Celebrating TAU in Punta del Este

Over 1,000 TAU friends and supporters from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay gathered in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, last month for an annual conference organized by the Argentinean Friends of TAU, following a three-year break due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Titled, “Is it possible to live in a better world? Civilization dilemmas in the 21st century,” the conference focused on the topics of wars and ongoing political challenges around the world, global diplomatic relations, and climate change. 

Speaking at the event were Dr. Luis Alberto Lacalle de Herrera, former President of Uruguay and TAU’s Honorary Doctor; Dr. Pilar Rahola, a distinguished Spanish journalist, writer, and human rights advocate; and Mr. Santiago Kovadloff, a prominent Argentinean philosopher, writer, and essayist, acclaimed for his support of democratic values.

Prof. Ariel Porat, TAU President, sent a recorded video message to the event. “This year marks Israel’s 75th anniversary. Tel Aviv University is joining the celebrations of the miraculous growth, innovation and impact the nation has achieved. TAU’s Argentinean Friends have made a major contribution to strengthening and deepening the University’s relations with Argentina. For over 40 years, the Friends have held high-profile conferences, lectures and workshops that forge connections between TAU and leading research institutions, high government officials, civic and cultural personalities and the general public in Argentina. These events have greatly expanded the community of supporters in Argentina for TAU and Israel,” he said, congratulating the Friends Association for its achievements. 

Mrs. Polly Mizrahi de Deutsch, the President of the Argentinean Friends, opened the conference, and Dr. Bernardo Kosacoff, advisor and active member of the Association’s Executive Board, acted as moderator. Israel’s Ambassador to Uruguay, Mr. Yoed Maguen, was among the attendees.
The event was a tribute to the memory of Adolfo and Miriam Smolarz, long-time friends and generous supporters of TAU.