January News and Updates from AFRU |
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Dear friends, supporters, parents, and alumni,
As we embark on a new year, we are hopeful for better times in the land of Israel and around the world. It was with great sadness that we had to say goodbye to two students during the past few weeks, David Schwartz z"l, a Government and Law student and Joseph Gitarts z"l, a second-year Computer Science student. David and Joseph are among the seven other courageous individuals from Reichman University who were murdered on Oct. 7 or sacrificed their lives in the resulting war.
During these challenging times, we find solace in cherishing the memories of Major (Res.) Moshe Yedidyah Leiter z"l, Staff Sgt. (Res.) Omer Balva z"l, Major Benji (Benjamin) Trakeniski z"l, Ilay Nachman z"l, Liam Shrem z"l, and Omri Ram z"l. Their bravery and dedication serve as an enduring source of strength and inspiration for us all.
We must continue to stay strong and persevere in this fight for the Jewish State to honor their memory and all who have given their life so valiantly. We continue to pray for the hostages to be released. It is difficult to watch from so far away and we have been tirelessly working to help in any way we can from the States. We are always with you, Israel.
Our campus is open. Students are studying and going on with life as best they can. New projects and programs are being developed. We are actively recruiting students for the 2024-2025 academic year which we are sure will come with brighter days ahead for all of us. If you are going to Israel, I encourage you to stop in and see our beautiful campus. It is sure to bring you some joy and hope for the future.
Wishing you and your families a healthy and above-all peaceful 2024.
Am Yisrael Chai,
Leslie |
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Leslie Skyba
Executive Director
American Friends of IDC (Reichman University) |
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Reichman University mourns the death of Sergenant First Class (Res.) David Schwartz z"l, who was killed in the battle of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.
David, 26 years old from the Elazar settlement, was a bachelor's degree student in law and government program serving in the 8219 engineering battalion.
He left behind a wife, five brothers, and his parents.
His colleagues at the Harry Radyzner School of Law shared: "Schwartz took care at all times to assist, to take care, and to help every person in need of assistance. |
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He fell defending his country and homeland that he loved so much, leaving behind dozens of friends, loving family, and years of kindness and love.
Our dear David, we will make sure to perpetuate your memory, cherish your work, and above all continue the legacy of love for the people and the country you were raised in and in the name you fell. We love you to no end". May his memory be a blessing. |
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| The Raphael Recanati International School is devasted by the death of the late Sergeant first class (res.) Joseph Yosef Gitarts z"l, who was killed by an anti-tank missile in the southern Gaza Strip. Joseph, 25 years old, made Aliyah from Russia when he was 13 years old. He was in his second year of BSc Computer Science studies. Joseph fought in the 7029th Armored Battalion in the "Re’em" formation (179). |
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An Evening in NYC with Prof. Yael Parag
of Reichman University's School of Sustainability |
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Prof. Parag is Head of the Energy Program at the School and will be sharing her expertise on Technology and Business Innovation in the Israeli Energy Sector.
Please join us to learn more Prof. Parag as she finishes up the semester lecturing at City College. |
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Kibbutz Kfar Aza at the Reichman University's Ronson Dorms |
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| The Ronson Dormitory, a state-of-the-art facility on campus, opened its doors to the displaced members of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. In a ceremony at Reichman University, Prof. Reichman welcomed the residents to their temporary home. Present at the ceremony were Prof. Boaz Ganor and top management, along with faculty and staff. Prof. Reichman’s speech echoed the principles of the university, rooted in the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing freedom, responsibility, and humanistic Zionist values.
Jonathan Davis shares how this opportunity came about in his Times of Israel article, read here.
Pictured: Amanda Ronson, daughter of Sir Gerald and Dame Gail Ronson, with Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof. Uriel Reichman and Jonathan Davis at the ceremony welcoming the evacuees of kibbutz Kfar Aza |
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Argentine Broadcaster and Nephew of Hostage Hernan Feler Speaks at Reichman University |
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The Raphael Recanati International School hosted an impactful open conversation with Hernan Feler, a renowned Jewish–Argentine sports journalist, who is currently visiting Israel. The session delved into the story of Feler's aunt, Ofelia, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th. Feler passionately shared his personal journey and discussed his active role in raising awareness among Argentinians about the urgent issue of bringing Israeli hostages home. The event not only shed light on a harrowing personal experience but also served as a call to action in the pursuit of justice and solidarity.
There were 120 RRIS Spanish-speaking students in the audience from Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Spain. The audience was mesmerized by the courage of Feler in the face of antisemitism in Argentina.
Pictured: L: Christian Jowers, Head of Global Engagagement, Anni Lupu, RRIS Campus Life events coordinator, Jonathan Davis, VP & and Head of the RRIS, Nicole Karlin, first-year Communications student from Argentina, Michal Dlugovitzky, second-year Communications student from Argentina, Prof. Rafi Melnick, former RUNI President, Hernan Feler and Sylvio Joskowicz, member of the executive of the Zionist Labour Movement.
R: Ofélia Roitman, the Aunt of Hernan Feler, spent 55 days in Hamas activity, receiving flowers from the RRIS. |
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Israel’s playing poker while Iran is playing chess
By Prof. Boaz Ganor |
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As Israel continues to fight the “Iron Swords” War that was imposed upon her, it is vital for us to understand the background and reasons for the outbreak of the war, and in doing so, address some fundamental questions: Why did it break out in October 2023? Who is behind it? And how was it kept under wraps so effectively? |
| | Prof. Boaz Ganor, President
Reichman University |
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I will begin the concrete background that led up to the war with a personal anecdote: In late 2009, I was extended an invitation to visit the White House by General James L. Jones, who was serving as the United States national security advisor at the time. At the beginning of our meeting, the general caught me off guard with the following question: “If the United States were to give Israel a “yellow light,” should Israel launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities?” |
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Making the Case for Israel- Act.Il Shines a Spotlight on Women Heroes |
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Act.il UK teamed up with actress Dana Frider honoring the heroines of the war; Amit Mann, Hadar Bachar and Rimon Kirsten in a series of videos highlighting their resilience as they faced the brutality of Hamas’s actions. These amazing women are true testaments of women’s strength. View the campaign here. |
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| Magen David Adom paramedic and paramedic course instructor Amit Mann, 22, was murdered by Hamas terrorists when they stormed the clinic in Kibbutz Be’eri where she was treating the wounded from the devastating attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023.
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| | Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav, 36, and her husband, Yagev Buchshtav, 34, were taken hostage from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, when Hamas terrorists infiltrated the kibbutz as part of their multi-pronged massacre in southern Israel. Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav was released in November 2023. |
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Reichman University's MA in Counter-Terrorism:
A Testimonial of Excellence and Impact |
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| Dan Diker
MA Government 2013, Reichman University
(photo credit: Dan Diker)
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| As a 1984 Harvard University graduate and a 2013 Reichman alum, I can say wholeheartedly that Reichman University provided me with a more genuine, higher quality liberal education than Harvard or any other Ivy League institution. Reichman University professors actively encouraged diverse views, prompting students to pose challenging questions. The accessibility and enthusiasm of professors and PhD lecturers were striking in their dedication to teaching students how to think, not what to think.
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RRIS Alumni of the Month- Noy Leyb |
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"My name is Noy Leyb, a Reichman University communications graduate. When the war broke out, I was living in New York but didn’t think twice before hopping on the first flight out to join my unit in Gaza. While waiting for my flight, I started a WhatsApp group for Israelis like me who were stuck outside of Israel. Within a few days, I helped over 600 reservists make their way back. I also started documenting my journey on Instagram and have gained 20k+ followers since. |
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My unit, 551, was the first reservist unit to fully go into Gaza. “Round 1” was in Beit Hanoun and for the next 2+ months, we made our way down south. Although we destroyed the northern brigade of Hamas which is a huge accomplishment, it came at a price. Soldiers' lives were lost and many were injured.
In between the rounds, my Instagram was flooded with messages of both love and hate, but there is one message I remember very clearly. It said- “Throughout my whole life, I’ve been taught to hate Israelis. Your stories have shown me a new side and my entire outlook has changed. Am Israel Chai”. This message gave me even more purpose to spend my days off pushing out more content and showing the world the truth.
It is our duty to keep on defending Israel and bring the kidnapped back home - no matter how long it takes. To see my journey, follow me @noyleyb. Am Israel Chai! |
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Save the Date: RRIS Campus Open House
Friday, January 26th |
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Plan on being in Israel and interested in learning more about Reichman University?
Join the Raphael Recanati International School staff including head of the RRIS and VP of External Relations Jonathan Davis and our admissions coordinators on Friday, January 26th at our Campus Open House.
Tour the campus and our dorms, meet our staff, faculty, current students, and learn more about our programs in-person. |
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Save the Date: Tuesday, February 13th
RRIS South Florida Info Session With Jonathan Davis |
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Join Jonathan Davis in South Florida on Tuesday, February 13th to learn more about the Raphael Recanati International School and our 10 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs in English and how you can study in Israel with students from 90 countries. |
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Save the Date: RRIS Degree Info Sessions
January 8-15th |
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Our degree specific sessions are geared towards prospective students and parents who want to learn more about Reichman University. These sessions are tailored to learn more about the specific degrees we offer. The heads and coordinators of each degree will be meeting with you and share more about the program and answer questions.
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Save the Date: January & February 2024 RRIS Graduate Degrees Info Sessions |
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Our graduate degree specific sessions are geared towards prospective students and applicants who want to learn more about Reichman University and our MA programs.
These sessions are tailored to learn more about the specific degrees we offer. The heads and coordinators of each degree will be meeting with you and share more about the program and answer questions. |
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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: Mavi |
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| "I’m Mavi Cervigni, and I’m from Argentinia. I am a second year student studying Government and Sustainability. I came to Israel 3 years ago, and the decision to study at this university changed my life. I started a career in which I met a lot of friends, some of which are even my roommates now! I love the internationality of RU, the people you meet, and the opportunities it gives you." |
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