German Friends of Tel Aviv University

About

Founded in 1971, the German Friends of Tel Aviv University Association celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2011. It was one of TAU's first Friends Associations and has remained staunchly supportive of the University throughout the years.

The German Friends Association has been instrumental in promoting scientific cooperation between TAU and  German institutions, including the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University in Frankfurt, Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University in Frankfurt, University of Konstanz, Freie Universität Berlin, and the Geo Forschungs Zentrum in Potsdam.

The enthusiastic and committed work of the German Friends has led to the establishment of numerous projects at the University, including programs in law and the arts, history and literature, the promotion of coexistence between Jews and Arabs, student scholarships, support for many areas of research including biotechnology, cancer research and peace research in addition to the absorption of new immigrant scholars and other initiatives.   

Within the framework of the German Friends Association, various notable figures in Germany's political and social arenas have actively contributed to and supported Tel Aviv University. This has included the Association's faciliation of the awarding  of numerous honorary degrees to German figures of prominence, among them Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2011.

Leadership

Honorary President: Dr. h.c. Ernst Gerhardt

President: Uwe Becker