) Prof. Alon Tal, Suleiman Halash, Sawsan Batarseh and Samer Eid look on

18 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Making Headlines with Al-Jazeera

“A newsroom is a newsroom as a Ferrari; and Al-Jazeera The dialogue that is a newsroom,” explained as a Toyota Previs,” i.e., a comes from open internationally-acclaimed hybrid car, he said. “We like information is good, television host Riz Kahn, to think of ourselves as an he said, as it breaks describing the demands that all ‘international channel with stereotypes. “If you news-gathering organizations Arab roots’,” he explained, don’t get strong have in common. Kahn, “with an emphasis on covering enough voices, you one of the founders of the the developing world.” risk being boring.” English network Al-Jazeera, was speaking during a recent He was in the region to Khan is particularly visit to the Marcus Family produce a series of programs well suited to be Campus, where he gave a marking the 60th anniversary the spokesman for lecture on “International News of the State of Israel, but the network that in a Global World” at a lecture was also clearly concerned has bureaus in four organized by the Department with pitching the Al-Jazeera cities; Washington, of Communications Studies “brand” to the local audience. D.C.; Doha, Kuala and the Hubert Burda “Israel,” he noted, “was the Lumpur and London. Riz Kahn Center for Innovative only country in the Middle Born in Eden, Yemen Communication. East that didn’t ban Al-Jazeera to Indian parents, Khan’s “for people looking for other [the Arabic-language network] family moved to London voices. We are looking for the Kahn, who spent eight years when it was launched.” when he was four years old. truly global audience that is at the BBC World and another He described the typical interested in the diversity in eight at CNN International, He stressed that Israeli English Al-Jazeera viewer as the region.” described the difference politicians are welcome young and internet-based between the three networks on the network as part of “expatriates.” To watch the full lecture, click in terms of cars. “Think of the their ongoing efforts to be to mms://karish.bgu.ac.il/bgu- “BBC as a Rolls Royce; CNN comprehensive and timely. “We are the network,” he said, academic/algezira.wmv

I Spitzer Prize for Social Welfare Awarded

The Spitzer Prize for as part of its 25th anniversary target populations and those Prof. Frannie (Francis) Excellence and Innovation celebrations. that do not figure prominently Ackerman, one of the in Social Welfare in the on the public and social Department’s founders who Negev was awarded to Azulay, who received both her agenda.” Made possible by championed the idea of an Ilana Azulai for her work at Bachelors and Masters degrees the generosity of the Spitzer activist department that would the Department for Social from the Spitzer Department, Family of the United States, be integrated in community Services of the Dimona began her work in the field as the Prize acknowledges activities, with full cooperation Municipality. Granted by a neighborhood activist, and the commitment of the between field professionals the Charlotte B. and Jack J. according to the University Spitzer Department to the and the academic faculty. Spitzer Department of Social citation, has initiated “new development of social services Work, the biannual prize programs for cooperation in the Negev. Russo works in the Beer-Sheva recognizes individuals who between the third sector of Emergency Center, which dedicate their professional official social organizations At the same ceremony, the treats children aged 4 to 12 lives to the advancement of and the population,” and who Frannie Ackermann Prize was from dysfunctional families residents of the Negev region. works continuously to use awarded to third year student who suffer from severe The ceremony took place at innovative methods to raise Sivan Russo. The Ackerman post-traumatic emotional, an international conference the “consciousness of the Prize was created to honor the psychological or physical organized by the Department needs and rights of special memory of the late injury.

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

I An Honor to be an Alumni

the first graduating class. Proceeds for the evening’s “We are delighted to be dinner were used to establish here tonight because a scholarship fund for HMBA we all went through students. Drory thanked the a special experience participants, noting, “Until together and now we now, you all were on the can re-establish the receiving end. It feels good, connection.” but I can tell you that being on the giving side is much more Vice-President for fulfilling.” External Affairs and Head of the HMBA Reichel expressed his belief Program Prof. Amos that the event will be the Drory welcomed the first in a series to solidify the alumni. “We initiated the creation of an HMBA alumni program five years ago network. “Our goal,” he with a lot of hope and said, “is to initiate a program optimism, and today we of social gatherings, guest Dean Prof. Arie Reichel welcomes the participants stand here facing the lectures and career placement impressive success and fruits assistance, that will help More than 100 alumni of the of the Program since it was of all of our efforts” he said. graduates to keep in touch and Guilford Glazer School of created five years ago. Dean of the Guilford Glazer support one another.” Business and Management’s School Prof. Arie Reichel Honors MBA Program (HMBA) “While in the Program, we and the Program’s Academic The consensus of the alumni attended a recent reunion held were a very tight-knit group, Coordinator Dr. Haim Levy about the event was clear: in Tel Aviv. The event brought but following graduation, each welcomed the group and not to let so much time pass together an impressive of us went his or her own saluted their professional before their next get-together. 70 percent of all of the alumni way,” said Inbal Abbou, from success. I Toronto Prizes for Excellence Awarded

Six outstanding University Prof. Moshe Sipper of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Business and Management, researchers received the Department of Mathematics a Fulbright scholar and who explores the operation of tenth annual Toronto Prize at the Faculty of Natural attending physician in the heritage sites and other aspects at the Rector’s annual end of Sciences, who is a leader Department of Obstetrics of tourism consumption; the year concert. Established in the field of evolutionary and Gynecology at Soroka in 1998 in honor of the 50th algorithms; University Medical Center; Dr. Ofer Dahan of the anniversary of the State of Department of Environmental Israel by the Toronto Chapter Dr. Andrea Berger of the Dr. Hanna Rapaport of the Hydrology and Microbiology of the Canadian Associates, Department of Psychology Department of Biotechnology at the Zuckerberg Institute the prize recognizes promising at the Faculty of Humanities Engineering at the Faculty of for Water Research at the young researchers for their and Social Sciences, who Engineering Sciences, who Jacob Blaustein Institutes for intellectual creativity and researches the development of researches peptides for use in Desert Research, who studies laudable achievement. The attention and the development nano-medicines; problems related to the flow Prize committee is headed of numerical cognition; of contaminants to recharged by the Vice-President and Dr. Yaniv Poria of the groundwater of aquifers in Dean for R&D Prof. Moti Dr. Eyal Sheiner of the Department of Hotel and drylands. Herskowitz. This year’s Department of Epidemiology Tourism Management at the winners are: and Public Health at the Guilford Glazer School of

20 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

I Academic Tour to Heart of European Union

The Centre for the Study of Dr. Sharon Pardo. “This unique European decision-makers learned about the day-to-day European Politics and Society study-tour clearly presented and leaders of the Jewish challenges faced by European (CSEPS) organized its second a concrete opportunity communities in Brussels and Jewish communities, the academic study-tour to NATO for BGU students to better in Paris, to learn more about problems of anti-Semitism, headquarters, institutions understand the traditional Israeli-European relations. assimilation and emigration. of the European Union links, the cultural values and and Jewish communities in the economic and security During the meetings and The CSEPS views the unique Belgium and in France in May. interests that Israel and the discussions, the participants study-tour as important for The study tour was led by European Union share,” he were exposed to European understanding and enhancing Prof. David Newman and explains. institutions and their work the complex relationship Dr. Sharon Pardo, both of methods, their decision- between Israel and the the Department of Politics For five days, 21 students from making processes and how European Union. The tour and Government, and the Department and from the both domestic and global was made possible by the was conducted within the Pilots’ Academic Program European policy is shaped. support of the NATO Public framework of the Centre’s Jean were given the opportunity In a meeting with leaders of Diplomacy Division, the Monnet special course focused to be “Israeli ambassadors” the Jewish community who Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and on “The European Union, to Europe, meeting with stressed the importance of the Israeli embassies at the EU Israel and Jewish communities senior officials in the various Jewish-Israeli- European institutions and in Paris. in Europe,” taught by institutions as well as with dialogue, BGU participants

I New Device Developed that Maintains Sterility during Medical Procedures by Recognizing Gestures

Researchers from the (Gestix) has been successfully must be sealed to prevent gestures, rapidly moving the Department of Industrial implemented in an actual accumulation or spreading hand away from a “neutral Engineering and Management “in vivo” neurosurgical brain of contaminants and require area” and back again. Gestix have developed a new hand biopsy at the Washington smooth surfaces that must be users even have the option gesture recognition system that Hospital Center in Washington, thoroughly cleaned after each of zooming in and out by enables doctors to manipulate D.C. procedure – but sometimes are moving the hand clockwise or digital images during medical not. With infection rates at U.S. counterclockwise.” procedures by motioning According to lead researcher hospitals now at unacceptably instead of touching a screen, Juan P. Wachs, a recent Ph.D. high rates, our system offers a Several BGU M.Sc. theses, keyboard or mouse which recipient of the Department possible alternative.” supervised by Prof. Stern and compromises sterility and of Industrial Engineering Prof. Yael Edan, have used could spread infection. and Management, “A sterile Prof. Helman Stern of the hand gesture recognition as human-machine interface is of Department of Industrial part of an interface to evaluate In the article, “A Gesture- supreme importance because Engineering and Management different aspects of interface Based Tool for Sterile it is the means by which the is the principal investigator on design on performance in a Browsing of Radiology surgeon controls medical the project. He explains how variety of tele-robotic and tele- Images” published in the information in the operating Gestix functions in two stages: operated systems. Ongoing Journal of the American room (OR) and the other “[There is] an initial calibration research is aimed at expanding Medical Informatics surgeons, therein avoiding stage where the machine this work to include additional Association, the authors patient contamination. This recognizes the surgeons’ hand control modes (e.g., voice) so report on what they believe could replace touch screens gestures, and a second stage as to create a multimodal tele- is the first time a hand now used in many hospital where surgeons must learn to robotic control system. gesture recognition system operating rooms which implement eight navigation

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

I Lubner Prize for Community Service Awarded

workers; Avner Kleiner, who works with aging Holocaust survivors; Amit Feldman, who volunteers in the Civil Guard and works with youth at risk to ensure their successful integration into their army service; Noga Rotem, who teaches dance to teenage girls from the Ethiopian immigrant community; Arava Ben-Horin, who volunteers as a counselor for widows Recipients of the Lubner Prize (and their dogs) at the award ceremony and orphans of fallen Twelve exceptional students Bertie Lubner of South Africa their parents in the hospital paratroopers; Yael Trau, who were recognized for their also provide grants to the and helps to raise awareness works with disadvantaged work in the community organizations where the about sexual harassment on families, providing counseling with the awarding of the students volunteer. campus; Hila Zehavi, Merav on household finances; and Lubner Prize for Community Rodovitch and Einat Amir, Miriam Fink-Lavi, who works Service last month. Created Dean of Students Ya’akov who train guide dogs for the for the Good Neighbors in 2007, the Prize honors Afek noted that, similarly to Israeli Guide Dog Center for Organization, coordinating students who volunteer in the the first year, since all of this the Blind; Eran Buchaltzev, volunteers for different community without seeking year’s candidates were equally who volunteers in the hostels for the mentally ill, or receiving any form of deserving, the Prize has been “Knowledge and Research the mentally challenged, financial compensation and divided among 12 students for High Schools” project to handicapped adults, including not as part of their scholarship who volunteer in a wide promote intellectual skills of those living in senior citizens requirements. range of organizations. The high school students; Moshik homes, and in the House prize winners are: Ma’ayan Lichtenstein, who advocates on Wheels organization As a new addition this year Gerber, who visits babies that for the rights of cleaning for disabled children and to his honoring the students, have been abandoned by and maintenance contract adolescents.

I Best Book Award in Political Science for 2008

BGU political scientist government, public policy, The prize-winning book upheavals have influenced Dr. Yagil Levy has won and international relations.” examines the changes in policies and brings to light the the Israel Political Science Israel’s military policies, from shift in the social composition Association Best Book Award Levy teaches in the the moderation expressed of the combat field units which for 2008 for his book M’Tzava Department of Public Policy in the Oslo Accords and the had a destabilizing impact on Ha’Am L’Tzava Ha’Peripheriot and Administration at the unilateral withdrawal from the management of military (From the People’s Army to the Guilford Glazer School for Lebanon, through the Al-Aqsa policy. Army of the Peripheries). Business and Management, Intifada, and up to the collapse and in the Division of of the Palestinian Authority. It The book was recently The award recognizes “the Military and Security in the examines the disengagement published in English by book which has made the Department of Jewish History from Gaza, and the second Lexington Press under the title largest contribution in the at the Faculty of Pinchas Sapir Lebanon war. Israel’s Materialist Militarism. research field of political Faculty of Humanities and science, mainly in politics and Social Sciences. Levy considers how these

22 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Biogas Project Places in Buckminster Fuller Challenge

A University- affiliated project Albert Katz International systems for unrecognized like men do, and therefore placed third in the prestigious School for Desert Studies, Bedouin villages in the Negev they have chronic health Buckminster Fuller Challenge and Mazen Zuabi, a graduate – a system which has been problems that are related to competition. The project was student at the Department used successfully in rural areas environmental exposure that one of two “Runners Up” in of Environmental Hydrology around the world. men don’t have.” the Challenge that fielded and Microbiology at the Jacob some 240 entries from around Blaustein Institutes for Desert Meallem and Zuabi hope to In a letter to Meallem and the world, as a program that Research. Today, Meallem distribute the digestor system Zuabi, the Buckminster Fuller supports “the development is affiliated with the Arava to the local community, while Institute said that “the jury and implementation of a Institute for Environmental training Bedouin women to was very inspired by your solution that has significant Studies. operate them. In turn, the entry to the Challenge and potential to solve humanity’s training will mobilize Bedouin the work you are doing with most pressing problems in The concept for the project women as environmental the Bedouin community… the shortest possible time to develop environmentally health activists in their We hope that the recognition while enhancing the Earth’s sound methods of waste communities. of your project will bring ecological integrity.” disposal began with Meallem’s increased attention, funding, research among Bedouin The project has been adopted and support to your initiative The project, “Promoting the women in the newly- by University’s Center for and further catalyze your Use of Biogas in Bedouin recognized rural community Women’s Health Studies and important work.” Villages and Training of Um Batin, located outside Promotion. According to Bedouin Women Leaders in Beer-Sheva, and Zoabi’s Center Director Prof. Julie To watch a video report on the Environmental Health,” was research in environmental Cwikel, “We see this as a project, click to mms://karish. initiated by Ilana Meallem, hydrology and microbiology. women’s health issue because bgu.ac.il/bgu-academic/The who earned her Masters He is working to adapt self- the women stay in villages, Bedouin Biogas Project.wmv degree from the University’s contained biogas digestor and don’t go out to work

I The Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases

The diseases collectively As part of the worldwide covering the whole country. to the fight against AIDS, designated as Neglected struggle against NTDs, the Tuberculosis and Malaria,” Tropical Diseases (NTD) affect Faculty of Health Science’s CEMTA Director and initiator he says, adding that “It is around one quarter of the Center for Emerging Tropical of the project Prof. Zvi quite clear by now, that world’s population. Together, Diseases and AIDS (CEMTA) Bentwich believes there total eradication of all NTDs such diseases as lymphatic is undertaking a research and is a possible connection is achievable and for an filariasis, onchocerciasis, treatment program to help between NTDs and the AIDS extremely modest cost.” schistosomiasis, soiltransmitted eradicate intestinal worm- epidemic in Africa, and that helminths and trachoma cause related diseases in Ethiopia. the treatment of NTDs will “The University is now joining severe disability in the world's shed light and have impact on the worldwide struggle against poorest countries, resulting In the first stage of the project, the epidemic in impoverished NTDs,” states Bentwich. The in billions of dollars of lost to be launched in August, regions. University is partnering with a productivity and high rates of 30,000 people will be treated number of international non morbidity. in three different sites in “Deworming should also have profit organizations and the Ethiopia. This is to be followed a significant impact on AIDS, Global Network for Neglected Many of these diseases are by expanding the project into especially considering how Tropical Diseases Control caused by intestinal worms. larger populations, eventually little it costs in comparison (GNNTDC) in this project.

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

I Symposium on Israel at Sixty

“In Israel today, we take understanding, the Jewish for granted what no one state could only be created could have imagined at as a result of international the beginning of the 20th agreements. It would have century: a country of seven international suffrage; all million people with a highly citizens would be allowed to developed economy, despite vote – including non-Jews and the fact that there are no women." natural resources,” declared noted political scientist Jumping ahead to the reality Prof. Shlomo Avineri in his of Israel in the 21st century, lecture Israel, Utopia and the and how it measures up to Reality, delivered in June at a that Utopian ideal, Avineri said symposium on Israel Studies. he believes that the greatest Prof. Shlomo Avineri Avineri, the distinguished achievement of the State of author and former Director- Israel – beyond the existential three,” he commented. Alan Dowty, Notre Dame General of the Ministry of one – is its preservation University, USA; Prof. Moshe Foreign Affairs, gave the of a democratic form of “Ours isn’t a perfect Shemesh, Ben-Gurion keynote lecture at the event to government. democracy, what democracy Research Institute for the honor Prof. Ilan Troen, who is, but” he continued. “It’s still Study of Israel and Zionism; recently retired. “What are the chances a democracy. I don’t know of Prof. Anita Shapira, Tel-Aviv of a country remaining another case like this. That's University; Prof. Gabriel As a way of approaching the democratic?” Avineri asked not something that we can Sheffer, Hebrew University Utopian concept, Avineri rhetorically, “which on the day take for granted.” of Jerusalem; and Prof. Zeev took as his point of reference of its founding is attacked by Zachor, a member of BGU’s Herzl’s famous 1903 novel all its neighbors; that has not Nevertheless, in Avineri’s Department of History of the Altneuland. “It’s worth reading experienced a single day of view, the Jewish state Jewish People and President this work every now and then real peace in 60 years; that, suffers from two critical of Sapir Academic College. – though it is a dreadful and though very poor, triples its failures: one, the failure to sentimental work of fiction population within its first three achieve an agreement with Receive NEWS@BGU Online – to examine what Herzl’s years and increases ten-fold in the Palestinians, “for which practical vision for the Jewish 60 years; which has a strong we have a partner, and the To subscribe, send an e–mail to [email protected] state was,” Avineri said, adding army whose military heroes other, the destruction of and it will arrive directly into your inbox. that “Herzl did not describe become impressive political the welfare state, for which a utopian society, but rather leaders.” we have only ourselves to Produced by the Department of as he himself explained, a blame,” he opined. The loss Publications and Media Relations blueprint for a model society.” That scenario could have of what he termed “the spirit Editor: Faye Bittker Text: Patti Golan, Jacqueline developed very differently, he of humanistic solidarity is an Watson-Alloun That society would be posited. “Some 60 countries issue of basic universal justice. Photos: Dani Machlis, Shai Shmueli, spiritual and ethical, based have achieved independence Returning that spirit is up to Wolfgang Motzafi-Haller, Lior Mizrahi, on collective ownership and since World War Two under us,” he concluded. Hanoch Grizitzky, Niva Simon state welfare, while at the similar circumstances, all Design: www.image2u.co.il same time encouraging private with the goal of remaining Many other prominent Further details of the research projects entrepreneurship. “The society democratic states on the model political scientists from Israel described here may be obtained from: in Altneuland is a perfect of Britain or France. With the and abroad took part in the [email protected], Tel: 972-8-646-1753 combination of socialism and exception of India, none has symposium honoring Ilan capitalism,” said Prof. Avineri. managed to do so. They are Troen, including Prof. Jacob Ben–Gurion University of the Negev “There would be no need all dictatorships, communist, Lassner of Northwestern P.O.Box 653, Beer–Sheva 84105, Israel www.bgu.ac.il, Vol.2 No.2 for an army since, in Herzl’s fascist, or a combination of all University, USA; Prof.