British Friends of the Hebrew University

Strengthening the ties between Israel and the UK: Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Israel, Mr Ben Myers, paid a visit to the Hebrew University Safra Campus. Since his appointment in January 2023, Mr Myers has brought his extensive diplomatic experience to strengthening UK-Israel relations, with a particular focus on areas of shared excellence such as scientific innovation and collaboration. During his visit, Mr Myers toured the Einstein Archives, met with Professor Yossi Paltiel, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Michal Hai-Attiass, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science, and was presented with a special gift. Read more about his visit here https://ow.ly/EhQz50UpUnA

From the historic streets of Jerusalem to the dynamic skyline of Taipei, the Hebrew University School of Business Administration proudly announces a landmark partnership with National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU) in Taiwan. This collaboration is set to redefine global academic and research horizons in banking and finance, uniting expertise and innovation from two thriving academic hubs. As part of this initiative, a new faculty dedicated to Banking and Finance has been established at NSYSU. The partnership encompasses of Student exchanges to cultivate global perspectives among participants; Joint research projects that advance cutting-edge innovations in banking and finance; Researcher exchanges fostering interdisciplinary collaborations; and joint lectures that bring together experts and students from both institutions. Prof Zvi Wiener, Sanger Family Chair in Banking and Risk Management at the Hebrew University highlighted the importance of this partnership: “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in promoting international partnerships and fostering innovation in the business world. Together, we will shape a brighter future for academia and industry alike.” Read more https://ow.ly/W06p50UpKms

Don’t save fasting just for Yom Kippur—give it a try more often, and your liver might thank you 😊 A new study led by Dr Ido Goldstein, Ph.D. from the Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science, and Nutrition at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment reveals how repeated fasting enhances the liver’s ability to adapt through a cellular memory mechanism. The research shows that alternate-day fasting “sensitises” key genes and liver enhancers, boosting ketogenesis during subsequent fasting bouts. This process, driven by the transcription factor PPARα, highlights how the body adjusts to recurring nutritional challenges. These findings provide fresh insights into the metabolic benefits of fasting and its potential applications in health and dietary science. Read more https://ow.ly/YL2E50UnBmt

Last week, a packed hall at JW3 London enjoyed a fascinating panel discussion on the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the state of global legal systems. Expertly moderated by Lord Pannick KC, the panel featured the following distinguished speakers: Professor Yuval Shany from the Hebrew University, Professor Philippe Sands KC and Professor Anat S. from the University of Winchester, who engaged in a thought-provoking conversation about international law, the role of international courts and human rights. What are the successes and shortcomings of international law? How do the structural challenges contribute to the current global legal crises? And are there any potential pathways for institutional reform? Read the full story here https://lnkd.in/edzFNBSG

HU alumna Shaul Meridor, currently Chief Financial Officer at Lightricks and former head of the budget department at the Ministry of Finance during the pandemic, met with Hebrew University alumni in the United Kingdom. He delivered a lecture on crisis management at the Lightricks offices, where we learned about crisis navigation, managing the COVID-19 pandemic, seizing opportunities and Lightricks' efforts to support employees during the conflict. The event was initiated by London based Iris Altman, a HU graduate in electrical engineering and computer science who serves as Director of Software Engineering at Lightricks. The significant attendance and the event’s success reflect the enduring relationship between the University and its alumni, including Lightricks' entrepreneurs. Watch the complete photo album and read further here >> https://ow.ly/aboo50UfGrJ

Keren Szapiro, born in Colombia and raised in Israel, transitioned from financial analysis to international development, driven by her passion for social impact. After studying microfinance in Spain and International Development at the Hebrew University’s Glocal MA in International Development programme, she interned in Uganda with U-Learn, focusing on energy provider mapping in refugee settlements. In a conversation with BFHU, she shared how she was inspired by the untapped skills of refugees and sought ways to harness their expertise for empowerment and dignity. “The challenge is to see how this temporary situation can actually be beneficial for everyone—both refugees and the host community.” Though her role ended, she continues to volunteer, reflecting her commitment to grassroots initiatives. Read Keren’s inspiring story, originally published in BFHU’s latest FUTURE magazine https://ow.ly/WS2350UbLq4

The Hebrew University is proud to announce that Dr Netanel Loyfer, a postdoctoral fellow in Professor Yuval Dor’s lab at the Faculty of Medicine, has earned third place in the prestigious Falling Walls competition in Berlin, being named "Breakthrough of the Year" for his pioneering work, “Breaking the Wall of Cell-Free DNA.” Out of 2,500 doctoral and early-career scientists worldwide, Netanel’s innovative research, conducted with Hebrew University colleagues Prof Yuval Dor, Prof Ruth Shemer, Prof Ben Glaser and Prof Tomi Kaplan, introduces a transformative “liquid biopsy” technique that can diagnose diseases through a blood test by analysing cell-free DNA. We believe this type of testing will transform the future of diagnostics and save countless lives! Read more https://ow.ly/hTfc50U5a4f

Tom Cohen, a law and economics graduate from the Hebrew University, moved to London to pursue an MBA at the London Business School (LBS). His journey took an unexpected turn when the war broke out in Israel on October 7th, plunging him into a challenging and emotional experience far from home. In an interview for BFHU, also featured in our latest FUTURE magazine, Tom opens up about his experience as an Israeli student at LBS: “It became increasingly difficult to focus on studies and social activities.” He shares how he faced these challenges and, despite everything, managed to secure an internship without omitting details about his Israeli background from his resume. Read the full interview here https://ow.ly/okYz50U2glT

The international rule of law appears to be in a state of deep crisis. Since 2022 a full-scale war has been taking place in Ukraine, with Russia acting in violation of the UN Charter and decisions by international bodies and committing serious international crimes. Furthermore, since October 2023, a terrible war has been ranging in the Middle East, engulfing large parts of the region and resulting in terrible devastation and suffering for civilians in all side of the conflict. International bodies, including international courts that have reviewed certain aspect of the situation, appear to be powerless to stop the violence and uphold international law. These global tensions may exacerbate further following the elections in the United States. On 18th November, join us at JW3 London to hear an illustrious panel of experts in discussion featuring Professor Philippe Sands KC, HU Professor Yuval Shany and Professor Anat S., chaired by Lord Pannick KC. "The panel will discuss, in light of these and other developments, the current state of health of the global legal system" says Professor Yuval Shany. "The members of the panel bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience in working on international problems before international courts, in the context of the UN machinery and in peace negotiations. They have witnessed first hand successes and failures in the application of international law. They will consider on the basis of their expertise the gravity of the moment we are confronting, some of the structural reasons which have led to the current moment, and possible solutions going forward". Monday, 18th November 2024 @ 7:00pm, Get £5 off with promo code INTLLAW5. Book here https://ow.ly/NkVf50U2ewV

In early November, the British Friends hosted a special, first-of-its-kind gathering in central London: around 25 Hebrew University postgraduate, exchange and other undergraduate students, studying in various programmes across the UK in leading universities - Birmingham, Leeds, York, Oxford, Cambridge, LSE and KCL - came together for a fantastic lunch generously hosted by BFHU trustee, Tony Page FIH at his beautiful kosher restaurant overlooking Hyde Park. “I was struck by how passionate the students were about studying in the UK and about their Alma mater the Hebrew University, often citing the academic rigour and high standards of the latter when compared to other global institutions” said trustee Benjamin Stowe. Read more https://lnkd.in/dt7MAVbC