American Friends of the Hebrew University

09/09/2026

Israel continues to face urgent challenges, but investing in its long-term future cannot wait.

In a new opinion piece for The Jerusalem Post, Yishai Fraenkel, newly appointed Vice President for Advancement and External Relations at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explores why sustained investment in higher education, research, and innovation is critical to Israel’s future.

Universities cultivate the researchers, physicians, entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders who will drive the discoveries and ideas that shape the decades ahead.

Read the piece here:

Israel’s intellectual and innovative edge took generations to build. We cannot afford to let our educational excellence erode while we wait for the crises to subside.

09/08/2026

Good news for carp farming—and a timely discovery ahead of Rosh Hashanah. 🐟

New research led by Hebrew University’s Prof. Lior David, in collaboration with researchers from Michigan State University, found that several fish species closely related to common carp are poor at transmitting Koi herpesvirus, one of the most destructive diseases in carp aquaculture.

The findings ease concerns about these species acting as silent spreaders and offer reassurance for mixed-species farming worldwide.

🔗 Read the full press release: https://www.afhu.org/2026/08/17/this-rosh-hashanah-the-carp-on-your-table-comes-with-some-good-news/

Serving carp this Rosh Hashana? Hebrew University scientists have a discovery to share! 🐟

For fish farmers and holiday tables around the world, Koi herpesvirus is a serious threat: it is one of the most destructive diseases in carp aquaculture, capable of wiping out entire fish populations in just days and causing massive economic and ecological losses. A new study reveals that while common carp are highly vulnerable, their close relatives, including goldfish, grass carp, and silver carp, rapidly fight off the virus and are poor at transmitting it. This eases fears that neighboring species act as silent spreaders, ensuring that the vital global practice of mixed-species farming remains safe and stable.

This research was conducted by Prof. Lior David from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in collaboration with researchers from Michigan State University.

Learn more: https://international.huji.ac.il/news/rosh-hashanah-carp-your-table-comes-some-good-news

09/04/2026

What does resilience look like at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem?

It looks like a war-injured soldier completing his law degree. A mother of nine in her fifth year of medical school. Researchers pursuing discoveries with global impact. And a University community responding to some of Israel’s most pressing challenges.

The 2026–2027 edition of Scopus Magazine brings together the people, ideas, and initiatives shaping Hebrew University today—from training trauma therapists nationwide and confronting academic boycotts to research making headlines around the world.

📖 Discover their stories and explore the full edition of Scopus: https://bit.ly/4xDo0wq

The CEO of AFHU will join the organization at a pivotal moment in time, succeeding a successful leader and building on a legacy of tremendous growth. In partnership with Hebrew University, a high-performing team, and a committed Board, the new CEO will grow the donor base, build new collaborations,....

09/02/2026

American Friends of the Hebrew University joins the Hebrew University community in mourning the passing of Prof. Ada Yonath, Nobel laureate in Chemistry and esteemed Hebrew University alumna.

A pioneering scientist and the first Israeli woman to receive a Nobel Prize, Prof. Yonath leaves an extraordinary legacy of discovery, determination, and scientific excellence that will continue to inspire generations.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.

May her memory be a blessing.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem mourns the passing of Prof. Ada Yonath, Nobel laureate in Chemistry and esteemed alumna.

Born in Jerusalem, Prof. Yonath began her distinguished academic journey at the Hebrew University, earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1962 and her master’s degree in biochemistry in 1964 before continuing on to her doctoral studies at the Weizmann Institute of Science.

As the first Israeli woman to win a Nobel Prize, Prof. Yonath’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of students and researchers around the world to ask bold questions and pursue discovery without compromise.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, her colleagues, and the scientific community.

May her memory be a blessing.

Photo credit: Stephen Epstein

09/01/2026

Join us in Jerusalem for The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's 89th Board of Governors Meeting, October 16–20, 2026.

This special gathering will bring together the global Hebrew University community for five days of discovery, celebration, and connection—including HUJI Talks on the frontiers of AI, a journey into cutting-edge doctoral research, honorary degree and fellowship ceremonies, campus dedications, a special concert, and more.

Experience firsthand the people and ideas shaping Hebrew University’s next chapter.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qOQO2B

08/31/2026

A mysterious black lesion that forms on cats’ eyes has puzzled veterinarians for years. New research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is offering important clues. 🐈👁️

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Koret School of Veterinary Medicine identified iron and bromine in affected corneal tissue, while neither element was found in healthy samples.

The findings provide a new biochemical perspective on this poorly understood condition and could help guide future research into how the disease develops.

🔗 Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/4wUwfDb

August 24, 2026 - A mysterious black lesion that forms on cats’ eyes has puzzled veterinarians for years. Now, researchers have identified two elements

08/26/2026

What really helps protect mental health during times of prolonged stress?

A new study from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that a stronger sense of purpose, less time on social media, and reduced exposure to harmful online content were among the strongest predictors of lower vulnerability to addiction, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

While religiosity was associated with better mental health outcomes, the findings suggest much of that benefit may stem from the meaning and digital habits it can help cultivate—factors that can be strengthened regardless of religious identity.

🔗 Read the press release to learn more:

A new study suggests that the mental health benefits often associated with religiosity may be attributed to the habits and mindset it

08/25/2026

Congratulations to the recipients of the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s newly announced research grants!

A special congratulations to Hebrew University researchers Prof. Julia Shifman, Prof. Michael Berger, Dr. Mohamed Mahameed, Prof. Norman Metanis, Prof. Ora Schueler-Furman, and Prof. Eitan Shaulian.

We’re proud to see HU researchers among those advancing innovative approaches to cancer research, with the potential to improve prevention, detection, treatment, and patient care worldwide.

We are proud to announce 38 new research grants supporting Israeli scientists pursuing innovative approaches to cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

From AI and advanced imaging to liquid biopsy, genomics, microbiome research, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, these grants reflect the extraordinary breadth of cancer research across Israel.

Since 1975, ICRF has invested nearly $109 million in more than 3,000 cancer research grants, helping advance discoveries and improve patient care worldwide.

Learn more about the new grants and their recipients: https://www.icrfonline.org/new-grant-recipients-2026-2027-funding-year/