News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE

אוניברסיטתews בן-גוריון בנגב NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY@BGU OF THE NEGEV SUMMER 2010 N Save the date — Ben-Gurion Day, November 14, 2010 I BGU Voted “Best Place to Study” by Israeli Students

woman in to earn a Ph.D.

Her degree is in clinical , focusing on the process of chromosome division in normal and cancer cells. Avunie’s family immigrated from Ethiopia to Beer-Sheva in 1984 when she was seven years old. She is now working at the Immunology Laboratory at the Soroka University Medical Center.

In total, more than 5,000 students graduated, broken Rachel Avunie, one of the University’s record 192 Ph.D. recipients, is congratulated by (l-r) Rector Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt, down as follows: from the President Prof. Rivka Carmi and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Shaul Sofer Faculty of Natural Sciences: 456 Ben-Gurion University of the of social services and a general first time a national survey Bachelors, 80 Masters and 50 Negev was voted the most grade expressing their personal has been conducted showing Doctorates; from the Faculty popular university in the recommendation and pride in a comparative picture of the of Engineering Sciences: 917 country, according to a recent the institution at which they are largest universities (not including Bachelors, 249 Masters and 36 survey commissioned by studying. the Open University) and Doctorates; from the Pinchas the National Union of Israeli academic colleges in the country. Sapir Faculty of Humanities and Students Research Department. BGU received a grade of 4.32 Social Sciences: 1,447 Bachelors, The survey was part of National from a possible five in the last The enthusiasm of the student 336 Masters and 36 Doctorates; Students Day, which was category, while the Hebrew body was evident in the series from the Faculty of Health marked in May for the first time University of Jerusalem and Tel- of graduations that took place in Sciences: 331 Bachelors, 174 in honor of the 280,000 students Aviv University received less May and June, culminating with Masters and 44 Doctorates; from in Israel. than 4. BGU also came first in a record breaking 192 Doctoral the Guilford Glazer Faculty of the second category and third in degrees awarded this year by the Business and Management: 273 The comprehensive survey the first category, coming out top Kreitman School of Advanced Bachelors, 675 Masters and 6 included thousands of students overall. Graduate Studies. Among the Doctorates; from the Blaustein currently studying in universities recipients was Rachel Avunie, Institutes for Desert Research: and colleges who were asked In the past, graduate surveys the first Ethiopian woman to 34 Masters and 7 Doctorates; to grade, on a scale of 1-5, three and local surveys have been earn a Ph.D. from BGU. She interdisciplinary studies, 12 factors: academic level, level carried out, but this is the is only the second Ethiopian Doctorates.

I Prof. Hendrik Bruins I Guilford Glazer School I Celebrating 40 Years of I American Immigrant Receives in Science4 Magazine Upgraded7 to Faculty Exceptional8 Growth Spitzer Prize24 for Unique Work at Parents-Children Center News@ BGU NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Yair Green Elected Chairman of the University’s Executive Committee

range of public activities Yeshaya Horowitz Association of the University. Green is the on behalf of many higher for the advancement of best man to replace David education and cultural scientific and medical research Brodet who has contributed institutions in Israel. He has in Israel. In 1995 he founded so much to the growth of Ben- served as a member of the the Green Foundation for the Gurion University in difficult Planning and Budgeting Enhancement of Studies and and complex times. I have Committee of the Council for Education and serves as its no doubt that Yair’s excellent Higher Education and is an president. The Foundation skills, vast experience, active member of the Boards nurtures and encourages pleasant personality and his of Governors of the Hebrew young people lacking financial commitment and devotion University of Jerusalem, the means to take up and/or will be the driving force in Weizmann Institute of Science, continue academic studies implementing the University’s Yair Green Ben-Gurion University of in one of the institutions of vision and mission.” Yair Green, Adv., has been the Negev and the Jerusalem higher education in Israel by elected Chairman of the Academy of Music and Dance. awarding scholarships. He was “I enter this position with University’s Executive awarded Honorary Doctoral awe and reverence,” declared Committee. He replaces Green is a member of the degrees by BGU in 2006 and Green, “and with appreciation David Brodet who recently University’s Executive and by Bar Ilan University in 2008. and respect for all those who completed his third term, Investment Committees and served in this position before having served 12 years in the since 2006 has served as the University President Prof. me, especially David Brodet position. Chairman of the Jerusalem Rivka Carmi stated that she was who served in his humble way, Academy of Music and Dance’s “very pleased with this choice, with wisdom, professionalism An attorney by profession, Board of Directors. He also which will without a doubt and much success.” Green is involved in a wide served as legal advisor to the contribute to the development

I Dr. Michael Feige Wins Shapiro Prize for Best Book

Dr. Michael Feige, a member the annual conference of the referred to as “Greater Israel.” Israel Studies program. of the University’s Ben-Gurion Association held this spring in Together with Dr. Pnina Research Institute for the Study Toronto, Canada. Feige was a According to the award Mutzafi-Heller from the Jacob of Israel and Zionism, has won co-winner with Dr. Nir Kedar citation, the book is an even- Blaustein Institutes for Desert the annual Association for from Bar-Ilan University for his handed “examination of the Reseach, he is co-editor of Israel Studies Shapiro Prize for book Mamlakhtiyut. Hatefisah generation of settlers born in the academic journal, Hagar: the best book in Israel studies He’ezrahit shel David Ben- the territories, the children of Studies in Culture, Politics, published in 2009. Gurion (The Official Civilian the so-called ‘new pioneers’ and Identities. Approach of David Ben- and the problems they pose; Published by Wayne State Gurion), published by the and its discussion of the strong The Shapiro Prize honors University Press, Settling Ben-Gurion Research Institute identification with all of Israel the memory of Yonatan in the Hearts: Jewish for the Study of Israel and as their homeland exhibited by Shapiro (1929-1997), one of Fundamentalism in the Zionism Press, 2009. the Gush Emunim settlers.” Israel’s most distinguished Occupied Territories examines and influential sociologists, the history, development and Feige looks back at the origins Feige is a sociologist and by recognizing outstanding ideology of the Gush Emunim of the movement within Israeli anthropologist specializing scholarship in the history, movement. history and traces the attempts in Israeli society, collective politics, society and culture of the settlers to construct and memory and political myth. of Israel and pre-1948 Jewish The award was presented at rationalize a home in what is He teaches in the University’s Palestine.

2 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Honorary Professorship Presented to Prof. Steven Schroeder

“You have wonderful stories Faculty of Health Sciences to tell, including the steep in recognition of “a man of drop in infant mortality vision, a dedicated physician, rates among the , researcher and leader, former the inclusion of non-Jewish President and CEO of the students and clinicians in your prestigious Robert Wood health professions schools, Johnson Foundation, currently the progress on tobacco head of the Smoking Cessation control and many others,” Leadership Center and one declared Dr. Steven Schroeder, of the founders of the Health Distinguished Professor of Services Policy Analysis Center Health and Health Care at the at UCSF.” University of California, San Francisco, speaking at the As founding chair of the Prof. Steven Schroeder (right) receives an Honorary Professorship graduation ceremony of the Goldman Medical School’s from Dean Prof. Shaul Sofer Joyce and Irving Goldman International Advisory Review Medical School. “In the current Committee (IARC), Schroeder you work today is an oasis by Israel, and Kayed Al-Athamen, geopolitical situation, these has been intimately involved comparison.” The event took a Bedouin who earned a stories are compelling and with the School and Faculty place in the presence of the certificate of excellence for his serve to distinguish you from since 1996. Recalling his first extended Goldman family. academic achievements. Before the other medical schools in visit in 1987, when he came beginning his medical studies, Israel,” he added. as a visiting faculty member, Among the 70 new physicians Al-Athamen participated Schroeder said, “It was a dusty, who received their degrees in the University’s Health At the ceremony Dr. Schroeder aspiring, but underdeveloped at the ceremony was Hanna Cadets program for Bedouin was awarded a degree as medical school and university. Nebwani, now one of only four youth supported by the UJA- Honorary Professor in the The beautiful campus in which women Druze physicians in Federation of New York.

I Honorary Doctoral Degree Conferred Upon Philanthropist Eric F. Ross

The University conferred an came to this glorious nation, Ross has been involved with Honorary Doctoral degree raised a magnificent family, the University for several upon philanthropist and built a business empire and years and along with his businessman Eric F. Ross committed your latter years to late wife Lore, who passed in a ceremony at the U.S. philanthropy.” away in February 2009, Holocaust Memorial Museum has supported numerous in Washington D.C. in June. Ross fled Nazi in University programs, including 1938 with only $10 in his scholarships for students University President Prof. pocket. When he bid farewell in need, a lecture hall, a Rivka Carmi addressed to his parents, hoping they wide range of community Ross, saying that he is “an would one day meet again, service programs for the inspiration. A man who has he could not have known disadvantaged in the Negev overcome overwhelming that they would be doomed region and other high priority odds: losing home, country, to perish in the Treblinka activities for which funding Eric F. Ross family and education, you extermination camp. was otherwise unavailable.

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I Prof. Zvi HaCohen Elected Rector

Noted researcher in microalgal polyunsaturated fatty acids Property Committee and has biotechnology Prof. Zvi for pharmacological and filled a number of positions HaCohen has been elected dietary purposes. His research at the BIDR. In addition, Rector, replacing Prof. Jimmy interests also include the he serves as a professional Weinblatt who completed his manufacture of biofuel from consultant to many groups and second four-year term in July. algae. organizations in his field and is a member of the editorial Prof. HaCohen is the HaCohen holds a B.Sc. and boards of several prestigious incumbent of the Maks M.Sc. in chemistry from journals including Annals of and Rochelle Etingin Chair Bar-Ilan University and Microbiology. in Desert Research at the completed his doctorate Jacob Blaustein Institutes for in organic chemistry at the HaCohen has published Desert Research (BIDR) on Weizmann Institute of Science dozens of scientific papers, Prof. Zvi HaCohen the Sede Boqer campus. His and post-doctorate at Harvard has been awarded research main research is in the field Medical School in the U.S. grants totaling several million latest being Single Cell Oils. of microalgal biotechnology, dollars, has a large number He also serves as Chairman of focusing on the potential He serves as a member of of patents to his name and the Coordinating Council of of microalgae to create the University’s Intellectual has edited three books, the Faculty Associations.

I Prof. Hendrik Bruins in Science Magazine

In an article commissioned capital of the Hyksos, located in In 2006 Bruins received the He also carried out research by the prestigious Science the northeastern region of the Dutch Royal Award – Officer at the Ein el-Qudeirat oasis of magazine, Prof. Hendrik Nile Delta, do not fit in terms in the Order of Orange- north-eastern Sinai, associated J. Bruins presents novel of radiocarbon dating. “Major Nassau – in the name of by some scholars with biblical implications related to problems exist here in relation Her Majesty Queen Beatrix Kadesh-Barnea. new developments in to the Santorini eruption for achievements in policy- the radiocarbon dating of between archaeological oriented studies on drought, There, he became aware of Pharaonic . For the first dating, radiocarbon dating hazard assessment and the vital need to measure time it is possible to relate the and association between contingency planning in time in both archaeological Minoan Santorini eruption with archaeological strata in the drylands, geo-archaeological and environmental studies Egyptian Historical Chronology field and Egyptian historical desert research and with the same methodology: solely on the basis of chronology,” he argues. innovative chronological radiocarbon dating. This was radiocarbon dates. The article studies about the ancient the beginning of innovative was published in the June 18, Bruins is a researcher in the Near East. Bruins developed research in cooperation with 2010 issue of Science. University’s Department of novel geoarchaeological one of the most advanced Man in the Desert at the Jacob research techniques, radiocarbon labs in the world It appears that the eruption Blaustein Institutes for Desert pioneered excavations in situated at the University of preceded the 18th dynasty and Research and is affiliated with ancient agricultural terraces Groningen in The Netherlands. occurred during the Hyksos the Department of Bible, in the Negev highlands and Several major archaeological Period. Moreover, conventional Archaeology and Ancient Near discovered extensive tsunami sites in Israel are currently associations of Egyptian history Eastern Studies. His research deposits in Crete (Palaikastro) under investigation, as well as with archaeological phases focuses on the 2nd millennium related to the Minoan Santorini rural desert sites in the Negev. at Tell el-Dab‘a, the ancient BCE. eruption.

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I Strive to be a Special Kind of Doctor

“You’ve had an education but also from China, Poland, her comprehensive article that has prepared you to Russia, India, Nigeria and published in The New York pursue a career in medicine Fiji, have gone on to do Times Sunday Magazine. The that sees equal human worth their residencies at the most story, “The Deadly Choices beyond borders, front lines, prestigious medical centers at Memorial,” describes the skin shades, social stations in the U.S. In addition to the dilemmas facing medical and religions,” physician basic American-style medical staffers at a New Orleans and Pulitzer Prize winning curriculum taught in English, hospital in the aftermath of journalist Dr. Sheri Fink students also learn cross- Hurricane Katrina. told this year’s graduates cultural communication, of the Medical School for nutrition in the developing “Experiencing war along International Health (MSIH). world, disaster relief, with medical school has “This is a very special medical population-based medicine deepened your understanding school, maybe unique in the and responding to bio- of the challenges you face Dr. Sheri Fink world for its international terrorism. in realizing your idealistic focus,” Fink told them. goals,” she told the graduates, the MSIH Columbia University In her inspirational address referring to the fact that this program Prof. Richard Fink was speaking at the to the graduating class, Fink class had experienced both Deckelbaum praised the new ceremony at which 47 students related that she had missed the Second Lebanon War and doctors for their ability to from the MSIH received her own graduation from Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, manage adversity and said their M.D. degrees. The Stanford School of Medicine in during which missiles fell in he hoped they would carry collaborative program with 1999 when, as a researcher for Beer-Sheva. this ability with them into the Columbia University Medical Physicians for Human Rights, future. Center was established she had gone to Kosovo “Never forget that our specifically to train future where ethnic Albanians had education doesn’t give us all Prof. Mark Clarfield, who took doctors to provide healthcare been expelled by the Serbians. the answers,” she concluded. over as MSIH Director one for populations throughout the year ago, thanked his first globe. The 42-year-old journalist/ Noting that this class had graduating class for their “hard physician received the shown that resiliency is one work, volunteerism and strong The graduates, mostly from 2010 Pulitzer Prize for of the true keys to success in sense of solidarity towards the United States and Canada, investigative reporting for global medicine, Director of your fellow classmates.”

I Prof. Stanley Rotman Honored

Prof. Stanley Rotman of the processing and target the multidisciplinary fields of electrical engineering from Department of Electrical acquisition. optics, photonics and imaging. the Massachusetts Institute and Computer Engineering They are honored for their of Technology before joining has been elected a fellow Fellows of the International technical achievement, for BGU. For the last decade, he of the International Optics Optics and Photonics Society, their service to the general has been developing state- and Photonics Society “in known by its old acronym optics community and to SPIE of-the art hyperspectral data recognition of his noteworthy of SPIE, are “members of in particular.” analysis techniques for military technical achievements.” distinction who have made and industrial applications. Rotman specializes in lasers, significant scientific and Rotman received B.Sc., hyperspectral signal technical contributions in M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in

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I Cooperative Coral Project Holds Workshop

and attractive to coral reef organisms and visitors.”

The workshop focused on increasing biodiversity, promoting sustainable development of marine habitats and ecotourism and the urgent need for preservation, and ended with a joint dive at an experimental artificial coral reef in Aqaba.

BGU’s campus offers a unique B.Sc. degree in life sciences in a combined marine A researcher investigates the progress of one of the artificial reefs growing in the Red Sea biology and biotechnology track. The program, run in Increasing human pressures restoration of coral reefs and According to workshop cooperation with the National could spell a dismal fate for the development of artificial organizer Prof. Nadav Shashar Center for Mariculture and coral reefs worldwide and to reefs in the northern tip from the Eilat Campus, “We the Interuniversity Institute the communities that depend of the Red Sea. Funded by wanted to focus on local for Marine Sciences in on them. This is particularly USAID – Regional negative processes, such Eilat, offers studies in fields true in the Red Sea where the Cooperation program, the as the loss of habitat and related to natural sciences coral reefs have suffered. project included scientists and the pressures of tourism. If as well as marine biology students from the University’s we understand the forces and biotechnology, marine In April, Israeli and Jordanian Eilat Campus and the Marine shaping the structure and sciences, mariculture and scientists marked three Science Station in Aqaba, community of coral reefs, we marine ecology. years of joint research with along with government can design artificial structures a workshop focused on the officials from both countries. that will be biologically stable

I Archive of Israeli Writer David Schütz Opened

Heksherim – The Research experiences as a child and wrote another eight novels, work. Schütz’ books have Institute for Jewish and Israeli adolescent. His characters including White Rose, Red Rose been translated into a number Literature and Culture has struggle with the aftermath and I Shall Wait Forever, for of languages. Director of the formally opened the David of the Holocaust, suffering its which he won many awards. Heksherim Institute Prof. Yigal Schütz Archive, containing the consequences in their day- In addition to his literary Schwartz of the Department of personal papers of the noted to-day existence, often from activities, he produced several Hebrew Literature says there Israeli writer. the standpoint of a child. movies and was a producer is considerable interest abroad Schütz balances the more and vice-president of the for his work to be translated Schütz, who arrived in Israel as metaphysical elements of his Israeli Film Service. into English as well, and he a child refugee from Germany, writing with a solid grounding hopes to begin this work in published his first book, The in time and place. The archive includes Schütz’ the future. Grass and the Sand, in 1978 books, manuscripts, films, at the age of 37 based on his In the 1980s and ‘90s, Schütz research and critiques of his

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I Guilford Glazer School Upgraded to Faculty

At a recent meeting of Honors MBA program. The the University’s Executive Guilford Glazer Faculty offers Committee, a decision was a wide range of programs made to change the name of for Bachelors, Masters and the Guilford Glazer School of Ph.D. degrees. Two academic Business and Management to centers operate within the the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Faculty: the Bengis Center Business and Management. for Entrepreneurship and Hi- Established as a School in Tech Management, and the 1995, it was named in July Israel Center for Third Sector 2007 through the generosity of Research. Guilford and Diane Glazer of Los Angeles, California. Thousands of graduates have been integrated at all Since its establishment, the management levels within the Faculty has been in a process various sectors of the economy of constant growth, including and society in Israel and the creation of a prestigious around the world. Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management

I An Honor to be Honored

University President Prof. Rivka Carmi (center) was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya in May. The citation noted her significant contribution in the academic world, in the fields of medicine and genetics, and in advancing the health and welfare of children and adults in Israel through social projects. Other recipients included Dr. Miriam Adelson, Gideon Argov, Prof. Irwin Cotler, Mr. Baruch Ivcher, Mr. Idan Ofer and Mr. Sami Sagol. (From l-r), IDC President Prof. Uriel Reichmann and Chairman of the IDC Board of Directors Oudi Recanati

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I Celebrating 40 Years of Exceptional Growth

Students from the Netivot Yoram School performing at the Opening Plenary Session Over 300 board members and giving and the presentation of In her address to the Opening noted that despite all these guests gathered together for a special 40th Anniversary gift Plenary Session, University trials, “BGU’s achievements the University’s 40th Annual to members of the Ben-Gurion President Prof. Rivka Carmi during the past four years Board of Governors Meeting. Society. The impressive new highlighted the University's are truly remarkable.” They came from more than building for the Ilse Katz accomplishments. Referring to She expressed her great 12 countries to learn about Institute for Nanoscale Science the daunting challenges she satisfaction and pride at the University’s exceptional and Technology and state- has faced as President, Carmi being able to overcome these growth and plans for the of-the-art facilities were also future. Under the theme, dedicated (see related stories). “From Vision to Reality,” guests had the opportunity Cultural highlights included a to see how the University performance by the Batsheva has transformed itself into a Ensemble of Decadance world-class facility impacting by Artistic Director Ohad the lives of the residents of the Neharin, with surprise region. appearances by University staffers, and the dedication Traditional ceremonies such as of the Arman Lithograph the unveiling of new names on Collection in the presence of the Ben-Gurion and Founders Corice Arman, France, at the Walls were revitalized with French Associates Institute for the dedication of the new Agriculture and Biotechnology Negev Wall recognizing the of Drylands on the Sede Boqer University’s most generous campus. Roy J. Zuckerberg and Prof. Rivka Carmi thank outgoing Chairman of the supporters at various levels of Executive Committee David Brodet (center) for his years of service

8 From vision to reality NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

obstacles and “being part of particularly in the periphery. the professional team that has brought the University Beer-Sheva Mayor Ruvik to where it is today. More Danilovich praised the than anything they reflect University for its commitment on the special pioneering to excellence and community: and idealistic spirit of the “There is no other university University faculty and staff. like it,” he declared, calling BGU “a beacon of light of “I am grateful for all that you development not only for the are doing on behalf of BGU Negev and Israel but for the and especially for the trust world.” you have placed in me,” Carmi concluded. “I know Out in the Field that without every single Participants were able to one of you, we would never observe first-hand the close have accomplished what we cooperation between the have.” Marking the changing University and the Israeli Air of the guard, she thanked the Force during an impressive outgoing Rector Prof. Jimmy tour of the nearby Hatzerim Weinblatt for his eight years Air Force base, which houses Minister of Education Gideon Sa’ar of service and together with the IAF Flight School and its only check flying abilities but followed by a personal Chairman of the Board Roy J. academic program. During also the candidate’s character. discussion with cadets. Zuckerberg presented a gift their training at the flight The pilot has to be smart, Capt. Uri, a Flight School to outgoing Chairman of the school, cadets also study at educated, able to recognize Commander and graduate Executive Committee David BGU, graduating after three his own mistakes, good of the academic program Brodet, while welcoming Yair years with their wings and an academically and first and described the satisfaction that Green into the position. academic degree. Commander foremost a good person.” pilot cadets derive from their of the IAF Flight School Col. studies at BGU. In his final address to the Tomer explained that the The group was also given Board as University Rector, IAF is at the forefront of air a special tour of an attack In a similar spirit, on Sunday Weinblatt explained that technology because of its helicopter squadron and afternoon the Deichmann during his tenure “BGU has first-class manpower: “We not a fighter plane squadron Plaza was transformed undergone very difficult financial times ... Nevertheless, we managed to meet our goals of increasing the proportion of our graduate students and raising the quality of faculty, students and research.”

Guest of Honor Minister of Education Gideon Sa’ar delivered the welcome news that after years of cutbacks his Ministry was developing a five-year plan to invest in institutions of higher learning. This, he assured the audience, will mean more funds for Board members help inaugurate the new Founders Wall. From l-r: Michel and Esther Halperin, Switzerland, Philip both universities and colleges, Birnbaum, USA and Vera Turtel, Israel

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Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors Suzanne Zlotowski (fourth from left), UK, with Adelene Zlotowski and her son Louis-James (seated) and Kim Beckett (right) meet with recipients of the Zlotowski Admission Award for Outstanding Students, and Academic Secretary Avraham Bar-On (standing right) into a giant happening a small glimpse of what is Israel Guide Dog Center for and Vice-Chairperson of the that celebrated BGU’s very being done throughout the the Blind, the Department of Executive Committee Aharon special outreach and social region. Students from the Biotechnology Engineering, Yadlin for their tireless efforts involvement programs, Keren Moshe Leadership the Department of Geography to advance the welfare of the including a specially built Program taught Ethiopian and Environmental Studies student body. Open Apartment to showcase adults Hebrew at one end of and more. the University’s unique the Plaza, while teenagers An Atmosphere programs in the community. from the HaBarvaz Theater The annual Student Evening for Learning Group performed scenes was sponsored by AABGU Nobel Laureate Prof. Baruch From the dozen children from the children’s opera members Sandra and Stephen S. Blumberg presented the playing guitars with their Brundibar written during the Breslauer, Dvora Ezralow, Zlotowski Annual Lecture student coach of the Meitar Holocaust by an inmate of Lis Gaines, Arline and Ben in the presence of Suzanne Project to those learning Theresienstadt and presented Guefen, Carol Saal and Roy and Adelene Zlotowski, UK. to make ice cream using in English for guests at the J. Zuckerberg. The event Blumberg spoke on “Strategies liquid nitrogen as part of the Board. included the presentation of of Human Disease Control – Havayeda (a play on the Student Association Honorary The Hepatitis B Programs.” words meaning “fun” and Other represented projects Memberships to Vice- Prior to the lecture, Prof. Alon “knowledge”), the range of included the student and Chairperson of the Board of Friedman of the Department of programs on display provided canine volunteers from the Governors Suzanne Zlotowski Physiology and Neurobiology

Jacob Shochat, USA and Dr. Joe Agris, USA Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos fields questions from reporters

10 From vision to reality NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

and the Zlotowski Center for Neurosciences presented the Zlotowski Admission Awards for Outstanding Students. Recipient Noa Dresner expressed her gratitude on behalf of all of the students.

Board members got a glimpse of a novel out-of-the- box concept at the annual Irene and Hyman Kreitman Memorial Lecture. Medical and communications industry entrepreneur Dr. Martine Rothblatt described her idea for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East – granting U.S. statehood to Israel and Riki Dayan, USA, dancing on stage with the Batsheva Ensemble Palestine. Her lecture Two Stars for Peace: Breaking the the Zuckerberg Institute for Sarab Abu-Rabia-Queder of the Study of European Politics Middle East Conundrum by Water Research, speaking to the Department of Man in the and Society, the special event Going Outside of the Box guests at the Jacob Blaustein Desert, who is conducting hosted leading European was introduced by Prof. Institutes for Desert Research research on cultural-social personalities including Spain’s Raymond Dwek, FRS, Director (BIDR). “What we really care transitions of the Bedouin Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oxford Glycobiology about is the future, and this population. and Cooperation Ambassador Institute in the UK. means our ability to include Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the best and the brightest “A little piece of Europe on and former President of the “This is one of the few on our staff,” said Prof. the edge of the Negev Desert,” European Parliament and institutes in the world that Avigad Vonshak, outgoing is how the new European former French Minister of has the potential to play director of the BIDR. He Union Ambassador to Israel Health Simone Veil. a significant role in the introduced some of the Andrew Standley referred to development of global Institutes’ most promising BGU at the Symposium on “When Ben-Gurion made solutions in waste water researchers, including Hila “The European Union, the the decision to declare the treatment systems and water Ackerman, who talked about Middle East and the Jewish State of Israel, why didn’t purification,” declared Prof. her joint Palestinian-Israeli Communities in Europe.” European countries jump to Peter Fritz, Chairman of the project to restore extremely agree? There was some unease Scientific Advisory Board of polluted streams, and Dr. Sponsored by the Centre for amongst the Europeans,

Carol and Harry Saal, USA, with student at the community outreach fair Corice Arman, France, dedicates the Arman Lithograph Collection

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Abraham Ben David Ohayon and family, Switzerland, with recipients of the Ohayon Scholarships in the Department of Psychology and there was – and still is – a lack of understanding and confidence,” explained Moratinos. “My personal and professional engagement has been to try to overcome this rift between Europe and Israel, and I can assure you that recently we have made it much, much better,” he told the audience.

Veil declared that she is still amazed by the miracle of Alex Goren, USA, with students at the community outreach fair peace in Europe. “After the war no one believed that there could be reconciliation with Germany after three horrible conflicts.” She continued: “Even though I had to pay a very high price for being a Jew, I remain optimistic. Israel’s vitality remains for me a source of hope.”

The evening culminated with the moving Honorary Doctoral Ceremony (see related story) and a magical performance by Spanish guitarist and singer Javier Ruibal (left) and Israeli performer David Broza Israeli performer David Broza and the Spanish guitarist and To see more photos, click to www.bgu.ac.il/board singer Javier Ruibal.

12 From vision to reality NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I Excellence Recognized

The Opening Plenary Session recognized for her research The 2010 Rich Foundation of Health Sciences; Dr. Louisa provided the occasion for the that led to the creation of an Program grants were Meshi of the Department of presentation of the President’s innovative and pioneering presented to 13 young women Materials Engineering; Ronit Prize for Outstanding Scientific product in the field of cardiac faculty members who have Milano of the Department Achievement and grants of the disease, an injectable device “demonstrated scholarly of Arts; Dr. Stav Rosenzweig Rich Foundation Program to designed to support cardiac promise in their respective of the Department of Promote the Status of Women tissue damaged following fields and who were Management; Dr. Orly Sarid Scientists in the Academy. acute myocardial infarction, being recognized for their of the Charlotte B. and Jack J. thus significantly improving noteworthy accomplishments Spitzer Department of Social The President’s Prize for cardiac function and survival. at a critical point in their Work; Dr. Ella Segev of the Outstanding Scientific professional careers.” Department of Industrial Achievement was awarded Prof. Yoav Segev of the Engineering and Management; to two scientists – one for Department of Mathematics The recipients were Dr. Dr. Tzahit Simon-Tuval of basic research and one for was recognized for Orit Ben-Zvi Assaraf of the the Department of Health achievements in applied his contribution to the Graduate Program for Science Systems Management; Dr. research. classification of finite simple and Technology Education; Michal Ziv-Ukelson of the groups. In particular, he has Dr. Limor Aharonson-Daniel of Department of Computer Prof. Smadar Cohen, outgoing proved the uniqueness of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Sciences and Dr. Amalia Ziv Chair of the Avram and Stella the Monster group as well Dr. Shirli Bar-David of the from Interdisciplinary Studies Goldstein-Goren Department as several additional large Mitrani Department of Desert of the Faculty of Humanities of Biotechnology Engineering Sporadic groups. He made Ecology; Dr. Anne Bernheim- and Social Sciences. and incumbent of the Claire several major applications of Groswasser of the Department and Harold Oshry Chair the classification to other areas of Chemical Engineering; Dr. in Biotechnology, was of mathematics. Iris Har-Vardi of the Faculty

I A Room of their Own

the student experience in that Brian Schachter praised city. Funded and built through Toronto's commitment to Eilat a partnership of the Jewish and noted that, "We believe in Federation of Toronto, the the southernmost city in Israel Rashi Foundation, Ben-Gurion and its importance to the state, University of the Negev and and therefore develop projects the Municipality of Eilat, the in the sphere of education, project was made possible health and renewable energy.” with the generous support of Brian and Avrona Schachter of Head of the Eilat Campus Toronto, Canada. Student Union Shirit Yaphet, noted, “As a girl, I didn’t The ceremony took place in even imagine the option of the presence of the Schachter an academic degree in my family, members of the birth city. It was clear to me I Canadian Jewish community, would have to leave the city Avrona and Brian Schachter, Canada, at the Ben-Gurion Wall Mayor of Eilat Yitzhak Halevi, in order to advance and study Dean of Eilat Campus Prof. at university. The opening of a A new dormitory building on The five-story building will Shaul Krakower, University BGU campus in Eilat has given the University’s Eilat Campus house 72 students and is Deputy-Rector Prof. Yael me and other young people an was dedicated during the the first of a seven-building Edan and a delegation from opportunity that a few years Board of Governors meeting. complex planned to enhance Canada. ago seemed impossible.”

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

I Investing in Nano in the Negev

Minister of Minority Affairs and former University President Prof. Avishay Braverman shakes the hand of Robert Equey, Switzerland, congratulating him and Alain Kostenbaum, Switzerland, while their respective families look on The Building for the Ilse Katz from the outside environment and applied research and Committee of the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science through vibration isolation provides highly trained nano- Institute. “This is the scale and Technology was dedicated techniques, electromagnetic scienitsts and engineers for the at which life processes take to the strains of a string trio shielding and the maintenance Israeli economy. I salute all place,” continued Gutfreund, and gasps from the guests who of constant temperatures. the people who were involved former President of the Hebrew were seeing the magnificent in the conception and University of Jerusalem. “What structure for the first time. “Many miracles will take place construction of this wonderful, we are celebrating today is a here,” declared Minister of most complex facility.” mature nanoscience institute The five-story building is the Minority Affairs and former on a par with the best of its most complicated one that the president of BGU Prof. Just how complex was stressed kind anywhere.” University has ever built. The Avishay Braverman, who by Vice-President and Dean cutting-edge facility took years praised the “wonderful energy for Research and Development Adv. Robert Equey, who, to plan and build and is an and teamwork” of the builders, Prof. Moti Herskowitz who together with Adv. Alain architectural masterpiece. researchers and donors who noted that “designing and Köstenbaum of Switzerland worked together to realize this building this facility has been administers the Negev The asymmetrical structure dream. an enormously difficult task.” Foundation, related that before includes wide glass windows her death in 1999, Ilse Katz and artistically structured “We are training some of “Nano is a four-letter word instructed that “you have the corridors. To provide an the very best, top-notch that stirs everybody’s freedom to do what you like, environment appropriate for professionals in this field,” imagination,” declared Prof. but it should be for the good nanoscale research, every said University President Hanoch Gutfreund, a professor of science, the good of Israel floor has been reinforced and Rivka Carmi. “This Institute of theoretical physics and and the good of the Jewish the labs completely protected produces cutting-edge basic a member of the Academic people.” Equey remarked

14 From vision to reality NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

about the new building: “This really is a vision that has become reality.”

“Thank you for allowing us to dedicate this very special, state-of-the art lab in your name,” President Carmi told the Scheller family at the dedication of the Roberta and Ernest Scheller, Jr. Family Surface Analysis Lab in the Ilse Katz Institute building. Ernest Scheller, Jr., U.S.A. stressed that the donation for the lab comes from a family foundation. “I want my grandchildren, Simon Leo Peretz and Zari Ann Peretz, to come here and see they are part of this University.” Scheller said that surface analysis, which determines the physical and chemical Unveiling the sign for the Roberta and Ernest Scheller, Jr. Family Surface Analysis Lab in the presence of Roberta and properties of a surface, is Ernest Scheller, Jr. and Lisa Scheller Woodman and Wayne Woodman “the closest relevant scientific discipline here to the products that we manufacture in our company Silberline.”

At the dedication of the Stan and Ruth Elaine Flinkman Microscopy Wing, President Carmi noted that it would certainly be one of the most vibrant wings of the new building. Carmi noted that Ruth and her late husband Stan Flinkman, U.S.A. were one of the first supporters of nanotechnology at the University and thanked Ruth for her vision and ongoing support. A visibly moved Ruth Flinkman said “I’m overwhelmed by the beauty of this building and the growth of this university. My late husband Stan would have been thrilled to see what has Ruth Flinkman gets a helping hand from Ben Marandy (far left) and Prof. Ron Folman at the dedication of the Stan and been accomplished.” Ruth Elaine Flinkman Microscopy Wing

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

I Garden Dedicated in Memory of Lillian Goodman

University President Prof. The new garden is located Rivka Carmi dedicated a next to the Zlotowski Student garden in the memory of Center and includes a sloping Lillian Goodman of Chicago, path, flowers and a number noting that “I knew Lillian for of shade trees, one of which, only a few years, but for me Carmi noted, was planted she was the embodiment of a specially for Lillian, “and will wonderful and loving person.” last forever.” Larry Goodman Speaking directly to Larry is a long-time member of Goodman, Carmi called Lillian the University’s Board of “a straightforward person, Governors and serves as something honest that is hard national chairman of the Beer- to find nowadays.” Sheva Foundation.

During the dedication The Lillian and Larry ceremony, Goodman related Goodman Foundations has that Lillian, his wife of 60 made a significant impact years, had accompanied him on the quality of life in Beer- on every trip to Beer-Sheva Sheva, supporting many since 1958 except two, for a cultural, educational and total of 60 trips. “We met when transit projects including the I was in the service. I could Beer-Sheva North/University Larry Goodman, USA, at the dedication of the Lillian Goodman Garden have never made it without train station, the Goodman her. Lillian supported me in Theater and Acting School of for Engineering Sciences mayor of Beer-Sheva Yaakov every way throughout our life the Negev and the Goodman at BGU. Also attending the Terner. together,” he said. Family Administration Building dedication was the former

I Goldstein-Goren International Prize Announced

Prof. Eliezer Schweid, author “brilliantly analyzes the moral, Schweid is Israel’s leading Union College in 2007. He of Criticism of Modern Secular spiritual, social and political philosopher and one of the has published 40 books and Culture (Hebrew, Magnes situation of the Jewish People world’s leading researchers countless articles. Press, Jerusalem, 2008) in the State of Israel in light of in the area of Jewish thought. won the Goldstein-Goren the process of secularization He was born in Jerusalem in Schweid’s book was International Prize for the Most undergone by the Western 1929, completed his doctorate chosen from among the 80 Important Book in Jewish world in the last several at the Hebrew University of philosophical and scholarly Thought, 2007-2009. The hundred years. It deals with Jerusalem in 1963 and from books submitted for announcement was made at the current crises and suggests then until 2007 taught there consideration for the prize, the Opening Plenary Session solutions to mend the society in the Department of Jewish which is awarded every three by Prof. Haim Kreisel from the based on the view that Jewish Thought. In 1994 he was years to the best recent book Goldstein-Goren Department secularism should be anchored awarded the Israel Prize, in the field of Jewish thought of Jewish Thought. in Jewish tradition and must and received an honorary published either in English or not alienate itself from the doctorate from the Jewish Hebrew. According to the prize normative aspects of the Theological Seminary in committee, the book Jewish religion.” 1996 and from Hebrew

16 From vision to reality NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV I New Laboratory to Facilitate Research in Biological Implications of Radiation

The Jerry J. Cohen Radiobiology Laboratory, under the direction of Prof. Brenda Laster of the Department of Nuclear Engineering, was dedicated on the Tuviyahu Campus. The Laboratory will facilitate research on the biological effects of exposure to low- dose ionizing radiation and its application to improve cancer treatment.

The Department of Nuclear Engineering is the only such department in Israel. Speaking at the ceremony, Laster referred to the dedicated early nuclear scientists working there “who understood the absolute need to bring the young nation into world class, cutting-edge nuclear science. I find it admirable that Jerry, fully aware of the magnificence of the Marcus Family Campus, wanted his Jerry Cohen, USA, unveils the sign outside the Jerry J. Cohen Radiobiology Laboratory with the help of son Steven Cohen and Prof. Rivka Carmi name here, in these historic buildings, where the medical that since the use of nuclear work in papers reporting attacks. Her research also and biological applications of weapons on Japan in World results of her studies showing includes studies in cancer nuclear science might serve War II, much time and a pronounced retardation of radiotherapy through the interests of the Israeli money has been dedicated to tumor growth in mice exposed brachytherapy (injecting tiny nation.” determining harmful effects of, to low doses of radiation. radioactive rods directly into and protection again radiation, Cohen said he believes that the tumor). “I think this lab makes a firm since the assumption was the new laboratory will statement that here at BGU, that all dose levels, no matter provide an opportunity to As one of the first scientists to this discipline of nuclear how tiny, were harmful. make significant progress in use intense electromagnetic science is alive and kicking,” However, he noted, beginning demonstrating the beneficial radiation beams emitted by declared President Prof. Rivka in the 1960s there have been uses of low-dose radiation. synchrotron light sources as Carmi. “I believe that the studies “which have shown a biomedical research tool in research in this field will now that low-dose radiation is Laster is an authority on low- cancer radiotherapy, Laster be much more significant, not only benign but can also dose ionizing radiation and is an active member of the and that we can use it for the be considered beneficial in its associated immunological SESAME Project (Synchrotron- betterment of people’s lives.” nature.” effects that may have the light for Experimental Science potential to offer protection & Applications in the Middle In his remarks Cohen, himself He explained that he first took from the effects of radiological East) located in . a nuclear engineer, explained notice of Laster’s research accidents or terrorist nuclear

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

I Honoring Outstanding Accomplishment

From l-r: Dr. Martine Rothblatt, H.E. Simone Veil, Prof. Peter Fritz, Minister of Minority Affairs Prof. Avishay Braverman, Abraham Ben David Ohayon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, and Toby Mower

Six outstanding individuals David Ohayon Foundation to those who suffer, for the advisor to the government were awarded honorary in his country, who devotes benefit of all humankind.” of Germany; with profound doctoral degrees his time and energy to esteem for a true friend of acknowledging their impact supporting education, welfare Prof. Peter Fritz was honored the academic community on the world, while former and medical research as an as “a brilliant scientist in the in Israel for his efforts to University President and active expression of traditional fields of hydrology and hydro- strengthen research ties Minister of Minority Affairs Jewish values instilled from chemistry, whose contribution between Germany and Israel M.K. Prof. Avishay Braverman childhood; in appreciation to research and development and the advancement of joint was honored with a Lifetime of a fervent Zionist who of the use of stable isotopes projects on environmental Achievement Award. encouraged the immigration in the study of environmental issues; and with gratitude for of the Jews of to the issues in water sciences has his contribution to Ben-Gurion Abraham Ben David Ohayon State of Israel that is so dear to furnished his colleagues University of the Negev as was recognized as “a his heart; and with profound with invaluable tools for the a member and chairman of successful businessman, scion gratitude to a member of analysis and understanding of the Scientific Advisory Board of a prestigious family, part the Ben-Gurion Society and a wide range of phenomena; of the Zuckerberg Institute of the once-thriving Jewish a member of the Board of in recognition of a prolific for Water Research, guiding community of Morocco, who Governors of Ben-Gurion scientist who has laid the it towards new heights of went on to play an important University of the Negev for his foundation for using oxygen, academic excellence as one of role in the Jewish community dedicated efforts to promote nitrogen and carbon stable the leading research institutes in Geneva, Switzerland; in scholarship and teaching at isotopes in environmental in Israel and the world.” acknowledgement of an the University by establishing hydrology to protect water entrepreneur and developer the Abraham Ben David quality; in acknowledgement H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos for whom environmental Ohayon Behavioral Sciences of an honored academic received the degree in protection and quality of Complex, and for his support who has taught generations acknowledgement of “a life are guiding principles; of researchers and students of students and researchers distinguished statesman, in honor of the founder and who study the mysteries of and has held many key Minister of Foreign Affairs chairman of the Abraham Ben the human mind and offer aid positions, including scientific and Cooperation of Spain,

18 From vision to reality NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

who is leading his country many Zionist organizations project to develop a draft of a resolute stateswoman, towards a bright future in the United States, acting Universal Declaration on a member of the prestigious by promoting security, from a sense of commitment the Human Genome and Académie française, who democracy and peace; with and faith in humanity; in Human Rights for the United filled many key positions in esteem for an indefatigable recognition of her significant Nations; in appreciation of her country and in the global diplomat, recipient of many contribution towards the fight a compassionate founder of arena, including as Honorary honors, who has represented against alcoholism and other the biotechnology company President of the Fondation his country throughout substance abuses and the United Therapeutics pour la Mémoire de la Shoah, the world with sincere rehabilitation of those who Corporation and director of and who has received many dedication; in recognition have had the misfortune to medical research foundations international honors for her of the first European Union fall into the abyss of these who has contributed greatly work; and with esteem for her Special Representative addictions; in honor of a to the development of steadfastness in promoting for the Middle East Peace member of the Ben-Gurion innovative and life-saving gender equality and human Process, who has worked Society and a member of medical treatments and who respect and the revolutionary with true commitment for a the Board of Governors of constantly poses new ethical legislation granting women the peaceful end to the conflict; Ben-Gurion University of the challenges to those involved right to decide on their own in profound appreciation of Negev, who together with in the field worldwide; in bodies, among other laws, a veritable friend of the State her husband established recognition of the author of which left an indelible mark of Israel, founder of the Casa a scholarship fund for many books and articles, for on the history of her country.” Sefarad-Israel – a unique students and the Dr. Morton an active involvement as the institution which promotes and Toby Mower Chair in founder of the World Against Prof. Avishay Braverman was the contribution of Jewish Shock-Wave Studies; and Racism Foundation and its acknowledged with a Lifetime culture and heritage to the in acknowledgement of an virtual museum; and in honor Achievement Award in history of Spain, who has experienced registered nurse of a heartfelt commitment recognition of “a courageous invested his time and energy who is actively contributing to promote equality and visionary whose steadfast in enabling Israel to join the towards fostering the next tolerance between peoples dedication and loyalty over EU Framework Programme for generation of nurses and is and to advancing scientific the years has invigorated Research and Technological a dedicated partner in the research in the Negev.” the University through its Development and in initiating community-oriented ‘spirit unprecedented academic the resolution of Beer-Sheva,” working to H.E. Simone Veil was honored and physical development, designating an International promote health, welfare and as “a highly accomplished enabling it to pursue research Holocaust Remembrance Day; respect for the individual.” leader who, as Minister of to the highest pinnacle; in and for his uncompromising Health and Social Affairs in the deep appreciation of the struggle in promoting mutual Dr. Martine Rothblatt was French Government, strove unstinting efforts of a true understanding between recognized as “a brilliant to promote social justice and friend and farsighted leader in the State of Israel and the attorney who has played democracy in her country; realizing the vision of Israel’s European Union in general, a transformative role in in recognition of a Jew who founding father and first and Spain in particular, numerous spheres; with survived the horrors of the prime minister David Ben- and the strengthening of esteem for a pioneering Holocaust and rose to become Gurion, who believed in the cooperation for the benefit of entrepreneur who re- President of the European potential of the Negev, with the next generation.” imagined the role of satellite Parliament and leader of the the University at its heart; and communications and launched Liberal Democrat and Reform in gratitude for his noteworthy Toby Mower was honored as a whole new industry and Party, who harnessed her contribution to the country’s “a woman who has devoted who, as a visionary lawyer expertise and inexhaustible future, imbuing its students her life to helping and and legal consultant, led energy in public service as with an eagerness to seek supporting others in their international efforts to obtain a Member of Parliament, new horizons, further the darkest hours; with gratitude endorsement for space-based where she dedicated herself boundaries of knowledge and to a proud and involved services and direct-to-person to championing issues create a new reality of peace member of the Jewish satellite radio transmissions, pertaining to the environment, and prosperity.” community of Baltimore, as well as for the International public health and human who plays a central role in Bar Association’s biopolitical rights; in acknowledgement

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

I Prof. David Newman, New Dean of the Pinchas Sapir Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

has been the chief editor of establishment of the Centre for As a Leverhulme Professor at The International Journal the Study of European Politics Bristol University, England, of Geopolitics. He is known and Society, with the generous (2006-2008), Newman played internationally for his work support of the Ben-Gurion a leading role in the defense on borders – both in Israel, University Foundation in the of Israeli universities and the as well as with academic UK. Newman has also been academic community in the colleagues and governments involved in Track II political face of a proposed academic throughout the world. He discussions and negotiations boycott. He continues to replaces Prof. Moshe Justman. between Israelis, engage in meetings with Prof. David Newman and other regional participants heads of British universities, Newman was one of the for 20 years. aimed at dealing with Prof. David Newman has been founders of the Department boycott related activities, as elected Dean of the Pinchas of Politics and Government Newman grew up in the UK well as developing stronger Sapir Faculty of Humanities at BGU, serving as the first and immigrated to Israel in research cooperation between and Social Sciences. Newman Department Chairperson 1982 following the completion Israeli and British academic is a political geographer from 1997-2003, and was of his doctoral studies at the colleagues. who, for the past ten years, then instrumental in the University of Durham.

I Prof. Miri Amit, New Dean of the University's Eilat Campus

The new dean of BGU’s Eilat Amit has developed a blend four books on math and Campus is mathematician and of qualities that integrate science teaching, and learning. mathematics educator Prof. academic excellence with Miriam (Miri) Amit. Director community payback. She In her commitment to the of the Center for Science and created and launched the community and promotion Technology Education, Amit “Kidumatica: the Youth of academic excellence, will be assuming her new Mathematics Forum” project Amit has directed outreach position in August. She is more than a decade ago that programs for the enhancement replacing Prof. Shaul Krakover cultivates talented students of math and science teaching who is completing his tenure of diverse backgrounds in the Negev. She is the there. throughout the Negev. recipient of numerous awards, including the Guastella Award Before coming to BGU, She received her B.Sc. and for the advancement and Prof. Miriam (Miri) Amit Amit served for more than M.Sc. from the Technion – the empowerment of math and ten years as the National Israel Institute of Technology, science education, the British Regarding her new role, Superintendent of Mathematics and her Ph.D. from the Council Award for Leaders in Amit says “I believe it is a in Israel's Ministry of Department of Mathematics Mathematics Education and mission of the highest national Education, overseeing school and Computer Sciences at the International Organization importance to make the Eilat curricula, national testing and BGU. Amit’s research has been for Women in Mathematic Campus an international mathematics education published in highly acclaimed Education Award for research center of academic policy. journals and she has written on gender in mathematics. excellence.”

20 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

I Prof. Pedro Berliner, New Director of the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research

Wyler Department of Dryland coordinates the post-doctoral systems and planted forests Agriculture and incumbent program of the Institutes in drylands. He has studied of the Benjamin Schwartz and scientific collaboration and developed the techniques Chair in Agricultural Biology, with other institutions of that make use of flood waters was born in Buenos Aires, higher learning and research for the irrigation of orchards Argentina. He earned his centers worldwide. He has and forests planted in arid undergraduate and graduate been a member of the Israeli zones, with a focus on the degrees at the Hebrew delegation to the Conference evaporation of water from University of Jerusalem. He of the Parties of the UN the surface of bare soils and was the founding director Convention for Combating between the rows of crops. Prof. Pedro Berliner of the Wyler Department Desertification, served as of Dryland Agriculture and an advisor to the Israeli He is involved in the Noted expert on dryland is a member of the French Ministry of Science and the development, testing and agriculture Prof. Pedro Associates Institute for Chief Scientist’s Office and modeling of agricultural Berliner has been appointed Agriculture and Biotechnology is a member of the Global techniques that increase the new director of the Jacob of Drylands. Network of Dryland Research the water use efficiency of Blaustein Institutes for Desert Institutes. crops and planted forests. In Research (BIDR) replacing Since 2006 Berliner has addition to BGU, he has held Prof. Avigad Vonshak. served as the Director of Berliner's main research a research post in South the Blaustein Center for interest is the efficient use of and was a visiting professor in Berliner, a member of the Scientific Cooperation that water in rain-fed agricultural Spain, Japan and Mexico.

I Prof. Ayala Malach-Pines, New Dean of the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management

Prof. Ayala Malach-Pines has an internationally recognized Causes and Cures, Romantic been elected Dean of the researchers on topics such Jealousy: Causes, Symptoms, Guilford Glazer Faculty of as stress and burnout in Cures, Experiencing Social Business and Management. multinational virtual teams; Psychology, co-authored An organizational and clinical psychological and cultural with Christina Maslach, psychologist, Malach-Pines aspects of entrepreneurship; and, more recently: Career received the President’s Award and psychological Choice in Management for Excellence in Scientific determinants of career and Entrepreneurship and Research in 2008. She is choice in management and Handbook of Research replacing Prof. Arie Reichel. entrepreneurship. on High-Technology Entrepreneurs, co-edited with Pines, who served for six years She is the author of ten books Mustafa Özbilgin of the United as head of the Department published in a number of Kingdom. of Business Administration, languages, including, Falling Prof. Ayala Malach-Pines is a pioneer in the study of in Love: Why We Choose the In 2008 she received Achievement marking the 60th burnout and couple burnout Lovers We Choose, Burnout BGU’s President’s Prize anniversary of the State of in dual-earner families, and Measure, Couple Burnout: for Outstanding Scientific Israel.

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

I University Marks 40th Anniversary with Series of Public Events

The University’s Zlotowski Dance Troupe gave two public performances

A colorful six-kilometer march route. University President Prof. of Hebrew Literature and University’s Zlotowski Dance through the city’s central streets Rivka Carmi led the parade two performances by the Troupe. marked the kick-off of the together with Vice-Chairman University’s 40th anniversary of the University’s Executive celebrations in Beer-Sheva. Committee Aharon Yadlin. Nearly 2,000 University Former University President employees, students and guests and Minister of Minority Affairs participated in the event, which Prof. Avishay Braverman celebrated the University's and Beer-Sheva’s Mayor involvement in the community Ruvik Danilovich greeted and its impact on the Negev. the marchers before they set Groups from Soroka University off. The day culminated with Medical Center, Magen David lunch and entertainment at the Adom and Maccabi Health University Sports Center. Services also participated. The parade was one of a Accompanied by jugglers and series of 40th anniversary clowns and a truck carrying a events, including a dinner DJ, the marchers were cheered for University pensioners, an Celebrated author and BGU lecturer Etgar Keret (right) joined Prof. Nissim on by school children and evening of poetry and literature Calderon and singer Rona Kenan for an evening dedicated to Israeli culture to Beer-Sheva residents along the organized by the Department mark the University’s 40th anniversary

22 NEWSLETTER OF BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV

Scenes from the 40th anniversary March: top left, the award winning team from the Division of Finance; top right, the long view; bottom, the University’s senior management leads the way, l-r, Dr. Michael Sherf, Director of Soroka University Medical Center, Aharon Yadlin, Prof. Rivka Carmi, Prof. Avishay Braverman, Adv. Yair Green

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

I American Immigrant Receives Spitzer Prize for Unique Work at Parents-Children Center in Sderot

The Spitzer Prize for Excellence in Sderot, a town that has been and Innovation in the Field under missile fire for the past of Social Welfare 2010 was nine years. awarded to Antonina Rosa Naveh for her innovative work Born in Germany in 1947, at the Parents-Children Center Naveh grew up in the United in Sderot. Established with States. In 1978 she immigrated the support of the Ministry of to Israel with her husband Welfare and Social Services and and her daughter. Today she administered by the Gvanim is the mother of two children Association, the Center is an and grandmother of two. She integral part of the welfare graduated from SUNY Albany services in Sderot. with a B.A. in German Literature and received her Masters-Degree Presented by Dr. Orly Sarid, in Social Work from Boston the head of the award University in 1973. committee and a member of the Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer Department of Social Work, the citation noted that In her remarks, Naveh noted that Naveh was being recognized, Sderot is a “city of immigrants “for creating novel programs who are still rooted in a much for families and children at risk more traditional culture,” and through an ongoing dialogue she particularly thanked the with organizations in the local families that “keep us on our and the wider community” toes.” She read from a poem and “for adapting and tailoring titled, “Once” that noted that Dr. Orly Sarid (left) presents the Spitzer Prize to Antonina Rosa Naveh novel therapeutic programs for “Once upon a time people lived families in Sderot, in light of and living was healing; today research had to be rooted in Receive NEWS@BGU Online the ongoing security burden people need healing to live.” community involvement, the on personal, familial and Prize is granted in recognition of To subscribe, send an e–mail to [email protected] community resources.” The Prize, donated by the late “the student whose field work and it will arrive directly into your inbox. Jack and Charlotte Spitzer of practicum was outstanding in its Produced by the Department of Created nine years ago, the the United States, is awarded humanity.” Publications and Media Relations Center for Children and Parents biannually as an expression of Editor: Faye Bittker at Risk in Sderot provides the commitment of the Spitzer Dean of the Hunter College Text: Patricia Golan Translation: Jacqueline Watson-Alloun specially tailored programs for family and the Department of School of Social Work, Prof. Photos: Dani Machlis, Oded Antman, families and children at risk. Social Work to the development Jackie Mondros commended Carl Cox, Yotam From, Wolfgang Motzafi- Naveh developed a personalized of social services in the Negev. the students for their decision Haller, Shay Shmueli, Eugene Nestorovsky approach that nurtures the to study social work and noted Design: www.image2u.co.il empowerment of parents At the same ceremony, the that Hunter College and BGU Further details of the research projects through engaging them as Frannie Ackerman Prize was share the important qualities that described here may be obtained from: partners in the process of the awarded to Lee Peikes. Created make for great social workers: “a [email protected], Tel: 972-8-646-1753 therapy. in memory of Department commitment to excellence and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev founder Frannie Ackerman, who innovation, with the persistence P.O.Box 653, Beer–Sheva 84105, Israel This has proven to be critical strongly believed that academic to never give up.” www.bgu.ac.il, Vol.9 No.2