Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University recently held an exclusive screening at the Classic Cinema of the gripping thriller, HIGHWAY 65 directed by Maya Dreifuss, Alum of the Steve Tisch School of Film and Television, TAU.

ON

Sunday, November 30, 2025

AT

6:30 pm

DIRECTED AND WRITTEN BY

Maya Dreifuss

Alum of the Steve Tisch School of
Film and Television, Tel Aviv University

STARRING

Tali Sharon
Idan Amedi (Fauda)

In this gripping Israeli thriller, Detective Daphna (Tali Sharon) investigates the disappearance of a former beauty queen in the small town of Afula. As the case unfolds, secrets emerge that could redeem her career or destroy it.

Proceeds support Optimism at Work – restoring hope and wellbeing for TAU students through PTSD treatment.

AFTAU Celebrates 50 Years

AFTAU Victoria recently celebrated 50 years of connection, community, and impact with a special evening that brought together friends, supporters and special guests. The Gala Dinner took place at the Leonda at the Yarra in Melbourne.

AFTAU was delighted to welcome TAU President Professor Ariel Porat and Vice President Amos Elad, and to honour the many supporters and volunteers who have helped shape AFTAU since the very beginning.

Guests enjoyed an engaging and thought-provoking conversation between Senator Dave Sharma, Former Australian Ambassador to Israel, and Rebecca Davis, journalist, writer, editor, podcaster and Digital Media Editor at AIJAC. Their discussion left everyone inspired and proud to be part of this vibrant community.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Friendship Award to Senator Dave Sharma, in recognition of his extraordinary record of public service, principled leadership, and enduring friendship toward the State of Israel. The award also honoured his steadfast advocacy for Australia’s Jewish community and unwavering commitment to countering the rising tide of antisemitism.

Awards were presented to dedicated recipients in appreciation of their longstanding support and significant contributions to Tel Aviv University, acknowledging their commitment and generosity over many years. Awards went to: 

• Besen Family Foundation – Debbie Dadon AM
• Keith and Deirdre Beville
• Erdi Foundation
• Gandel Foundation – John Gandel AC
• Kaye Vaver family – Tania Kaye
• Krongold family – Susan Krongold
• Kushinsky Frydman family – Ros Kushinsky
• Solomon Lew
• Tami and Rick Olsha
• Perelberg Grosman family – Dr Harry & Rita Perelberg
• Pratt Foundation
• Selwyn Family – Eva Selwyn
• Vivien Zimmet & Prof Paul Zimmet AO 

Another moving moment came when a Tel Aviv University alumnus delivered a heartfelt testimonial about Kobi, a TAU medical student who received transformative care through the TAU Post-Trauma Clinic. His story reminded everyone of the incredible impact of the work AFTAU supports.

Funds raised during the evening will support Optimism at Work – from Trauma to Triumph, providing essential treatment and care for TAU students recovering from trauma and PTSD, truly changing lives.

Here’s to the next 50 years of friendship, purpose, innovation and progress!

F E A T U R I N G

Professor Drorit Neumann 

Dean of Students, Tel Aviv University
Professor, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

Online via Zoom

For further information call:
David 02 7241 8711 / René 03 9296 2066

AFTAU Vic recently hosted an engaging and thought-provoking evening at the home of Russell and Roslyn Levy, featuring acclaimed speaker Joel Burnie, Executive Manager of AIJAC.

Joel provided expert insight on the evolving threats in the Middle East, reflected on how Israel has navigated the challenges of the past 18 months, and shared insightful perspectives on what the future may hold.

AFTAU recently hosted the Founder and Managing Partner at TAU Ventures, Nimrod Cohen, to Australia.

TAU Ventures is Tel Aviv University’s Venture Capital vehicle. At the heart of the start-up nation, TAU Ventures invests first capital into startups and is dedicated to helping them transform their ideas into global businesses.

Nimrod captured audiences and was a true breath of fresh air in the challenging time we are facing. He gave many examples of quite incredible results in DefenceTech, as well as what is in the pipeline for AI, FinTech and other industries in the start-up ecosystem of Israel.