June News and Updates from AFRU |
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Dear Friends, Supporters, Parents, and Alumni,
Please enjoy our June newsletter below.
It is with great sadness that we share our eleventh student fell in the hostage rescue of June 8th. Superintendent Arnon Zmora z"l was set to begin his MA in Counter Terrorism at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy at Reichman University. Our condolences go out to his family and we are so grateful for the sacrifice that Arnon made for his country and the hostages he saved. Please read Jonathan Davis’s story about this heroic young man.
Campus has been buzzing with year end activities and we would like to congratulate our graduating Class of 2023!
Our honorary doctorate ceremony took place and this year’s honorees were chosen for their heroism to Israel. It was an honor for the university to recognize them and their continued work on behalf of the State.
Our supporters continue to be true partners in ensuring that Reichman University can flourish during this very difficult time of war and that our students are well taken care of as they return from reserves. I can’t thank you enough. Your Zionist spirit keeps us going!
Please note the annual Conference for the Institute for Counterterrorism has been moved to October 6-8.
We are wishing everyone a quiet and safe summer. If you are in Israel, please stop by campus. We would love to see you.
Warmest Wishes,
Leslie |
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Leslie Skyba
Executive Director
American Friends of IDC (Reichman University) |
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On the Loss of Superintendent Arnon Zmora Z"L
by Jonathan Davis |
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On April 11th, I had the privilege of meeting two extraordinary officers from the Yamam (Israeli police's national counter-terrorism unit) in my office at Reichman University: Superintendent Yetav Lev Halevi z"l and Superintendent Arnon Zmora z"l. Their visit was to inquire about our MA in Counterterrorism program, offered in English.What struck me most was their primary concern: how to balance their rigorous operational duties with academic commitments. As officers often on missions day and night, they worried about having to "disappear" and miss classes. I assured them they had come to the right place. At Reichman, where our leadership includes veterans of elite units and over 50% of our students serve in reserves, we understand and support those who serve. Their humility and motivation were palpable. Arnon, with a mischievous smile, promised to bring me a "more interesting" item from Gaza than the Fatah shield in my office from the first Lebanese war. We planned for their enrollment, with my personal oversight, as is our way with special forces members. However, the path of those who protect us is often perilous. On May 8th, Yetav succumbed to injuries sustained in a counter terrorist operation in Tul Karem, in Samaria. On May 23rd, Arnon contacted us about his application, eager to start despite his hectic schedule. We fast-tracked his acceptance, knowing the risks he faced. Tragically, during the hostages rescue on June 8th, in an operation of unparalleled bravery, we lost Arnon—our eleventh student to fall in recent events. These two brothers-in-arms, who dreamed of studying together, made the ultimate sacrifice just weeks apart.
Their story is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defend our freedoms. It underscores the resilience of those who, even amidst danger, seek knowledge and growth. At Reichman University, we are committed to honoring their memory, not just in memorials, but by embodying the values they lived and died for: courage, dedication to country, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
To Yetav, Arnon, and all our fallen heroes: your legacy lives on in every student who walks through our doors, in every class that delves into the complexities you faced, and in every heart that beats with the determination to build a better, safer world. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May their memory be a blessing and an inspiration to us all. |
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Reichman University Awards 2024 Honorary Doctorates |
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On June 6th, 2024 Reichman University awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees to individuals who have stood out for their contributions to the State of Israel and its citizens, since October 7. The degrees were awarded at a special Heroism and Revival event at Reichman University and were conferred by Reichman University's leadership - Prof. Uriel Reichman, Prof. Boaz Ganor, and Mr. Oudi Recanati - in recognition of the recipients' embodiment of core values: Zionism, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, academic excellence, and philanthropy. Their stories inspire hope and resilience in challenging times.
1. Captain Karni Gez: Trailblazing commander of the IDF's first female tank company, who shattered glass ceilings on the battlefield.
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| | Left: Brig. Gen. Yisrael Shomer, Defender of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Capt. Karni Gez, IDF Tank Commander; Ms. Noa Tishby, Author and Global Advocate; Mr. Haim Jelin, Advocate for Gaza Envelope communities; Mr. Eyal Naveh, Co-founder of "Brothers and Sisters for Israel" |
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2. Haim Jelin: Tireless advocate for Gaza Envelope communities, championing their right to return home in absolute safety.
3. Eyal Naveh: Visionary co-founder of "Brothers and Sisters for Israel," mobilizing the nation's largest civilian aid network.
4. Brigadier General Yisrael Shomer: Valiantly defended kibbutz Kfar Aza with unparalleled bravery.
5. Noa Tishby: Bestselling author and global voice, fervently countering anti-Israel narratives and rising antisemitism.
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Reichman University Graduation for Class of 2023 |
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| The university extends its warmest congratulations to the Class of 2023, wishing each graduate a future brimming with happiness, fulfillment, and success. Their accomplishments underscore the resilience and spirit of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, echoing the enduring sentiment: Am Yisrael Chai - the people of Israel live on! |
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Raphael Recanati International School Dean's List Ceremony |
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The RRIS recently held its annual Dean's List ceremony, recognizing outstanding academic achievement among our students. We are incredibly proud of all those who received this prestigious distinction through their hard work and dedication.
One particularly poignant moment was when Ida Gitarts accepted the award on behalf of her late brother, Yoseph Gitarts z"l, who tragically fell in service to our country during the Swords of Iron war. Gitarts received the highest grade in Computer Science in his year.
To all our Dean's List recipients, and to the entire student body, we extend our sincere congratulations. Your commitment to learning inspires us all. We wish you continued success as you pursue your academic journeys.
To read Jonathan Davis' speech click here.
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| Jonathan Davis with Ida Gitarts, accepting the Dean's List award on behalf of her brother, Joseph Gitarts z"l who fell in action.
Photo: Gilad Kavalerchik |
| | Students and their families at the RRIS Dean's List ceremony |
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Reichman University Ranked #3 In World Outside The USA
In Creating Unicorns
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A recent study by Stanford University's Prof. Ilya Strabulev reveals that startups founded by Reichman alumni who secured U.S. venture capital investment are 11.3 times more likely than average to achieve unicorn status. This statistic isn't just impressive; it positions Reichman as a globally recognized hub for entrepreneurial excellence.
Reichman University, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Tsinghua University are the top 3 non-US universities with the highest chances of producing a US unicorn founder.
For both Tsinghua University and Reichman University, the odds are 11.3 times the average.
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What Gut Bacteria Consist of May Predict Development
of PTSD in Children-New Study at RU
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| Director, Center for Developmental Social Neuroscience Simms/Mann Chair on the Developing Brain
Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem |
| The contents of bacteria in the stomach can determine whether a person will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from infancy to late adolescence in humans, according to a new study out of Reichman University in Herzliya.
The microbial profile was found to be one of the factors involved in developing PTSD and it outlines the characteristics linked with resilience, following exposure to trauma.
The new research demonstrated for the first time that the gut microbiome can determine the gut’s bacteria profile and so can assist it in predicting the likelihood of developing PTSD, said Reichman Prof. Ruth Feldman, director of the Center for Developmental Social Neuroscience and the Simms-Mann chair on the developing brain at the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology.
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Annual Recanati Gala for Class of 2024
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The RRIS held the annual Recanati Gala for the graduating Class of 2024, hosted by Staci Light and Oudi Recanati. The evening featured a delicious dinner and inspiring speeches by Prof. Uriel Reichman, President and Founder of Reichman University, Mr. Jonathan Davis, Head of the RRIS and VP of External Relations, and Ben Amram, a Class of 2024 Business student and IDF reservist. We extend our sincere thanks to all the staff and students who attended and contributed to the evening's success.
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Israel's Lone Warriors: Foreign Students Answer the Call to Arms
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| Jonathan Davis and Sylvia Kassoff (far right), Head of student well-being on campus, meet with reservists after they were discharged. |
| In the chaos following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, an unlikely cohort answered the call to arms: international students. These “lone soldiers” – volunteers who leave their home countries to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) – exemplify the growing phenomenon of Diaspora Jews taking active roles in Israel’s security. |
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Honoring the Fallen: Remembering Ethiopian Jews
Who Perished on Their Perilous Path to Israel |
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Jonathan Davis, writes in the Times of Israel about the memorial for the Ethiopian Jews that perished on their way to Israel. "We will be holding a special ceremony at Reichman University in order to commemorate the Ethiopian Jews who perished on their way to Israel. The government of the State of Israel decided that a national memorial ceremony will be held each year on the 28th of Iyar".
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Reichman University Bravo Cohort 3 for
Former US and Israeli Navy Seals |
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| Reichman University is proud to announce the successful conclusion of Version Bravo Cohort 3! Our latest group of exceptional former US and Israeli Navy SEALs completed the program and over the past months, these elite operators have transformed their business ideas into viable ventures, equipped with invaluable tools, validating and pitching experience and a powerful network of investors and advisors. Version Bravo continues to fulfill its mission of empowering SEALs to achieve outstanding success in the business world, mirroring their military excellence. |
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Comrades in Arms: Anna Sobol Levy Fellows
Gain Insights from IDF Reservists |
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As recounted by ASL Fellow Austin Land:
"ASL Fellows got to meet with a few IDF reservists, Jonathan Davis and RUNI friend and philamthropist, Prof. Bernie Munk.
Prof. Munk recounted his time abroad and his solemn experiences during 9/11, engaging in a historical discussion with them about the overseas involvements of the US. We then discussed the life impacts on young adults of being in the military as well as in a combat environment with the three reservists. Ari Lewin in particular talked about the need for calmness and how an intense focus on the situation at hand in a combat zone cannot be taught in a classroom and how that skill can be readily applied to future aspects of one's life.
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| | From left: Tony Marco (ASL), Menachem Reinitz (IDF), Sam Weiss (ASL), Ari Lewin (IDF), Prof. Bernie Munk, Jonathan Davis, Valérie Susskind, Austin Land (ASL), Ben Amram (IDF)
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As Jonathan was giving his closing remarks about Israel's need for regional security, we ironically experienced a rocket siren, and all made our way to the shelter where we ended up taking the picture for the day's event. Following the official meeting, the ASL fellows continued talking to the IDF reservists about their personal experiences in the war following the harrowing events of October 7th. Sunday's event was an exemplary opportunity for the ASL fellows to interact with and learn more about their counterparts in the IDF as well as a chance to reflect on what it truly means to be a soldier in both the IDF and US military". |
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Ritz-Carlton Herzliya Welcomes Reichman University
Students and Visiting Families With Exclusive Offer |
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Students are invited to share a deluxe room or suite with their family and enjoy breakfast, without any additional charge. Experience exceptional service, warm hospitality and so much more, only at The Ritz-Carlton Herzliya. To find out more about this memorable hotel stay, please email sheryl.stein@ritz-carlton.com or rc.tlvrz.reservations@ritzcarlton.com or call 917-747-7712. |
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RRIS Parents Share Their Experiences |
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| Meet Sharon Danzger, from the USA, parent of 1 student at the RRIS.
“Discovering Reichman University's profound impact on our child has been a heartening journey. This highly regarded institution isn't just about academics; it's about fostering a broader perspective and nurturing personal growth. Seeing our child flourish in this international environment has been very rewarding. The Raphael Recanati International School at Reichman University has played a pivotal role in shaping them into the confident and worldly individual they are today.”
Check out more parents' experiences on the RRIS social media accounts here-> |
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On June 9th, RRIS Campus Life hosted our annual RU Idol singing competition! Our eight amazing contestants performed their unique interpretations of their chosen songs, many related to the current situation. We laughed, cried, and, most importantly, had an amazing time. Each contestant gave us chills. It all came down to a vote from the judges, followed by a vote from the audience.
1st place - Bella Corkidi, who performed Snow Angel by Renée Rapp.
2nd place - Omer Abir, who performed אם מחר אני מת by Liran Denino.
3rd place - Ilana Cotugno, who performed Hurricane by Eden Golan.
Congratulations, and thank you to all of the performers! |
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Save the Date: RRIS Online Information Session with Jonathan Davis
Sunday, June 23rd |
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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, June 23rd on Zoom to learn more about the programs and ask any questions!
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Save the Date: RRIS Master's Degrees Information Sessions
June-July 2024 |
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| These sessions are for applicants interested in learning more about Reichman University Raphael Recanati International School's master degrees. Each session is customized to provide insights into the specific degrees we offer. You'll have the chance to interact with the Heads of each degree and program, who will provide detailed information about their respective fields of study. |
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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: Jacob Apelstein |
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Hi, I'm Jacob Apelstein. I’m from Boston, Massachusetts, and I’m a first-year Entrepreneurship and Business Administration student. In high school, I started creating clothing, hoping to bring people together. This project meant a lot to me, and I'm excited to introduce it here at the university. Keep an eye out for it on campus! Besides my studies and projects, I enjoy swimming, bouldering, cooking, and traveling. During my travels, I enjoy soaking up the culture and nature around me. I’m especially excited about my time here, and I look forward to meeting new friends and making new memories.
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