Author: Raphael

Orr Abergel, the head of the community team, encapsulates the spirit of the team: “Our goal is to help international students integrate into living and studying at TAU and empower them to start their own community initiatives that will enrich their experience while in Israel.” 

Orr Abergel, the head of the community leaders team

Abergel, who has extensive experience working with international students at the Lowy International School, believes that enabling students to start their own community-building projects, such as clubs or various events, is key to having a successful and enjoyable student experience: 

“When students get to develop something they feel passionate about, it gives them an absolutely amazing feeling of being heard and being involved. They become active members of the university community.”—Orr Abergel, the head of the community leaders team

Let’s meet the team, who will be by your side on your exciting journey.

Hanna Alexander: Community Leader for Undergraduates

Hanna’s focus is on helping students feel at home and creating opportunities for them to connect, both on and off campus.

“My goal is to get to know the students, find out what they’re interested in, and build activities that make their experience here more complete.”

“That could mean social events, day trips, overnight tours, or even exploring internship opportunities,” she adds.

Thinking back to her student days at Ben Gurion University helps Hanna come up with ideas for community activities to engage students. Her background in Sociology and Anthropology, Conflict Management and Resolution, and European Studies also proves useful.

“Conflict management comes in handy in any job that involves people,” she says. “There’s always going to be some kind of disagreement, and the key is to make sure everyone feels heard and understood.”

Recently relocated to Tel Aviv, Hanna admits she’s also discovering the city through fresh eyes, much like her students. “Tel Aviv is so international,” she says.

“You hear different languages, see people from all over the world, and eat food from every culture. I live in Florentin, which is full of street art and energy. I always tell students: ‘walk around, explore, and get to know the city through your feet.’ ”

TAU international students enjoying a nice day at the beach

For first-year students, her advice is simple: take it slow. “You’re in a new country, starting at a new university, meeting new people, so show yourself compassion. It’s normal to feel homesick or overwhelmed at first. Take things step by step and try to minimize the FOMO.”

“There’s always something happening in Tel Aviv, so if you miss one thing, there’s another around the corner.”

Hanna also recognizes the challenges undergraduate students might face when starting their studies abroad. “For many of them, this is the first time they’re living away from home and in a different country,” she explains. “Even Israelis their age who serve in the army can usually go home for Shabbat. That separation from family and friends can be tough.”

That’s where the Lowy’s community leaders step in. “Our job is to make Tel Aviv University your home away from home,” Hanna says.

“Whether it’s through our events or our partners’ Shabbat meals and community activities, there are always ways to connect. It’s okay to take a few weeks to adjust, but at some point, push yourself to meet people. Everyone’s in the same boat and you can bond over it.”

Tamar Solange Shalem: Community Leader for International Researchers (PhD students and Postdocs)

Solange brings a wealth of experience in social impact development, community engagement, and cultural diversity. An anthropologist by training, Tamar loves studying people and cultures. She views Israel as a ‘beautiful garden of human diversity’ where different cultures come together. Having worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as a higher education counselor, Tamar is no stranger to guiding people through transitions. 

“I’ve always been interested in working with young people and diverse populations. For me, it’s about creating meaningful change and social impact.”

When it comes to navigating Israeli culture, Tamar offers valuable advice to incoming researchers: 

“Being open-minded to a very dense and dynamic culture is key.”

She also emphasizes that flexibility and acceptance of Israel’s fast-paced, often chaotic environment can help you adapt more smoothly. 

International students on a field trip

Tamar is keen to encourage everyone to explore Israel beyond Tel Aviv, recommending places like the Israeli Valley, Beit Govrin, Lachish, and the Dead Sea for those seeking a deeper connection with the country’s rich landscapes. 

For an authentic Israeli culinary experience, Tamar suggests trying local foods, especially the iconic Israeli breakfast, which she describes as “the most quintessential part of Israeli cuisine, filled with fresh vegetables, spreads, and cheeses.”

Usu Baraka: Community Leader for Graduate Students

Originally from Darfur, Usu’s journey to Israel has been one of resilience and perseverance. After arriving as a minor and completing high school in Israel, Usu pursued a BA in Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy and an MA in Public Policy. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a love for learning (he speaks eight languages!), Usu is dedicated to helping graduate students feel at home in Israel.

“I love interacting with people, hearing their stories, and building communities from the ground up.” 

He is passionate about creating social opportunities that mix academic life with cultural experiences. From tours of South Tel Aviv to trips to the Dead Sea, Usu’s focus is on exposing students to the rich diversity of Israel while building meaningful friendships.

Another aspect Usu is going to actively work on is integrating international students with their Israeli peers and building bridges across cultural lines. 

“I want to create opportunities for students to connect with each other, learn from each other, and form lasting bonds.”

Whether through cultural exchanges or casual meetups at the local market, Usu is always seeking new ways to enrich the student experience. “In Israel, you have to try falafel,” he recommends, adding that knafeh from Jaffa is also a must: “It’s amazing, perfect, and delicious.” For those interested in something more unique, he suggests trying injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread popular in Israel.

At the Levinsky market

Usu’s favorite spots in Tel Aviv for hanging out and meeting new people are the Abraham Hostels, which have “a bar where you can enjoy live performances”, and Teder.fm, a venue that’s “open 24/7 and always full of people and events.” Be sure to check them out after classes!

As you prepare for your flight to Tel Aviv, Usu has one important tip to share: if you’ve never been to Israel before, take some time to learn a bit about the country and pick up a few Hebrew words.

“Shalom” [Hello] is known to open the hearts of Israelis in an instant!

Whether you’re exploring Tel Aviv’s streets, learning about Israeli culture, or simply needing a supportive ear, our community leaders are here to ensure you feel welcome, supported, and ready to move forward.

Just weeks ago, on October 13, with the return of 20 living hostages to Israel, Einav was finally reunited with her son, Matan—one of the most emotional days Israel has known in recent years. Yet her struggle did not end there. Like many others, she continues to dedicate her efforts to ensuring the return of all remaining hostages and the recovery of those who were killed in captivity.

A Symbol of Solidarity, Unity, and the Sanctity of Life

Tel Aviv University emphasized that the decision to award the honorary degree also reflects the deep national yearning for the return of all hostages, including Hadar Goldin, the son of Leah and Prof. Simcha Goldin, a faculty member at TAU.

“Einav Zangauker represents the social movement calling for the return of the hostages and has been one of its most prominent leaders,” the University said in its statement. “Since October 7, she has become for many a symbol of social solidarity, the sanctity of life, unity, and parenthood.”

The honorary degree ceremony will take place in May 2026 on the University’s campus during the annual Board of Governors meeting, attended by more than a thousand guests from Israel and abroad.

At the same event, Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, will receive the George S. Wise Medal for his efforts to secure the return of the hostages.

To the University Community,

Wishing a successful and fruitful academic year to our thousands of students and to our academic and administrative staff!

A special greeting goes out to the students beginning their first year at Tel Aviv University. The University management, academic staff, and administrative staff will do everything in their power to make your study experience both beneficial and enjoyable. You are invited, beyond class attendance, to spend time on the lawns and in the cafeterias, and to enjoy everything our campus has to offer.

You will find here a microcosm of Israeli society, where people of all religions and nationalities, from Israel and from around the world, study, teach, research, and meet. This rich human tapestry is what creates the unique community of our University.

Finally, I would like to update you about changes in the University’s leadership. A few weeks ago, our Rector, Professor Mark Shtaif, completed a very successful five-year term, during which he led a dramatic transformation in teaching and learning methods. At the same time, Vice Rector Professor Eyal Zisser also concluded his term, after having made an immense contribution to the University’s academic management.

Professor Noga Kronfeld-Schor of the Faculty of Life Sciences, who until recently headed the New Environmental School, has succeeded Professor Shtaif as Rector. I wish to express my deep gratitude to Mark and to Eyal for their devoted service to the University, and to extend my best wishes to Noga for much success in her important new role.

The full letter

Wishing a successful and fruitful academic year to our thousands of students and to our academic and administrative staff!

A special greeting goes out to the students beginning their first year at Tel Aviv University. The University management, academic staff, and administrative staff will do everything in their power to make your study experience both beneficial and enjoyable. You are invited, beyond class attendance, to spend time on the lawns and in the cafeterias, and to enjoy everything our campus has to offer. You will find here a microcosm of Israeli society, where people of all religions and nationalities, from Israel and from around the world, study, teach, research, and meet. This rich human tapestry is what creates the unique community of our University.

The academic year opens after two years of war, which appears to have ended about two weeks ago. The living hostages returned home, and we all experienced a few days of collective uplift. We pray for the swift return of all the fallen hostages and for better and quieter days ahead. The end of the war leaves us with many challenges, first and foremost, providing support for bereaved families and assistance to those who have been physically or emotionally wounded. During the past two years, Tel Aviv University has granted numerous scholarships to support our students who served in the reserves, or whose family members did so, in addition to broad academic assistance. This year, too, we will continue to offer such scholarships. Our debt to the reservists is immense, and the least we can do is help them complete their studies successfully.

Unfortunately, the end of the war does not also end the deep internal rift that has been tearing Israeli society apart since the beginning of the judicial overhaul. This division threatens us to no lesser degree than the external dangers we face. I am sure that each of you holds your own opinions about its causes and about the ways we might overcome this grave social crisis – the most severe one our country has faced since its founding. We expect all members of our University community, including our students, not to hesitate to express their views on this crucial matter, which is vital to our continued existence. We encourage active citizenship, value social engagement in all its forms, and are committed to maintaining a safe and democratic campus where everyone’s freedom of expression is protected.

Finally, I would like to update you about changes in the University’s leadership. A few weeks ago, our Rector, Professor Mark Shtaif, completed a very successful five-year term, during which he led a dramatic transformation in teaching and learning methods. At the same time, Vice Rector Professor Eyal Zisser also concluded his term, after having made an immense contribution to the University’s academic management. Professor Noga Kronfeld-Schor of the Faculty of Life Sciences, who until recently headed the New Environmental School, has succeeded Professor Shtaif as Rector. I wish to express my deep gratitude to Mark and to Eyal for their devoted service to the University, and to extend my best wishes to Noga for much success in her important new role.

Wishing you all a productive academic year and better days ahead,

Yours,

Ariel Porat
President of the University

On October 22, 2025, Tel Aviv University (TAU) welcomed a high-level delegation from Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), marking an important step in strengthening academic cooperation between the two institutions.

Led by Vice-Rector Prof. Fariz Mammadov, the Azerbaijani delegation visited TAU to explore new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity and innovation management. The guests expressed particular interest in TAU’s leadership in entrepreneurship education and its expertise in technology transfer and research commercialization. 

During their visit, the delegation met with Prof. Milette Shamir, TAU Vice President for International Academic Collaboration, and Konstantin Platonov, Director for Asia Engagement, for in-depth discussions on expanding joint initiatives in various fields. 

They also held talks with TAU’s Faculty of Engineering, which has an impressive record of patenting innovations and supporting faculty-led startups, resulting in an agreement to launch student and faculty exchange programs.

“The visit of the AzTU delegation marks another step in the steady development of TAU’s ties with Azerbaijan.”—Konstantin Platonov, Director for Asia Engagement

The opening of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel in 2023 has significantly promoted university-level connections. Konstantin Platonov emphasized the growing potential for joint academic and research projects, particularly in advanced engineering and technology fields. “Collaboration with Azerbaijan holds great potential, especially in joint PhD training,” Platonov noted. 

“We’re glad to strengthen these ties and look forward to seeing more students and researchers move between our universities in the coming years.”

In a time when questions of justice, democracy, and human rights resonate louder than ever, Tel Aviv University’s Irwin Cotler Fellowship Program continues to bring together exceptional international students committed to understanding Israel and the global pursuit of freedom.

Now entering its fourth year, this flagship initiative of the Irwin Cotler Institute for Democracy, Justice and Human Rights has selected 24 fellows from 21 countries for the 2025–2026 academic year, making it its largest and most diverse cohort to date.

Participants hail from India, Turkey, Spain, the United States, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Australia, alongside first-time representatives from South Korea, Kenya, Haiti, China, Liberia, Ghana, and Malta.

Who Are the Cotler Fellows? 

The Cotler Fellowship brings together TAU’s international graduate, PhD, and postdoctoral students from multiple disciplines, including law, political science, medicine, biology, sustainable development, diplomacy, and disaster management.  

Fellows participate in academic lectures, practical training workshops, and field studies that expose them to Israel’s history, society, and ongoing democratic debates.

They engage directly with leading intellectuals, scholars, and activists who shape public conversation on human rights and justice.  

Cotler fellows 2024/25 on one of the field trips

Beyond campus, the program emphasizes experiential learning through visits to sites such as Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum. 

What Makes This Year’s Cohort Stand Out? 

According to Irwin Cotler, Canada’s former Minister of Justice and Attorney General — after whom the Institute is named — the expanded cohort reflects the program’s unique role in shaping global human rights ambassadors. 

“Tel Aviv University’s Cotler Institute Fellowship Program has welcomed exemplary students from all over the world to engage in a unique exploration of today’s most critical human rights challenges, and to be shaped as ambassadors of human rights, carrying a deep understanding and appreciation of Jewish history and of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.”—Irwin Cotler 

He added that this year’s cohort is “the largest and most diverse to date, which is particularly inspiring given the difficult times we are experiencing.” 

For Ariela Cotler, who founded the Institute with her husband, the fellows’ choice to study in Israel at this moment carries special meaning. “It is not a simple time in the lives of Israelis, or Jews world over,” she reflected.  

“Their interest in deepening their knowledge about Israel’s and the Jewish people’s story, and their choice of studying at Tel Aviv University during these challenging times, makes them all the more special to me.”—Ariela Cotler 

How Do Fellows Describe Their Experience? 

Alumni of the program refer to it as a turning point in their academic and personal development.  “Participating in the fellowship was a meaningful addition to my education,” said Amarah Friedman, an American fellow from the 2024-2025 cohort.  

“Traveling with the group allowed me to visit places I would not otherwise get to see and provided insight into a range of perspectives and opinions different from my own. I value the understanding I have gained about democracy as well as the challenges it faces.”—Amarah Friedman, USA 

Lindsay MacKinnon, a Canadian, called the fellowship “a valuable and eye-opening experience,” adding: “The in-class meetings and discussions were thought-provoking, and the field trips were varied and engaging.”  

“The field trips to Yad Vashem and Ben-Gurion’s house at Sde Boker were particular highlights for me.”—Lindsay MacKinnon, Canada

Antonio Peña (second from the right) with other Cotler fellows on a field trip

Antonio Peña from Colombia emphasized the program’s international diversity: “Being able to learn from engaging lectures by people who play different roles in society and visiting historically significant sites across Israel has provided insights that go beyond traditional study methods.  

“But what went beyond my expectations was the presence of a diverse group of participants from various cultural and professional backgrounds, which made my experience even more engaging and unique.”—Antonio Peña, Colombia  

How Does the Cotler Institute Extend Its Impact? 

Beyond the fellowship, the Irwin Cotler Institute for Democracy, Justice and Human Rights has established itself as a global hub for dialogue on antisemitism, justice, and human rights. 

The Institute co-publishes the Annual Antisemitism Worldwide Report, organizes international conferences, and leads workshops for diplomats, policymakers, and civil society leaders in Israel and abroad.  

Programs have taken place in countries as diverse as Brazil, Japan, Rwanda, Finland, Latvia, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Cyprus, extending the Institute’s reach far beyond Tel Aviv. 

Why Does It Matter? 

The record-breaking size and diversity of this year’s fellowship class highlight not only the Institute’s expanding international recognition, but also the enduring relevance of Israel as a place to confront today’s most pressing questions of justice and democracy.