Eternal Connection: French Friends Donate Iconic Sculpture

Four thousand Ethiopian Jews perished on their way from Ethiopia to Israel. Their bravery and tragic fate has been commemorated at TAU by the newly dedicated sculpture Kesher ("Connection") located in the campus's highly central Shoshana Schreiber Square.

The monument was donated by Michaël Benabou as part of the French Friends' drive to support projects aiding Ethiopian Jewish students at the university, and with the help of the Association. The sculpture was created by Israeli designer, architect and TAU honorary doctor Ron Arad.  

Benabou told the some 200 Ethiopian-Israeli students and youth who attended the ceremony: "You have written one of the greatest sagas in human history. Today you are once again setting an example of perseverance, fearlessness and honor. You are among those who help us understand what it means to be a Jew."  

Further French support for Ethiopian Students was realized through the Victor Teshale Madar Scholarship Fund for Ethiopian Students founded by Jean and Catherine Madar of Paris. The fund is named for the Madars' adopted Ethiopian child, Victor Teshale, and will enable students of Ethiopian origin to fulfill their academic potential despite the considerable social, economic and academic hurdles they face. Support for the fund was also provided by Jean's mother, Jacqueline Madar, who was unable to attend, and her daughter, Odile Cohen as well as Alain et Celia Madar .

Pictured left: Jean and Catherine Madar with Victor Teshale and Eitan Adana Zawdu, a master's graduate in sociology and Fulbright scholar