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June/July 2023 Newsletter
Dear friends, supporters, and parents, 
Please enjoy our June/July newsletter below. Campus life is thriving and although this newsletter is quite long, we have so many stories that we want to share with you, we just had to include all of them. 

It was with great sadness that we announced the passing of Sam Zell in May.  Sam has been a lead supporter of Reichman University for over 20 years.  Through the Zell Family Foundation, he led the sponsorship of the Zell Entrepreneurship Center at Reichman University which operated one of the premier programs at our institution. He changed the lives of hundreds of students that participated and was a mentor to so many aspiring entrepreneurs. Sam was a trusted advisor to Prof. Reichman while he was building the University and I know he will be dearly missed. We will always be thankful for his support and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. 
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Please note that as the end of the academic year commences, we are now starting to send out thank you letters from all of the deserving students that receive scholarships because of your many generous donations.  Students from all over the world are given the opportunity to study at Reichman University thanks to your support. We hope you enjoy reading their stories and find them as inspirational as we do.

Another reminder that we are leading a mission to Reichman University from September 10-14 and would be thrilled if you would join us. This mission will include a vast array of activities on and off campus in Israel. If you are interested in joining, please let us know here.

Enjoy your summer!

Leslie Skyba
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Leslie Skyba
Executive Director
American Friends of IDC (Reichman University)
AFRU Mourns the Passing of Sam Zell
The Reichman University community is saddened by the death of Mr. Sam Zell, a true friend of the State of Israel and of the university.

Mr. Zell was a brilliant businessman who founded several companies and was a partner throughout Reichman University’s journey. Through the Zell Entrepreneurship Program, which he founded in 2001, Mr. Zell helped many of the university’s graduates establish successful business ventures. This year, Sam Zell was to receive an honorary doctorate from Reichman University in recognition of his contribution to the State of Israel and the university.
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Prof. Uriel Reichman, founding president and chairman of the board of directors of Reichman University, paid tribute to his friend Sam Zell: “Reichman University mourns the passing of Mr. Sam Zell, a true friend of the State of Israel and of the university. Sam Zell was an extraordinary entrepreneur with an inspired imagination who made significant achievements in real estate and other areas. He established a series of programs to educate the next generation of entrepreneurs at the top universities in the world, including the Zell Entrepreneurship Program here at Reichman University. Since its founding 22 years ago, Zell graduates have impacted Israeli society, contributing significantly to the advancement of entrepreneurship in the country.”
The Knez Family Annual Evening 
in Honor of IDF Reservists
The annual festival for Reichman University's reservists took place just before Shavuot. Sponsored by our great supporters, the Knez Family, our reservists enjoyed great music, good food and drinks, and special prizes. 

Prof. Rafi Melnick, President of Reichman University opened the evening with a few words: "This place was not established as just another university. We also took upon ourselves a national mission - to honor IDF reservists, and nurturing them is one just one task. Today, when only 1% of the State of Israel's population does its reserve duty, you are a Sayeret!"
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Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairman said: "This place is a university unlike any others. We set in stone our commitment to the State of Israel. From day one we said that our admissions' policy is different than other universities - we said that those who proved they served in elite unites should receive a special admissions' policy, not because we want to make it easier for them, but because they already proved they have leadership skills. Today I am proud of you. With all the years that went by and all the people who studied here and continued their service to Israeli society, I can only say we did more than being just an academic institution. This event represents our unity, and what unifies us is the highest moral commitment to the State of Israel. Go forth and succeed!

Jonathan Davis, VP for External Relations and Head of the Raphael Recanati International School summarized it well: "In your civil life, with a Reichman University degree in your hands, you are the next leaders of the State of Israel, and it doesn't matter where you came from!"
Syracuse School Delegation to RU
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Members of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University delegation arrived in Israel as part of the Dafna and Gerry Cramer Student Exchange program of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy. As part of the program, the members of the delegation traveled to Jerusalem where they met with Mark Regev, former Israeli Ambassador to Britain and the current chairman of the Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy. They visited unique heritage sites such as Yad Vashem, an institution dedicated to commemorating the memory of the events of the Holocaust, located in the western part of Mount Herzl, Jerusalem. They also took a tour to Masada.
Reichman University Model UN Wins Six Awards,
Sponsored by Gioietta & Alberto Vitale
The Reichman University Model UN delegation to Model United Nations conference at Munster University, Germany came back with astounding achievements, winning six awards out of the 12 nominations they received!  The Reichman University Model UN Society, which is sponsored by dear friends and partners Alberto & Gioietta Vitale, includes approx. 60 students, from both the Israeli school and the Raphael Recanati International School.
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From L: Jonathan Melul, Venezuela, Elton Dinca, Romania, Elior Buchnik, Israel, Mike Snyder USA, Eden Pomerance, Israel, Leopold Posch, Germany, Lisa Chorna, France, Gal Ben Aharon, Ecuador, Avija Gross, Austria, Nils Schwagenscheidt, Germany, Debbie Bezalel, Panama, Ofek Halachmi, Israel, Vladyslava Talan,Ukraine.
Argov Program Agreement with 
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office 
The Argov Program was delighted to host the MOU signing event, marking an important cooperation agreement between the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Israel and the Argov Fellowship. The agreement manifests an annual tour of the Argov fellows to Taiwan as part of the program. Abby Lee, Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel Aviv, stated: "Together, we celebrate a significant milestone in the field of education."
In fact, the Argov Fellowship will be the first student delegation ever to Taiwan that has been coordinated with the Taiwanese delegation in Tel Aviv. The Argov Program is excited about this new cooperation and looking forward to their first tour to Taiwan in July!
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RU Graduation for Class of 2022
The Reichman University Hebrew schools and Raphael Recanati International School class of 2022 held their graduation ceremonies on June 6th. Congratulations to our new alumni!
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 Reichman University Announces the Establishment
of the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology
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Synthetic Biology is a new interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, computer science, electrical and genetic engineering, enabling fast manipulation of biological systems to achieve a desired product. Reichman University is launching the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology, housing sate-of-the-art Labs in the New Graziella Drahi Innovation Building. At the Scojen Institute, top global scientists will be able to conduct applied scientific research. The Head of the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology is Prof. Yosi Shacham Diamand, a leading global scientist in bio-sensors and the integration of electronics and biology.
Recanati Gala for Class of 2023
The annual RRIS Recanati Gala was kindly hosted by Oudi Recanati and Staci Light. The evening included a delicious dinner, speeches by Prof. Uriel Reichman, President and Founder of Reichman University, Prof. Rafi Melnick, President, and Mr. Jonathan Davis, Head of the RRIS and VP of External Relations. The evening ended off with a special song and speech by some of our graduating students - a huge thank you to you!
 
Left- RRIS class of 2023, Right-President Rafi Melnick and Provost Varda Liberman
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Herzliya Conference 2023-
Vision & Strategy in an Era of Uncertainty
The Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS), at Reichman University held their 20th annual Herzliya Conference with many distinguished guests speaking over 2 full days. The conference began with Jonathan Davis' opening words and welcomed President Isaac Herzog. Additional speakers included Founding President and Chairman Prof. Uriel Reichman, President Prof. Rafi Melnick, Minister of Defense MK Yoav Galant, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides, Major General (res.) Amos Gilead, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, IDF Chief of the General Staff, MK Yair Lapid, Head of the Opposition,  Dr. Ayelet Ben Ezer, VP and CEO of Reichman University in a conversation with Nadav Zafrir from Team8, former President, Reuven Rivlin, the 10th President of the State of Israel, Chief of Israel Police, Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai,  and many more.
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Major General (res.) Amos Gilead, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, IDF Chief of the General Staff and Prof. Uriel Reichman, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Directors
 Reichman University Shulman Cup 2023
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Congrats to the winning teams of the Shulman cup 2023! 1st place went to the team who researches the divide between the religious and the secular society here in Israel. 2nd place went to the team who is researching how the health care system in Israel is dealing with the demographic changes in Israel in regards to the shortage of doctors.
Congrats on those accomplishments! 
Annual RU Idol Competition
The annual RU Idol singing competition featured 7 amazing contestants performing their rendition of their chosen songs. The winners were chosen by a vote from the judges and the audience.
3rd place - Yuliia Zenina and Chen Gabbay
2nd place - Ethan Kaplan
1st place - Meir Tombosky
Well done to all of the brilliant contestants, spectacular judges, the audience and the behind-the-scenes Campus Life team!
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Save the Date: World Summit on Counter-Terrorism 
September 10-12th, 2023
The International Institute for Counter-Terrorism's 22nd World Summit on Counter-Terrorism (#ICT22) is fast approaching! And we are excited to announce that registration for this year's World Summit is now open!

Taking place on September 10-12, 2023 in Herzliya, Israel, the summit will feature dozens of keynote speakers, expert panels, and workshops. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the latest in counter-terrorism strategies and techniques, and learn from top decision-makers, defense officials, scholars, and industry leaders.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest in counter-terrorism and network with fellow professionals in the field; register today!
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Save the Date: RRIS Virtual Information Session
Sunday, July 16th
Join our online information session and learn more about the degrees we offer at Reichman University. This is a great opportunity for applicants and their families to hear from Jonathan Davis, Head of the RRIS and VP of Reichman University External Relations. The registrars will also be on the panel for you to share more about the degrees and answer any specific questions you may have.
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RRIS Student of the Month: Leyel Assyag
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Leyel Assyag, USA
BA Psychology, 2021-2024
"Hi! My name is Leyel Assyag, I’m 22 years old and I’m originally from New York. I made aliyah almost four years ago and drafted into the IDF as a Special Forces Combat Engineering Instructor. After many trips to Israel and a semester abroad program in high school, I truly solidified my love for Israel. After finishing the army there was no better place to start my degree than at the Reichman University. I am a second-year psychology student and am loving every minute of it. I am thankful for the opportunity to study a field so close to my heart with such intelligent and unique people from all over the world."
 
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