Argentinean Friends of TAU award Life Sciences fellowships in honor of Honorary Doctor and Governor Miriam Smolar.

Tel Aviv University has always cherished the longstanding partnership between the George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and TAU’s Argentinean Friends Association. The partnership, which extends over two decades, helped the Faculty blossom into one of the world’s leading biological research institutions, with more than 100 laboratories and over 500 graduate students.  

This year, at the Board of Governors meeting, Argentinean governors and friends finally met again with researchers and students from the Life Sciences.  The gathering honored loyal TAU Honorary Doctor, Governor and friend Miriam Smolarz, who turned 102 in April, by awarding scholarships in her name to four outstanding Life Sciences graduate students.  

“This has been a tough year for us, a year in which happiness and sadness were intertwined,” said Prof. Marcelo Ehrlich, the Faculty’s Vice Dean, referring to the passing of TAU Honorary Doctor Adolfo Smolarz, Miriam’s husband, a few months earlier.   

Prof. Abdussalam Azem, Dean of the Faculty, reflected on the Smolarz family’s and Argentinian Friends’ contribution to the Faculty throughout the years. “To be the best, we need to attract the best students. We do so with the help of our friends, who make sure that our Faculty stays among the top in the world, both in research and in facilities,” he said.   

Polly Deutsch, President of the Argentinian Friends of TAU, and Governor Aida Smolarz, Miriam and Adolfo’s daughter, presented the honorary scholarships. “This country and this University – you make us proud,” Deutsch said to the recipients.  

The Fellowships were awarded to Noam Harel, Shahar Dubiner, Shai Zilberzwige -Tal, and Edo Kon for their research in RNA viruses, climate change, cell-on-chip platforms, mRNA vaccines and cancer therapeutics respectively.   

Featured image: From left: Prof. Marcelo Ehrlich, Aida Smolarz, Noam Harel, Edo Kon, Shahar Dubiner, Shai Zilberzwige-Tal, Polly Deutsch and Prof. Azem. (Photo: Yael Tzur)

TAU medical student Batya Sonnenfeld follows in the footsteps of late Prof. Dina Lev, as the inaugural recipient of memorial scholarship.

Since high school, TAU medical student Batya Sonnenfeld knew she wanted to pursue a medical career. Having grown up in the Chabad ultra-Orthodox education system in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Malachi, though, her choices seemed limited.  

“I felt there weren’t many options when I finished high school,” she says. While most ultra-Orthodox institutions do not include a curriculum of core subjects such as math and science needed for academic studies, the Chabad system does and Batya excelled at them. Still, at that point, she was only comfortable with gender-segregated institutions.  

A short time later, she enrolled in an undergraduate optometry program at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem for ultra-Orthodox women. “Before I even finished my optometry studies, I knew I wanted to learn more about medicine.”    

However, she wasn’t sure she would be able to realize her medical aspirations as academia’s top medical programs seemed extremely challenging to get into and unfamiliar from her upbringing in the ultra-Orthodox education system. 

She followed her heart and forged a journey that eventually led her to Tel Aviv University. Today, she is a second-year medical student and the inaugural recipient of the Dina Lev Scholarship, named for late TAU professor and alumna Prof. Dina Lev, who was a leading breast cancer surgeon and researcher.  

Relentless Pursuit  

Sonnenfeld, the youngest of 12 children, married her husband shortly after earning her optometry degree. “At that point in my life, I felt more stable and mature,” she recalls.  

It was then that she began exploring top university medical programs and came across TAU. The four-year accelerated MD track at one of Israel’s top-ranked medical schools appealed to her. She thought it might be a long shot considering the extremely competitive nature of Israeli medical schools, even among students who aren’t from the ultra-Orthodox education system and come with all the advantages and preparations. Determined, Sonnenfeld decided to apply. 

“Then I became pregnant and thought that was the end of my medical dreams,” she says.  

With encouragement from her husband and parents, she completed the prerequisite courses she needed for enrollment and stayed in the running.  

“The day I was accepted to TAU was one of the happiest days of my life,” she beams. “I still have my acceptance letter hanging on my refrigerator. Every time I walk by, it reminds me of what I’m capable of.” 

By the time she began her studies, Sonnenfeld had her first child and soon thereafter she gave birth to her second son. 

“When I was accepted to TAU, my husband was serving in the IDF with an 800-shekel (approximately $240) salary per month,” she said. Therefore, she continued working to provide for her family and pay for tuition until she received the scholarship. 

Perpetuating a Legacy 

“The Dina Lev Scholarship gave me space to really focus on my studies, otherwise it would have been extremely difficult to raise children alongside demanding studies and a full-time job,” said Sonnenfeld. She had applied for a scholarship through the Office of the Dean of Students. 

Moreover, Sonnenfeld was astonished when she learned she had received the scholarship in Dina Lev’s name.  

“By chance, I had read an article about her just a few days before and was so fascinated and inspired by her,” she explains. Sonnenfeld says she was extremely moved when she discovered a Facebook page dedicated to Lev. There, her former patients write touching testimonials about her impact as a compassionate and skilled doctor. 

“Each one of them felt like they were her only patient,” said Sonnenfeld. “As a Chabad member and religious Jew, I believe everything happens for a reason; there’s no coincidence. I feel I have a special duty to honor her legacy.” 

Lev was a professor at TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Director of the Breast Health Center at Assuta Hospital in Ashdod at the time of her untimely death in 2020 at age 55. She graduated from TAU’s medical program before launching a career that led her to become a top surgeon in Israel. Her father, Reuben Ben-Arie, who lives in US, established the scholarship fund through the American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) to honor her memory. He explains that he chose TAU because it was his daughter’s intellectual home. 

“Dina would want a woman to follow in her footsteps,” he says. “It’s not easy to have a family and study medicine. To follow that path shows Batya has a passion for it.” 

Sonnenfeld has yet to choose a medical specialty, but she is interested in gynecology and is eager to begin clinical rotations next year at TAU-affiliated hospitals.   

“My hope for the future is to be the type of doctor that Prof. Dina Lev was, who touches the lives of patients with compassion even during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” she says.   

Win-Win Situation 

With two young kids, Sonnenfeld acknowledges that it was challenging to begin her degree at TAU. However, support from the medical faculty helped her ease into the academic rigors in a way that complemented her personal needs.  

“I got a parking spot, extra time for tests, and a very nice nursing room at the medical faculty that I could use,” she explains. Furthermore, she is particularly grateful for the tight-knit social support and hospital shadowing through the course Medical Education and Communication (“Chibuki” in Hebrew) led by Dr. Mirit Lahav. 

“TAU gave me a true chance to follow my dream,” she enthuses. 

Sonnenfeld sees considerable benefits to the growing access of academia for the ultra-Orthodox community. She is among the over 150 students in Trailblazers: The Program for Integrating the Ultra-Orthodox into Tel Aviv University. “Co-ed studying was a concern going into my studies as I had never experienced it before and thought I might be stereotyped, but I felt very accepted,” she says. “There is consideration and respect for my beliefs.” 

Established in 2016 with two students, Trailblazers combines academic studies with educational, psychological, and social support services to ease student entry into secular academia. 

“I think it’s a win-win situation,” she says. “There are tons of talented potential students, many of whom are women, and a lot of will in the community to go out and learn.” 

featured image: TAU medical student Batya Sonnenfeld

Twenty PhD students to continue breakthrough research for anti-degenerative drugs.

TAU’s Prajs-Drimmer Institute for the Development of Anti-Degenerative Drugs awarded 20 graduate fellowships to students on May 15, during TAU’s Board of Governors meeting. The fellowships were established to bolster the quality of research in the field of anti-degenerative drugs and attract top talent to the University.

The Prajs-Drimmer Institute was founded in 2008 by the families of Sruel Prajs and Norma Drimmer from Berlin, longtime TAU supporters, to promote research for the development of drugs which treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s as well as cancer.

“The fellowships we award today will nurture a new generation of scientists to lead and shape the field in the coming years,” said Prof. Ariel Porat, TAU President. “Degenerative diseases are a terrible plague that affect much of humanity, and we hope this research will soon lead to real-life results.”

TAU Honorary Doctor Sruel Prajs and his sister, TAU Governor Norma Drimmer, boosted their support for the Institute in 2018 and now, in 2022.

“We’re very happy to contribute to this important topic at TAU. My parents have instilled in my brother and I the values of giving back to society—tzedaka. I’m glad that my children are following in that tradition,” said Norma Drimmer before awarding the fellowships.

Drimmer’s daughter Deborah Fischler and her husband Neil also contributed a doctoral fellowship to the Faculty of Life Sciences.

“The support is the oxygen for the research at our Institute. The recent extension of the support expanded our possibilities to providing fellowships, helping us attract the best and brightest minds,” said Prof. Ronit Pinkas-Kramarski, Director of the Institute.

Norma Drimmer and Prof. Ronit Pinkas-Kramarski with fellowship recipients

The gifts enabled the Institute to accelerate the pace of research and discovery, enhance its scientific standing and promote interdisciplinary collaboration between life sciences and medicine.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Prof. Abdussalam Azem, Dean of the Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Karen Avraham, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the Institute’s academic committee members, Governors and friends from TAU’s German and Canadian Friends Associations, researchers, fellowship recipients and TAU students.

Featured image: From left: TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat, TAU Governor Norma Drimmer and TAU Vice President Amos Elad (Photo: Israel Hadari)

Endowment to support innovative research in transplant medicine.

TAU inaugurated the Closner Family Chair for Next Generation Organ and Tissue Implants on May 16 during its 2022 Board of Governors meeting. Headed by Prof. Tal Dvir, the Chair will boost TAU’s capacity to pioneer replacement organs and tissues that reduce the need for organ donations and the risk of transplant rejection.

Prof. Dan Peer, TAU Vice President for Research and Development, welcomed Dvir in his new capacity and thanked the Toronto-based Closner family for its support. “Our next-generation organ and tissue transplantation lab, headed by Prof. Dvir, will offer hope to millions of people waiting on transplant lists worldwide,” Peer said.

Dvir is also head of the Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at TAU.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Neil Closner, the Chair benefactor, Prof. Abdussalam Azem, Dean of the Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Stephen Adler, head of the Canadian Friends of TAU (Ontario and Western Canada), Peer, Dvir, and Governors and friends of the University.

“The Chair will advance TAU’s standing in the international scientific community,” said Closner, who experienced the complex field first-hand, when his mother underwent double-lung transplant surgery a few years ago. “And I hope to see great things coming from it.”

Following the ceremony, Closner toured the lab facilities accompanied by Dvir and other researchers, who showcased their latest experiments. The Dvir lab recently made international headlines with a breakthrough development of 3D spinal cord implants.

Featured image: From left: Stephen J. Adler, Neil Closner and Prof. Tal Dvir (Photo: Ofer Amram)

In first stop of Israel visit, Roberta Metsola pledges to work toward bolstered Israel-EU ties.

Hundreds honor legacy of long-time University benefactors.

Tel Aviv University inaugurated the Pouran and Parviz Izak Nazarian Building on May 15 in honor of the distinguished TAU benefactors and long-time friends, as part of the 2022 Board of Governors meeting. The building provides world-class facilities for visitors to the University. It also houses the Citizen’s Empowerment Center in Israel (CECI), which Parviz Izak initiated, and TAU Online – Innovative Learning Center. 

“Today, we’re not just celebrating the inauguration of a building, but a dream come true—a hub, a center for new ideas, for creative plans and important strategies to forge new paths for the future of our country,” said Dora Nazarian, in recognition of her parents. “I know my father is looking down on us with satisfaction at this beautiful building.”  

The Los Angeles-based Nazarian family and TAU share a decades-long friendship. Parviz Izak, who passed away in 2017, was an Iranian-born American businessman, investor and philanthropist. His wife, Pouran, has held leadership roles at several organizations that advocate for education, Jewish causes and women’s rights in Iran and the US. The couple, both TAU Honorary Doctors, have a dedicated record of supporting Israel and higher education. Parviz Izak was a TAU Governor, and Pouran and Dora are both current TAU Governors. The Nazarian family’s contributions to TAU over the years include an endowment for the Parviz and Pouran Nazarian Chair for Modern Iranian Studies at the Entin Faculty of Humanities.  

“In an expression of their deep love for Israel, Pouran and her family are synonymous with supporting the rights of Israel’s citizens and preserving democracy and academic excellence,” said TAU Vice President Amos Elad. “What better way to support and recognize the importance of all these elements than to unite them under one roof!” 

In 2003, Parviz Izak founded the Citizen’s Empowerment Center in Israel, an NGO which aims to improve the performance of the country’s government and public sector by providing tools to make government operations more accessible to the public. It also produces academic studies, surveys and events, with the goal of boosting civic awareness and oversight of public systems. Dora Nazarian is president of the organization. 

The inauguration ceremony at TAU took place in the presence of Pouran Nazarian, her children, Dora, Dalia, Daphna, and Benjamin, and grandchildren Eliott, Ethan, Ryan, and Alexa.  

During the festivities, the family unveiled the plaque with the building’s name and a bust of Parviz Izak. They also held a mezuzah-hanging ceremony. Nearly 200 people attended the event, including TAU leadership and former prime minister Ehud Olmert, TAU Prof. Ronni Gamzu, head of Ichilov Hospital, and several former ministers.  

Prof. Gamzu, a Board Member of the Citizen’s Empowerment Center in Israel and TAU alumnus, said: “I only knew Parviz during his last years. But I understood the power of his and Pouran’s vision…which the Center is fulfilling to strengthen governance to make Israel a better place.” He added, “The legacy of Parviz, and your legacy Pouran, will prevail and continue to change the way we live in Israel.” 

Former minister Moshe Kahlon, who has held the communications, welfare & social services and finance portfolios, also spoke at the event: “I thank the Nazarian family for their great contributions to the State of Israel domestically and abroad.” He added that “Izak didn’t hesitate to use his connections to strengthen Israel,” noting the late industrialist’s support for matters ranging from Israeli industry to aliyah services. “He touched on every important aspect in Israel.”   

Featured image: The Nazarian family at the inauguration of the Pouran and Parviz Izak Nazarian Building. (Photo: Chen Galili)

Canadian donors inaugurate hub of student and community activity.

In a festive ceremony held during Tel Aviv University’s 2022 Board of Governors meeting, the Arbib Family Entrance Plaza was dedicated at the Millie Phillips Student City complex by benefactor Stephen Arbib, Vice Chair of the Canadian Friends of TAU – Ontario & Western Canada, and his family. Also attending were TAU’s Vice President, International, Prof. Milette Shamir; members of the Canadian Friends; TAU Governors; students and guests.

The Arbib Plaza lies at the entrance to Student City, a 35,000 square meter student housing and commercial center with 11 dormitory buildings. Student City enables TAU to provide housing for thousands, in particular international students, undergraduates from Israel’s social and geographic periphery, and visiting scientists.

“It is through generous donations such as the one we are celebrating today, with the dedication of this plaza, that our university can continue to nurture amazing students as well as support promising research projects,” said Shamir. She stressed that “Tel Aviv University’s most important asset, and perhaps its most significant source of strength, is its amazing student body.

“Thank you, Stephen, for being a loyal friend of the University. Your contribution makes an impact where it matters the most to us,” Shamir said. 

Featured image: From left: Stephen Arbib, Prof. Milette Shamir, TAU’s VP International, Stephen Adler – Chief Executive Officer, Tel Aviv University Canada (Ontario & Western Canada)