Tag: General

Honorees include scientists, journalists, industry leaders, philanthropists, a social activist, and Israel’s national orchestra – recognized for their exceptional contributions to science, culture, society, and peace.

At a moving and festive ceremony, Tel Aviv University awarded honorary doctorates and fellowships to ten extraordinary individuals and organizations in recognition of their outstanding contributions to science, culture, the economy, society, and peace.

The recipients include renowned scientists, journalists, industry leaders, philanthropists, social activists, and Israel’s national orchestra — all honored for their impactful work and embodiment of TAU’s core values: innovation, academic excellence, and public engagement.

Dan Holzmann – Entrepreneur, Investor, and Philanthropist
TAU awarded an honorary doctorate to Dan Holzmann for his pioneering achievements over more than three decades as a businessman, entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. Holzmann has launched successful ventures across sectors ranging from real estate and sports management to AI-powered cosmetics. Through the Holzmann Foundation, he has supported over 50 educational and social organizations worldwide. He is also recognized for his commitment to empowering the next generation of Israeli entrepreneurs — particularly TAU students — through initiatives like the “Launchpad Dan” program on campus.

Dr. Yael Admi – Peace Activist and Software Engineer
Dr. Yael Admi, a leading voice in cross-cultural dialogue in Israel, received an honorary doctorate in recognition of her remarkable efforts to promote reconciliation and civic courage. She is a co-founder of “Women Wage Peace,” Israel’s largest grassroots peace movement, and a former chair of the Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum. With a background in software engineering and AI, Dr. Admi has combined technological expertise with decades-long peace activism to build trust and foster a more equal and responsible society.

Gideon Hamburger – President of Harel Insurance and Advocate for Higher Education
TAU honored Gideon Hamburger for his long-standing contributions to Israel’s insurance industry and for his philanthropic leadership in academia and culture. Together with his brother Yair, he established the Harel Center for Capital Market Research and the Harel Institute for Actuarial Innovation at TAU’s Coller School of Management. Beyond his business achievements, Hamburger holds prominent roles in major Israeli cultural institutions, including the Israeli Opera, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Variety Israel, and the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra – Cultural Icon and Academic Partner
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was awarded an Honorary Fellowship for its immense contribution to Israeli and global culture over nearly 90 years. Founded in 1936 to provide refuge for Jewish musicians fleeing Europe, the IPO has performed with world-class conductors and soloists ever since. The orchestra is a key partner in TAU’s Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, where it plays a vital role in training the next generation of musicians. Maestro Lahav Shani, the IPO’s current Music Director, is a graduate of the school.

Prof. Miranda A. Schreurs – Global Environmental Policy Leader
A distinguished scholar in environmental policy and sustainability, Prof. Miranda Schreurs of the Technical University of Munich received an honorary doctorate for her research and public service. Known for her cross-continental efforts to promote climate action, Prof. Schreurs serves in influential advisory roles across Europe. TAU recognized her for advancing global academic discourse at the intersection of science, policy, and environmental justice — and for her ongoing collaborations with institutions worldwide, including TAU.

Yair Hamburger – Chairman, Business Leader, and Philanthropist
Yair Hamburger, Chairman of Harel Insurance and Finance Group, was honored for his leadership in Israel’s financial sector and for his social impact through broad philanthropic engagement. His initiatives in education, the arts, and public health reflect a lifelong commitment to improving Israeli society. At TAU, he has played a key role in establishing research centers that shape the future of economics and actuarial science. His honorary doctorate recognizes over 50 years of visionary leadership and civic dedication.

Danna Azrieli – Chairwoman of the Azrieli Group and Azrieli Foundation
Businesswoman, real estate developer, and philanthropist Danna Azrieli was honored for her visionary leadership of Israel’s largest real estate group and her extensive philanthropic activity in education, health, and Jewish identity. Under her leadership, the Azrieli Group expanded into senior housing and data centers internationally. The honorary doctorate also acknowledges her long-standing support of TAU’s Azrieli School of Architecture and her role in cultivating Israel’s next generation of architects and builders.

Thomas L. Friedman – Award-Winning Journalist and Commentator
Thomas Friedman, one of the world’s most influential journalists, received an honorary doctorate for his exceptional role in shaping public discourse on the Middle East, globalization, and foreign policy. A longtime New York Times columnist and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Friedman has helped global audiences better understand Israel’s regional dynamics. TAU recognized him for his enduring friendship with Israel and his meaningful connection to Tel Aviv University, where his sister once studied — a trip that first sparked his lifelong interest in the region.

Prof. Stephen (Steve) Quake – Pioneering Bioengineer and Innovator
Prof. Steve Quake of Stanford University was honored for transforming modern biology and medicine through groundbreaking technologies — including rapid DNA sequencing and the first non-invasive prenatal test for Down syndrome. He currently serves as Head of Science at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and co-leads the Biohub, a cutting-edge biomedical research center. TAU recognized his revolutionary scientific work, his mentorship of young researchers, and his active collaboration with Israeli scientists.

Jonathan R. Goodman – Pharmaceutical Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Jonathan Goodman was awarded an honorary doctorate for his outstanding contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and his deep commitment to social impact. Founder and former CEO of Paladin Labs and current Executive Chair of Knight Therapeutics, Goodman has also led major philanthropic initiatives in climate, education, cancer research, and Jewish communities worldwide. His support of TAU and his dedication to Israel’s development reflect a powerful blend of entrepreneurial drive and civic responsibility.

The $125 million gift from the Gray Foundation is set to transform the University’s medical education and research

Tel Aviv University made history today with the naming of its new Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Gray School of Medicine, and Gray School of Medical Sciences. The generous donation from the Gray Foundation – the largest ever to TAU – will significantly expand capacity at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, improve access for students and elevate the quality of education, training and research.

At the festive ceremony held on campus in the presence of President of Israel Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog, Gray Foundation co-founders Jon and Mindy Gray said: “We know that there has always been so much promise in this Promised Land, despite – or maybe because of – its greatest challenges. We could think of no better place to start planting a few seeds of promise than the amazing medical faculty here at Tel Aviv University.”

A TAU alumnus himself, together with his wife, Michal, President Herzog said to the Grays that at this “critical point in Israel’s 77-year-old history …  you chose to reach out and have our backs. What a profound statement of solidarity and optimism.”

TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat told the audience: “The Gray donation is a vote of confidence in Tel Aviv University, in Israeli academia, in Israeli science–in fact, in the State of Israel and its future.”

Read Prof. Ariel Porat’s letter of gratitude to the Gray Family >

Also participating in the ceremony were Mrs. Dafna Meitar-Nechmad, Chairwoman of the TAU Board of Governors; Prof. Mark Shtaif, TAU Rector; Prof. Karen B. Avraham, Dean of the Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences; other TAU academic leaders and TAU Governors and friends.

Presenting the TAU certificate of appreciation to Jon and Mindy Gray. (Photo credit: Yuval Yosef)

A quantum leap in education and research

The Grays’ transformative gift, the third largest to any Israeli academic institution, includes funding for: 

–    A new 600-bed dormitory, with preference given to underprivileged students
–    New advanced teaching and research facilities
–    Modernization of the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
–    Scholarships for underrepresented groups 
–    Support for faculty recruitment and retention
–    BRCA research and collaboration
–    Creation of a memorial for the victims of October 7th 

Prof. Ariel Porat: “The Gray family’s generous gift will enable us to make a true ‘quantum leap’  in both medical education and research. In honor of this gift, the Faculty will be named the Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. I believe and hope this gift will inspire many others to follow their example.”

Mindy and Jon Gray: “We’ve been searching for a way to make a meaningful impact in Israel since the tragic events of October 7th. We can think of no better way to accelerate healing than by supporting an institution that touches the lives of so many. This gift will expand Tel Aviv University’s capacity to educate new healthcare professionals, including underrepresented students, and create state-of-the-art research facilities, building on our longtime support for medical research and access to higher education.”

The signing ceremony. (Photo credit: Yuval Yosef)

Dean Karen Avraham: “Thanks to the remarkable support of Mindy and Jon Gray and the Gray Foundation, we will take our medical training and research complex to a new level of excellence, enabling Tel Aviv University to train future clinicians and researchers to lead Israeli healthcare and global science. We will foster the next generation of medical innovators in rapidly evolving fields – from diagnostics and personalized treatment to healthcare delivery and biomedical research.”

Addressing Israel’s acute doctor shortage

Recent reports show that the number of doctors and medical school graduates in Israel is well below the average for OECD nations. The country faces additional pressure from looming retirements, with 25% of current doctors over the age of 67 and nearly half over 55. Israel’s Ministry of Health has prioritized increasing enrollment in medical schools, with a strategic plan to reach 2,000 new incoming students per year by 2030. 

This gift allows TAU – the largest training institution for doctors in Israel – to increase the number of new medical students by approximately 25%. In addition to doctors, TAU will also aim to increase the number of students in the overall Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences by approximately 20%, training thousands of nurses, therapists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.

TAU plays a central role in Israel’s healthcare system through its partnership with 18 hospitals and alumni working across most hospitals in the country.

Access to medical education

To dramatically improve access for students, the Grays’ gift will help create a new 600-bed dormitory and additional scholarship opportunities. This will include targeted support and recruiting efforts for underrepresented groups at TAU who have faced challenges with housing costs and access. In particular, TAU will aim to double the number of Arab Israeli students at the School of Medicine.

Further expanding the pool of medical students, while elevating the quality of training for all in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, will ultimately improve care for communities across Israel.

Boosting innovation and discoveries

This gift will enable a comprehensive renovation of existing medical and health sciences facilities, along with the creation of new world-class research laboratories. It also provides for strategic investment to attract and retain leading biomedical scientists from around the world. 

One area of focus will be TAU’s work in BRCA-related cancers, which disproportionately impact the Ashkenazi Jewish community, nearly one-third of the Israeli population. 

(photo credit: Yuval Yosef)

Gray Foundation’s support 

The Gray Foundation has a dual mission of accelerating research, awareness, and treatment for individuals and families who have inherited BRCA mutations, as well as expanding access to education, healthcare, and opportunity for low-income youth in New York City. 

In 2012, the Grays created the Basser Center at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, the first center in the world exclusively focused on BRCA cancers. The Foundation has also supported programs focused on careers in medicine at CUNY School of Medicine, Montefiore Einstein, Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan Kettering, among others.

In 2024, the Foundation helped launch a holocaust education program for students at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, and the Grays have been long-time supporters of UJA and other Jewish organizations.

The Gray family has generously donated $125 million to advance and develop the Faculty.

Dear Tel Aviv University community – faculty, staff, students, Governors, and Friends of the TAU in Israel and worldwide,

Today, a special event took place at the University: the naming of the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, as well as of the School of Medicine and School of Medical Sciences, after the Gray family. The Gray Foundation has made a major gift of $125 million to the University for the development and advancement of the Faculty. This is the largest donation ever received by Tel Aviv University and one of the largest ever made to an academic institution in Israel.

About half a year ago, I met for the first time in New York with Jon Gray, President of Blackstone, and presented him with Tel Aviv University and its needs. It did not take long for Jon and his wife, Mindy, to visit the University, be impressed by our Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, and decide to support it.

The Gray family’s generous gift will enable us to make a true “quantum leap” in both medical education and research. It will allow us to increase the number of medical students, including those from minority groups in Israel; bolster the high-quality research taking place at the University in medicine and related fields; and deepen our collaborations with 18 affiliated hospitals. Since our Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences is the largest of its kind in Israel, the Gray family’s contribution will directly strengthen the national healthcare system and advance biomedical research throughout the country.

Mindy and Jon Gray’s philanthropic efforts did not begin today. Through their family foundation, they provide access to education and health services for underprivileged children in New York, thereby promoting equal opportunities. They are also active in advancing research, treatment and prevention of breast and ovarian cancer associated with genetic mutations. Mindy and Jon are not only generous individuals, they are also humble, compassionate, and captivating in their personal charm. Their love for the State of Israel and the Jewish people is what motivates their support of the University, and their aim is to help Israeli society heal in the aftermath of the October 7th tragedy.

I would like to recognize the exceptional teamwork that brought this donation to fruition. I extend thanks to Professor Karen Avraham, Dean of the Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, to the Faculty’s leadership and heads of schools, and to the faculty members and students who met with the Grays and made a great impression on them. Thanks to my deputy, Amos Elad, and to the University’s CEO, Gady Frank, and their dedicated teams. Thanks to Julie Lipsett-Singer from American Friends of Tel Aviv University; to Danny Gillerman, a TAU Governor; and to Yifat Oron, President of the Israeli Friends of TAU, for their support and guidance. A special thank-you goes to the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, and to his wife, Mrs. Michal Herzog – both alumni of the University – for honoring us with their presence at today’s inauguration ceremony and for their unwavering support of the University and Israeli academia as a whole.

Since October 7th, we have all swung between hope and despair. Today is a day of hope. The Grays’ decision to support us with such generosity moves us deeply. I believe that their act, which expresses great confidence in Tel Aviv University, will inspire other philanthropists in Israel and around the world to support Israeli academia, recognizing it as an essential pillar of the State of Israel and a cornerstone of its continued survival and prosperity.

Today, we gained precious partners – the Gray family – we are profoundly grateful for the trust they have placed in us.

Sincerely,

Prof. Ariel Porat

President of Tel Aviv University

Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony at TAU

The Bar Shira Hall was filled to capacity for the Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day ceremony, honoring Holocaust survivors and commemorating the victims, held on campus in the presence of a large audience, including students, administrative and academic staff, and other guests. The feeling this year is that, as Holocaust survivors live among us, with their grandchildren still held hostage in Gaza, it is crucial to tell and commemorate what happened to our brothers and sisters.

“one third of the Jewish people were exterminated by the machine of evil. They were murdered solely because they were Jews”.

Prof. Mark Steif, Rector of the University, called to continue and strengthen the State of Israel as a democracy and cultivate a cultural and inclusive society. “Since October 7, the Holocaust Memorial Day has taken on an additional dimension of pain, in the shadow of the war we have been in since that horrific day, during which Jews were slaughtered in a manner and scale not seen since the Holocaust. The call ‘Never Again’ reverberates as the foundation of our existence here, on this land, uniting us in a common fate that will never be erased. Here we stand, grieving, sad, yearning, but still upright and proud, continuing to say ‘Never Again'”.

“As we face the challenges lying ahead for the State of Israel, we must continue to build and establish a democratic society and a rich culture here. This is how we will ensure that here, in the thriving legacy in our ancestral land, the Jewish people will receive protection and security, and continue to grow, develop, and serve as a model for the nations of the world”.

Prof. Steif.

“And when I tell my father’s story in the first person, I feel close to him, and you, the audience, feel close to his story”.

Zikaron BaSalon Across the University

During the event, we were fortunate to hear the stories of four survivors, three of them from the perspective of their daughters and grandchildren, and one from the survivor himself.

Shirley Yechilevitz, a master’s student in the Conflict Management and Mediation program and an activist with the organization “Rememberance Ambassadors In First Person”, shared on behalf of herself and her sister Orly Avishar, head of the academic staff division at the university, a part of her father’s survival story, Meir Zaltzman z”l.

Shirley Yechilevitz.

Shay Atos, Chair of the Student Union Governing Board, shared the story of his dear grandfather, Menachem Teitelbaum z”l.

Dudi Ronen, founder of the “First-Person Memory Ambassadors” organization, shared a part of his father Pinchas Ronen’s story.

Yitzhak Wolster, 94, a native of Hungary and a survivor of the Theresienstadt concentration camp, took the stage accompanied by his granddaughter, Noga Shahar, from the university’s spokesperson team.

Memory and Testaments in Danger

Prof. Chavi Dreyfus from the Department of Jewish History spoke about the struggle for Holocaust memory in the age of accelerated memory, and the importance of listening to the voices of the victims themselves—through their last wills, written moments before their death—as a way to preserve the humanity, complexity, and historical facts of the Holocaust, against the dangers of trivialization, distortion, and political use of its memory. Her words ranged from a chilling description of inscriptions left by Jews of the Kobyl community on the walls of the synagogue just before their destruction, to a deep exploration of memory, testimony, history, and ethics, with a clear call to preserve the research and moral responsibility for the story of the Holocaust.

Prof. Dreyfus.

Even during the Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day ceremony, it is important to remember and remind everyone that we are still yearning and waiting for the return of the hostages from Gaza. During the ceremony, the names of 59 hostages who have not yet returned home were read aloud.

The “First-Person” organization has trained around 800 First-Person Memory Ambassadors across the country, who tell the story of a Holocaust hero in the first person.

Prof. Hilla Dotan breaks down what it takes to negotiate like a pro

Negotiation is a skill that touches every part of our lives, from deciding who drives the kids to school or what to pay for a product, to high-stakes deals like selling a startup or resolving court disputes. A poignant example today is Israel’s national negotiation for the return of hostages from Gaza. At its heart, negotiation is about communication to resolve conflicts and find solutions. Whether in everyday decisions or major crises, effective preparation, planning, and evaluation are key to success. Prof. Hilla Dotan Dykstein, a senior faculty member at the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University, specializing in business and international negotiations, shares practical tools to help us become sharper, more strategic negotiators.

1. Dr. Dotan, how would you define a successful negotiation?

Many believe that obtaining one’s desired outcome is an indication of a successful negotiation. From my perspective, this is not necessarily an indication of success. First, it could be that the outcome we set was wrong, and second many more factors should be considered when we evaluate a negotiation. One, is indeed that we reached the correct outcome, Second, we should evaluate the process that we led toward that outcome. For example, if two negotiators reach the same deal—one in a year, the other in a month—the latter’s approach is clearly more efficient.  Thus, the process we lead, the resources spent, time, cost, risk and most importantly, the relationships that we build along the process with the other negotiator as well as the reputation that we build or enhance, are critical factors to take into account in evaluating a negotiation and it’s success.

Moreover, the success of a negotiation should be evaluated over the long run, not today as there are consequences for what we close not only in the short run but over time. We can see the consequences of the Gilad Shalit deal in the current hostage negotiation. Success in negotiation goes beyond just achieving the desired outcome, it is balancing achieving your goal while maintaining efficiency and considering lasting impacts.

2. When is the right time to make your first offer in a negotiation? Does making the first offer provide an advantage?

The question of whether to be the first to provide an offer in a negotiation- or whether to anchor the negotiation- is an often debated question. Some suggest making the first offer, while others advise against it. My perspective is that it depends.  It depends on the context, the type of negotiation, the parties involved and more. However, my key takeaway is that anchoring is not a game. When you make your first offer, consider mostly what you would like to signal to the other side. Your offer even if it’s simply a price, can send various messages, and people may interpret it differently.

For example, in a job interview, if you propose a salary of 15K (when the industry range is 20-25K), you may signal that you don’t know the market or are undervaluing yourself. Alternatively, asking for 30K signals a higher expectation, which could lead to different perceptions and interpretations about your candidacy and even your alternatives.

In general,  if you make a specific offer, be prepared to justify it. For instance, if you ask for 30K, you should have a valid reason for that request, such as another offer from a competitor. Having a strong alternative (BATNA) provides leverage, as it also gives you the option to walk away if needed.

My personal tendency is to hear the other side’s offer first. Mostly because this allows me to gather more information about the other side, read their signal before responding with a counter-offer.

3.What are the most common mistakes people make in negotiations?

The biggest negotiation mistake is lack of proper preparation. People often make assumptions instead of asking questions. They often let ego or overcommitment cloud their judgment, and overlook long-term consequences of their decisions and agreements. Many forget that reputation matters even in one time interactions and fail to consider the impact of their actions in the long run. Sometimes the best choice is to avoid the negotiation or delegate it to someone more suited.  Awareness of your own abilities and pitfalls is critical for preparing and planning an effective negotiation process including who is best to conduct it.

4. How do you handle a situation where the other side refuses to compromise?

When the other side refuses to compromise, it often relates to their power in the negotiation. My advice is to always analyze the source of power in a negotiation. However, remember that power is relative. Sometimes, we focus so much on our weaknesses that we overlook the fact that the other side might be just as constrained making us more powerful than we actually anticipated

A key way to strengthen your position is by having a strong BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). A solid alternative gives you the ability to walk away if necessary, which reduces dependence on the other party’s willingness to compromise.

If the other side seems unwilling to compromise, it might be because they truly can’t. In such cases, introducing new issues to the negotiation—things that matter to them but are less significant to you—can help break the deadlock. For example, an employer might not be able to meet your salary expectations but could offer to fund your MBA or MA studies, which typically come from a separate budget. Similarly, offering benefits like vacation days, stock options, or a signing bonus could help move the negotiation forward. In general, when you feel you have reached a “dead-end” regarding one issue, adding additional issues that may be important to the other side and hold less weight for you (and vice versa) is the way to deal with the difficult issues.

5. What tools or methods would you recommend for successful negotiation?

Negotiate ethically
Never resort to lying, threatening, or using unethical tactics. Preparation is key, and with it, there’s no need for extreme measures. Your reputation follows you everywhere—sometimes it’s better to lose a small battle today to protect your long-term relationships. reputation and integrity.

Build Trust and Relationships

Every negotiation is an opportunity to build trust and partnerships. You never know when you will meet again. I don’t believe in one-time interactions or the short-term. We live in a global world and everyone knows everyone. You never know when you will meet again.

6. If you had to give one tip about negotiations, what would it be?

The most important tip about negotiations is: PREPARATION and AWARENESS. 

One of the key lessons I’ve learned from years of conducting and guiding complex negotiations and especially from over 18 years of teaching, is that preparation is crucial, but it’s equally important to know how to prepare and how to evaluate a negotiation afterward. 

Even skilled negotiators may struggle in unfamiliar contexts or with different parties. It’s important to know your strengths and weaknesses—whether you perform better with strangers, colleagues, or specific groups, cultures and types of negotiations. Preparation and awareness of your abilities in different contexts is key. Moreover, after the negotiation, review whether your goals were met, the process was efficient, whether you reached the correct outcomes and whether your reputation was enhanced.

Prof. Hilla Dotan Dykstein is a senior faculty member at the Coller School of Managementt at Tel Aviv University, specializing in business and international negotiations. An internationally recognized speaker and advisor, she also heads a private consulting firm where she advises governments, global executives, and intelligence officials on complex negotiations.

Prof. Hilla Dotan.

What would you say to someone who wants to improve their negotiation skills?

I recommend joining my course Managing Negotiations or other courses and workshops, which are highly practical and provide valuable tools that can enhance both your professional and personal life.

From Steinways to the sea: the TAU’s Buchmann-Mehta School of Music is the perfect place for musicians to thrive

What do you get when you combine world-class faculty of the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, excellent rehearsal and concert facilities featuring beautiful Steinway pianos, and full-tuition scholarships for international students? For Illia Ovcharenko, a talented pianist from Ukraine, this harmony did not just bring education–it created a home where the notes of classical music danced to the pulsing rhythm of Tel Aviv, preparing him for success on the global stage.

Ovcharenko’s career as a performing pianist was kickstarted with a Bachelor’s of Music degree from the International Music program offered at Tel Aviv University. The program was established in 2008 to attract outstanding musicians from all over the world. 

“The School of Music offers multiple scholarships for international students, which make life so much easier–we can focus on music instead of worrying about finances,” says Ovcharenko, who joined the program in 2018 to study in the Piano Department.

Illia Ovcharenko (Photo courtesy of Vere Music Fund)

He first heard about this opportunity when Dmitry Yablonsky, conductor and cellist, came from Tel Aviv to Kyiv to hold auditions at the Central Music School where Ovcharenko was studying at the time:

“I always dreamt of studying with TAU’s Professor Arie Vardi. He’s truly one of the best professors in the world in our field.”

Ovcharenko also greatly appreciates how multicultural and open TAU is: “The international program at Tel Aviv University is full of diversity, and everyone feels welcome and does not feel alone.”

Music Paradise at TAU

Ovcharenko has been playing the piano since the age of six. “I really cannot imagine my life without music—without performing on stage. I haven’t considered any other path since I was 12,” he says. 

Being a musician requires a lot of focus and dedication. Having the right guidance and supporting environment means a lot during a musician’s formative years. Ovcharenko found all of this, and so much more at TAU’s School of Music:

“It was such a warm and welcoming environment, I wanted to stay there all day.”

“I’d come, sit on the couch, talk to everyone passing by, practice a little, then rest for two hours,” he reminisces. Having the opportunity to relax after rehearsing is invaluable for music students, who can unwind by the sea under palm trees on one of Tel Aviv’s many beaches.

Ovcharenko on stage (Photo courtesy of Monique de St. Croix)

Ovcharenko looks back fondly on all the staff and professors who were friendly and supportive: 

“Whether it’s advice, permissions, or just a warm hello, they were always there for us.” 

“For instance, Professor Asaf Zohar, the head of the piano department, was always approachable. You could talk to him about music or life, and it was always a pleasure,” says Ovcharenko.

What also sets TAU apart are the recording and performance facilities, like Claremont Hall and Targ Hall, which students can use freely. And not every school in the world can boast Steinway Model D pianos, the Stradivarius of pianos, unrivalled in tone and craftsmanship.

Classical Music Reflects Life Itself

“Classical music doesn’t die; it’s always there for those who seek it and it will always stay relevant. Even today, concert halls are full and music continues to inspire,” says Ovcharenko. He adds that music pieces such as Beethoven’s symphonies are eternal:

“These pieces are profound statements about life, death, and the human condition. It’s an incredible skill to convey such depth without words.”

For Ovcharenko, music is a reflection of the composer’s life and emotions: “Knowing what a composer was experiencing—whether they were at the peak of life or nearing death—is deeply moving,” he shares. 

Illia Ovcharenko performing at the Hilton Head Competition. Photo courtesy of Hilton Head Competition

His favorite music period at the moment is Romanticism, with composers like Schumann and Schubert at the top of his list. However, he notes that for professional musicians, preferences often change, mirroring the events and emotions that shape their lives.

“Playing a new piece of music is like discovering an unfamiliar route in a city,” says Ovcharenko. “At first, you need Google Maps. But after walking it a few times, you just know the way. It’s the same with music. At first, you need the score, but then you start to memorize the journey. You recognize landmarks in the music, like harmonies or key changes, and they guide you.”

A Pianist’s Journey

Currently, Ovcharenko performs almost every week, and sometimes even daily, travelling across North America and Europe. Israel is also present on his concert itinerary–he performed with Haifa Symphony in March 2024 and is set to return in June 2025 to play Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, a tour he is very much looking forward to.

In the future, he would like to follow in Prof Vardi’s footsteps and combine a performance career with teaching: “I’ve started giving masterclasses and found it very fulfilling.” The message he shares with the participants of his masterclasses resonates far beyond the music world:

“Confidence is so incredibly important for us musicians. Once we believe in ourselves, everything’s possible.”

If you are ready to take the music stage with confidence, Tel Aviv University’s Buchmann-Mehta School of Music is the perfect place to turn your dreams into reality.

Apply now and sign up for auditions!

An outstanding milestone in economics and computer science research.

Professor Michal Feldman, a leading expert in Algorithmic Game Theory from the Blavatnik School of Computer Science at Tel Aviv University, has achieved a remarkable milestone: she has been awarded the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant for the third time. Recognized for her groundbreaking achievements, she was also named LaIsha magazine’s “Woman of the Week”, celebrating her exceptional contributions to science and academia.

Third Time’s a Charm

Winning an ERC grant three times is an extraordinary achievement, reflecting Professor Feldman’s exceptional contributions to research at the crossroads of economics and computer science.

The European Research Council (ERC), one of the most competitive and prestigious funding bodies globally, recognizes visionary researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

This €2 million grant will support Professor Feldman’s latest project, which explores the theoretical foundations of “Algorithmic Contract Theory.” This emerging field bridges economics, game theory, and computer science to develop algorithms that incentivize cooperation while balancing economic and computational efficiency. Her work addresses critical challenges and opportunities in digital platforms, including e-commerce, online advertising, carpooling, and freelancing.

Prof. Michal Feldman. TAU Excellence.

Exploring the Frontiers of Algorithmic Contract Theory
Professor Feldman’s third ERC grant will fund her latest project, which explores the theoretical foundations of “Algorithmic Contract Theory”. This emerging field bridges economics, game theory, and computer science, focusing on developing algorithms that incentivize cooperation while balancing economic and computational efficiency. Her research tackles real-world challenges in digital platforms, including e-commerce, online advertising, carpooling, and freelancing.

A Global Leader in Research
A globally renowned researcher, Professor Feldman is the President of ACM SIGecom, a member of both the Israeli and Global Young Academies, and a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Bruno Award and the ACM SIGecom Mid-Career Award.

Professor Feldman underscores the vital role of academic freedom in driving scientific excellence, which serves as a cornerstone of Israel’s economic, cultural, and security resilience. Her triple ERC grant achievement cements her status as a pioneer in her field and a shining example of academic and scientific excellence.

Develops groundbreaking cancer treatment and files patent.

The student team from Tel Aviv University (TAU) achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a gold medal at the prestigious IGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition held recently in Paris. This renowned competition focuses on synthetic biology. The team conducted pioneering research aimed at developing a treatment for patients with currently incurable cancers, thereby introducing a new dimension to cancer therapy. They have also filed a patent application for their innovative work.

About IGEM

IGEM is a global competition in synthetic biology where teams conceptualize innovative ideas to address challenges in the field. These ideas are then realized through a combination of engineering, biological, and computational tools, akin to a startup development process. The judging panel consists of researchers and scientists with expertise in the field, many of whom are past IGEM participants or mentors. This year, over 400 teams from around the world competed.

Tailored and Engineered Cancer Therapies for Terminal Patients

This year, TAU’s IGEM team included outstanding students from diverse disciplines such as engineering, life sciences, medicine, and exact sciences. Working together, they conducted advanced research in synthetic biology. The team’s groundbreaking development, showcased in the competition, is an innovative method called Precise RNA Oncotherapy (PROtech). This approach enables the design of personalized cancer therapies for patients with currently incurable cancers.

The project aims to provide tailored treatments even for patients whose cancer cell mutations do not alter protein structures. Current treatments rely on identifying cancer cells based on altered proteins, making this a revolutionary approach with immense potential. The development incorporates advanced computational models with enhanced performance compared to prior leading research, and the team is working on a groundbreaking paper in the field.

Overcoming Challenges

Professor Tamir Tuller, the academic advisor of the team from TAU’s Faculty of Engineering, shared: “This past year was especially challenging. We began our work in November despite the academic year being delayed until January. Many team members were on military reserve duty, and there was significant uncertainty about our ability to complete the project on time”.

Promoting Synthetic Biology to High School Students

In addition to their research, the team aimed to make synthetic biology accessible to high school students across Israel. They organized a national synthetic biology competition for high school students and contributed to establishing a synthetic biology program within the ORT high school network, with plans to train hundreds of students in the coming year.

Interest from Biotech and Pharma Companies

“Our development has already sparked significant interest from biotech and pharma companies, and we’ve filed a patent application with the help of Ramot, Tel Aviv University’s technology transfer company”, Professor Tuller shared. He added: “In these challenging times, the students brought immense pride to Tel Aviv University and Israel. Beyond the gold medal, they also gained valuable academic experience and entrepreneurial skills that will benefit them in academia, industry, and society. I want to thank Startup Nation Central and TAU’s Entrepreneurship Center for the excellent training they provided our students in entrepreneurship”.

TAU’s IGEM 2024 Team Members:

• Shani Elimelech (Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences).
• Gal Schwartz (Wise Faculty of Life Sciences).
• Daniel Ben Harosh (Fleischman Faculty of Engineering).
• Rotem Gal (Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences).
• Oren Ben Moshe (Faculty of Exact Sciences).
• Netanel Erlich (Faculty of Exact Sciences, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences).
• Peleg Bezek (Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences).
• Tal Shemesh (Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Wise Faculty of Life Sciences).
• Nav Zvi (Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences).
• Yoni Klein (Wise Faculty of Life Sciences).
• Itay Fabian (Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences)
• Marana Abboud (Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences).

The prestigious prize recognizes TAU innovations in statistical science.

On Dec. 3 the King Baudouin Foundation in Belgium awarded the prestigious Rousseeuw Prize in Statistics to Prof. Yoav Benjamini, Prof. Daniel Yekutieli, and Prof. Ruth Heller from the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at Tel Aviv University for their pioneering work on the False Discovery Rate (FDR). The $1 million prize, established as an equivalent of the Nobel Prize which does not include mathematical disciplines, recognizes outstanding contributions in statistics that profoundly impact science and society.

The ceremony was held at the Catholic University of Leuven, where protests by students and faculty members have called for a full academic boycott of Israeli universities. Outside the building where the ceremony took place, students distributed flyers advocating for a comprehensive boycott, similar to the policies adopted by other Belgian universities. Prof. Benjamini delivered a speech at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of science as a bridge between societies. He called for the preservation of scientific collaborations, avoidance of boycotts, and protection of science from political interference. He also shared the story of the brutal kidnapping and murder of family friend Carmel Gat, noting the ongoing protests in support of a deal to release hostages and end the war, so far to no avail.

The prize was awarded to the researchers for their work enabling the scanning of numerous experimental results to identify meaningful findings while limiting the number of false discoveries.  In their groundbreaking paper, Prof. Yoav Benjamini and the late Prof. Yosef Hochberg introduced the False Discovery Rate criterion. They expressed it mathematically, proposing a method to maximize the number of identified discoveries while maintaining a desirable FDR. Initially clashing with prevailing criteria, their paper remained unpublished for years, but today it is among the most cited papers in science. Prof. Yekutieli and Prof. Heller, former students of Prof. Benjamini, have continued to innovate and expand the FDR methodology independently and collaboratively. Their work has extended the applicability of the Benjamini-Hochberg FDR approach beyond the original paper, enabling its use for challenges in genomics and neuroscience and proposing methods to assess the reproducibility of scientific findings.

Prof. Yoav Benjamini commented: “The idea of the FDR originated from the need of medical researchers to examine numerous factors indicating treatment success. However, in statistics, once a new method is established in one research area, its impact can expand to others. Indeed, FDR methods are now widely applied in diverse fields such as genomics—where relations between tens of thousands of genetic markers of a specific disease are examined; neuroscience – testing which regions in the brain are activated when a certain task, such as face recognition, is performed; agriculture, economics, behavioral sciences, astronomy, and more. What these fields share is the need to scan massive amounts of possible results within mountains of data to identify significant discoveries”.