BOG 2025: Awarding the Ramniceanu Prize in Economics

Tel Aviv University awarded the 2025 Hugo Ramniceanu Prize in Economics to two industrial enterprises from war-battered northern Israel: Plasan Sasa Ltd., an Israeli company specializing in the design and manufacturing of vehicle armor, whose output has been an important security resource during the current war; and Shimoni Michael Metal Enterprises Limited, a company specializing in providing metalworking solutions from the planning stage through to production. The prestigious prize was presented at a meaningful ceremony during the University’s Board of Governors 2025 meeting and honored the resilience and excellence of these two companies. 

The ceremony also served as a changing of the guard for the French Friends of TAU Association: Prof. François Heilbronn stepped down from his 17-year post as President of the  proudly passed the torch to Francis Barel, the grandson of Hugo Ramniceanu. Each spoke movingly about their connection with the University and what being part of French Friends continues to mean to them. 

“We should never doubt that TAU has the responsibility and the privilege to educate the greatest minds to become Israel’s next great leaders,” said Barel. 

Incoming and outgoing French Friends presidents Francis Barel (middle left) and  Prof. François Heilbronn (middle right) at the Ramniceanu Prize ceremony. (Photo: Yuval Yosef)

The Ramniceanu Prize is awarded every year in recognition of achievements in economics, technology, research, and development in Israel. 

The Prize Committee stated: " This year, it was decided to present the prize to two businesses from northern Israel for their significant contribution to the region’s economy—especially during this time of war, for their excellence under fire, and for their continued growth and development despite the immense challenges posed by the war.”  

Dr. Monique Barel, Hugo Ramniceanu’s daughter, said at the ceremony: “Those from the north have shown great resilience, working hard even when bombs were falling, even when some are still refugees in their own country.” 

The Ramniceanu Prize has been awarded annually since 1987. It was established by the late Hugo Ramniceanu, a successful industrialist in the French textile industry, one of the founders of the French Friends Association of Tel Aviv University and a great supporter of the State of Israel. According to his vision, the award is intended to promote excellence, especially in the fields of education and learning. Ramniceanu believed that only through education would Israel become strong economically, socially, and in terms of security.