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February News and Updates from AFRU
Dear Friends, Supporters, Parents, and Alumni,
Please enjoy this month’s newsletter. It has been a very busy time with many activities taking place in the US and Israel.  
Given the current climate on US campuses, I want to remind everyone that The Raphael Recanati International School at Reichman University is a great option for young people looking to start their university experience or continue on to their graduate degrees.
Now more than ever, Jewish families are facing an important decision as they select a college where their child will be in a safe and positive environment. Reichman University provides this along with an outstanding academic education. Here are some highlights:
  • Our programs are completely in English.
  • Reichman University students graduate with a BA or BSc in just three years.
  • This vibrant learning environment is enhanced by 2,000 classmates who come to Reichman University from 90 countries around the world, with over 300 lone soldiers studying for full degrees.
  • A Reichman University degree opens doors. Reichman University graduates are highly sought after in the job market and are accepted into top universities for MA and PhD degrees worldwide.
  • Reichman University offers a large array of extracurricular activities including numerous clubs, community service opportunities, JLIC monthly Shabbat dinners, and trips among others.
  • Reichman University placed number one in student satisfaction in quality teaching for four consecutive years in a nationwide survey conducted by the Israel Council of Higher Education.
  • RRIS staff provides a “safety net” for international students, aiding them to acclimate to their new environment in Israel.
  • First year students are assigned a “peer counselor”, a veteran Israeli student who helps them navigate through their first year.
  • Reichman University is Israel's first private university.
  • Reichman University has more than 120 exchange programs with leading universities from around the world.
  • Reichman University is proud to present its dormitory complex with 750 new, high-quality, fully equipped residential units in the three 13-story buildings located on the beautiful Reichman University campus.

Below, check out our upcoming online information sessions to learn more about these programs.
Lastly, we are thrilled to be hosting Colonel Miri Eisin, Director of the Institute for Counter Terrorism on March 5th in NYC. You don’t want to miss this event!
Please join us, see the invitation and RSVP link below.

Warmest wishes,
Leslie   
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Leslie Skyba
Executive Director
American Friends of IDC (Reichman University)
An Evening with Colonel Miri Eisin on March 5th


Join the American Friends of Reichman University on Tuesday, March 5th at 6 pm at the Moise Safra Center in NYC.
Director of the International Institute for Counter Terrorism, Colonel (Ret) Miri Eisin will be speaking on the topic of
"Hamas- Genocidal Terrorism
Becomes Hip"
and sharing her expertise regarding the ongoing Iron Swords War. 

Introduction by RU alumna Morielle Lotan and her work on the Adir Challenge, a global innovation and tech challenge to combat antisemitism.
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Campus Challenges Abroad, Opportunities in Israel
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Jonathan Davis, President,
Vice President for External Relations
Head of the Raphael Recanati International School
Reichman University
For students contemplating graduate studies, the discomfort experienced on current campuses may influence their choices for furthering their degrees education. Those identifying with Israel and proud of their Jewish identity may seek an environment that encourages freedom of speech and expression without condoning extreme viewpoints.
An alternative worth considering is pursuing graduate studies in Israel, a country with a supportive academic environment that aligns with Zionist values.
The Raphael Recanati International School at Reichman University in Herzliya offers a range of English-taught graduate programs. The university’s mission, focusing on the student as a partner, emphasizes freedom, responsibility, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial values.
 Reichman students from Kfar Aza recount their escape
On a gray February morning, a delegation of staff, management, and faculty from Reichman University embarked on a journey to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, around 5 km. east of the Gaza border, which was ravaged by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.
Reichman University mobilized early on in the war, offering evacuees from Kfar Aza a home in the newly constructed Ronson dormitory on campus. One hundred evacuees from the South are currently staying in the Reichman dorms, forging a bond with the university and its community. Prof. Uriel Reichman fought fiercely with authorities to make this happen.
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ROTEM KOREN’S family home on Kibbutz Kfar Aza was destroyed by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
(photo credit: Reichman University)
Brain chips will give us super abilities in the future
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Prof. Amir Amedi, founding director
 Ivcher Institute for Brain, Cognition & Technology at Reichman University
In a groundbreaking development, Elon Musk's Neuralink has successfully implanted a human brain, marking a significant leap in brain-machine interface technology. Professor Amir Amedi, founding director of the Ivcher Institute for Brain, Cognition & Technology at Reichman University, believes this can be particularly beneficial for those with impairments, such as blindness or limb loss. While acknowledging ethical considerations, he envisions vast possibilities, including mood regulation and enhanced sensory capabilities. Despite the transformative potential, Amedi urges a balanced exploration of alternative, non-invasive approaches to understanding and influencing the brain.
 First RRIS Alumni Event
The inaugural Raphael Recanati International School Alumni Reunion was held on January 31st, marking a memorable evening. Thank you to VAYOMAR and all those who contributed to making the gathering possible. The distinguished panelists, including Eylon Levy, Joanna Landau, and Dani Buller, along with Prof. Moran Yarchi as the moderator, enriched the occasion by participating in a panel discussion on "Making the Case for Israel." 
L to R: Gili Dinstein, Prof. Moran Yarchi, Carine Katz, Eylon Levy, Joanna Landau, Dani Buller, and Jonathan Davis
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Reichman University Alumni Event in South Florida
On February 11th, alumni in South Florida were hosted by fellow Reichman University alumnus Yoav Saffar for a Sunday brunch with the head of Raphael Recanati International School and VP of External Relations Jonathan Davis and American Friends of Reichman University executive director Leslie Siver-Skyba. Alumni ate, enjoyed catching up, meeting other locals, and learning more about the university during this critical time for the State of Israel. Great to see you all!
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Reichman University’s Behavioral Economics Program:
 Navigating Human Behavior in Times of Crisis
Human behavior takes center stage in times of crisis. Amid the “Swords of Iron” war, this aspect becomes even more crucial. Adhering to the directives of the Home Front Command and navigating the economic crisis stemming from the ongoing situation compel individuals to act against their usual habits and inclinations.
Seeking shelter during alarms, exiting vehicles promptly, handling unpaid leave, and cutting expenses—all these actions underscore the societal challenges, highlighting the necessity for a deeper comprehension of human behavior. This is precisely the focus of behavioral economics, a field that the MA in Behavioral Economics program at Reichman University seeks to explore.
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Navigating the Digital Battlefield: Social Networks in Times of War
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In an era dominated by the digital realm, the intersection of technology, warfare, and ethical considerations should take center stage. The Zvi Meitar Institute for Legal Implications of Emerging Technologies at Reichman University, in collaboration with the Shurat HaDin organization, recently organized a conference on the impact of social networks during times of war. While originally planned before the outbreak of the October 7th War, the conflict provided a new dimension to the discourse, focusing the conference on freedom of expression, fake news, and the influence of social networks on public opinion, specifically addressing the rise of anti-semitism and the encouragement of terrorism worldwide.
Ethel and Leonard Tigay Sports & Culture Program
With activities run by RRIS Campus Life and Tazuz, students have the opportunity to participate in cultural and sport activities throughout the week on and off campus.
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RRIS Alumni of the Month- Elie Genet
"Hi, I’m Elie Genet, 31 years old, originally from Hollywood, Florida, and currently from Ra’anana. I am married to Dani, 28, a PhD Candidate in Biotechnology at Bar-Ilan University, and father to Itai, 2, an expert in all things related to yellow cars and Elmo. In Miluim, I serve as a combat soldier in the 551st Brigade. On October 7th, my unit was mobilized and fought on the front lines of Israel’s southern border. From 2015 – 2019, I studied at Reichman University in the RRIS where I received a B.A. in Business and Economics and an M.A. in Financial Economics. I currently work as an Investment Associate at OurCrowd, a global venture investing platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. During these tough times, it’s important for all of us to remain unified, strong, and hopeful until every last one of our hostages, soldiers and civilians can return home to a lasting peace. ביחד ננצח ועם ישראל חי"  
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See this article to read more about the mission that Elie and his unit were involved in.
Thank you Elie! We wish for you to always stay safe. Kol HaKavod for all that you do!
Save the Date: RRIS Online Information Session
Sunday, February 25th
Interested in learning more about Reichman University's Raphael Recanati International School and our 10 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs in English?
Join the staff including head of the RRIS and VP of External Relations Jonathan Davis and our admissions coordinators on Sunday, February 25th on Zoom to learn more about the programs and ask any questions!
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Save the Date: RRIS Online Undergraduate Information Sessions
March 6th-18th, 2024
Learn more about Reichman University's undergraduate programs during degree specific sessions with the admissions coordinator and head of the program.
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 ICT's Advanced Certificate Program:
Early Bird Registration Has Opened! 
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Save the Date: October 6-8th, 2024
ICT 23rd World Summit on Counter-Terrorism
From 9/11 to 10/7: Navigating New Threats
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RRIS Students of the Month: Noa Rakel Perugia
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Noa Rakel Perugia, Italy
BA Government, 2023-2026
“Hi, My name is Noa Rakel Perugia. I am 22, from Rome, Italy and am a first year Government student.
I’ve always been interested in learning the political and social structures of foreign policy and foreign affairs.
I love Reichman University because it brings people together from all over the world and from all walks of life.
I recently started my first year and I have already met amazing people.
Before joining university, I served in the IDF as a volunteer in the Diplomacy office of the IDF Spokesperson unit.”
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