AFHU: A Global Reach Transforming the Lives of People Worldwide

AF HU AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY

In the late 19th century, great thinkers came together

to envision what a Hebrew university might look like: a university of and for the Jewish people, serving the world through academic excellence and groundbreaking research. In 1918, renowned intellectuals, including Albert Einstein, Martin Buber, and Sigmund Freud, founded the Hebrew University on Jerusalem’s Mount Scopus, overlooking the Old City.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) is one of the world’s most distinguished academic and research institutions and ranked #1 in Israel. Serving more than 24,000 students from 90 countries, the university comprises seven faculties and six campuses that produce a third of Israel’s civilian research.

Hebrew University has a global reach that transforms the lives of people worldwide. Its students, faculty, and alumni have won eight Nobel Prizes, 54 Emet Prizes for Art, Science and Culture, and 302 Israel Prizes. HU researchers have developed treatments for diseases (like Exelon for dementia) and ignited innovation (think cherry tomatoes) that has led to more than 10,750 patents.

Established in 1925, American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a US not-for-profit that raises awareness and funds for the university. Funds raised help the university recruit and retain outstanding faculty, build teaching and research facilities, and provide scholarships and fellowships.

THE INSTITUTE FOR COMPUTATIONAL MEDICINE

Improving healthcare has a long tradition at HU, which is why the university has launched a state-ofthe-art biomedical research complex to focus on computational medicine. Treating disease in the modern era requires the integration of a patient’s genetic and molecular profiles with large databases of thousands of other patients and the application of algorithms to assist doctors in tailoring effective personalized treatments to improve patient outcomes.

THE EDMOND & LILY SAFRA CENTER FOR BRAIN SCIENCES

Of all the challenges facing healthcare professionals, understanding the physical, mental, and emotional factors that influence brain health are particularly challenging, a challenge eagerly embraced by the scientists and physicians of the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC). ELSC scientists collaborate with leading institutions and eminent colleagues around the world to expand neuroscientific research, leading to discoveries to better understand the brain and may lead to new treatments for those suffering from brain disorders. With outstanding faculty recruits, distinguished scientists, talented students, and state-of-the art facilities, ELSC is advancing brain research while training a new generation of Israeli neuroscientists through interdisciplinary research projects and innovative graduate programs.

THE CENTER FOR SUSTAINABILITY

As a small nation at the desert’s edge, Israel has always shown great concern for sustainability and preserving the natural environment. In that spirit, HU has launched its new Center for Sustainability. The center will house environmental research and teaching within the university and promote sustainability projects across Israel.

THE HARRY S. TRUMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PEACE

The political environment for Israel and the Middle East remains fraught with violence and the potential for major conflict. The Hebrew University recognizes the importance of building a secure future for Israel through peace with its neighbors and, since 1965, has been home to the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace. Founded with personal support from President Truman, the Truman Research Institute is the first and largest research institute in the Middle East dedicated to the study of advancing peace and conflict resolution. With an emphasis on Jerusalem and the Israeli-Arab conflict, the Truman Institute highlights tolerance and dialogue in advancing peaceful co-existence among peoples and nations.

The Hebrew University is a research powerhouse as well as a global home to the rich academic and intellectual traditions of Judaism. But none of this is possible without the support of people like you.

We are excited to be launching a new satellite office in Santa Barbara and will be sponsoring local events for people in our community to learn more about what HU is doing and how their cutting-edge research can impact our lives.

Find out how you can support the exciting research and groundbreaking innovation at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and our events in Santa Barbara.

Calling all alumni — If you were a participant of any program at HU, be certain to register as an alumnus to reconnect.

American Friends of the Hebrew University

16633 Ventura Blvd. Suite 715 Encino, CA 91346 afhu.org 310.843.3100 western@afhu.org