Letter from the President of TAU
Dear Friends,
As this edition of TAU Review went to print, the humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine was deepening, with over two million refugees streaming out of the country. We at Tel Aviv University felt a need to do our part and quickly rolled out an emergency fellowship drive to bring Ukrainian graduate students and researchers to campus. The response by our TAU friends around the world has been heartwarming. A generous fund was swiftly given by David Baazov of Montreal, dedicated in the name of his late father, Joseph Baazov, followed by a major donation by TAU Honorary Doctor Miles S. Nadal of Toronto. We hope many other caring people follow suit. (Contact: campaign@tauex.tau.ac.il)
Ukrainians brought to Israel by the government are being welcomed by Minister of Aliyah and Integration Pnina Tameno Shete, TAU alumna and Israel’s first Ethiopian-born minister, who shares her unique perspective in this issue.
Meanwhile, spring semester of the 2021-22 academic year opened with less COVID restrictions—finally—and renewed energies. Starting with a new center for virtual reality-enhanced scientific experiments, breakthroughs in reversing spinal paralysis and ALS, and the testing of medical diagnostics in space, TAU is opening new vistas for Israel and the world. Our momentum continues with major new initiatives in climate change and regenerative medicine.
The re-opening of Israel to foreigners will give a boost to TAU International, which is slated to receive a large donation to bolster student enrollment, degree programs, visiting professors, and study and research collaborations with top universities abroad.
TAU also remains committed to social responsibility. This includes providing equal educational opportunities for young people from Israel’s social and geographic periphery, closing the gender gap in STEM, and caring for the aged in our society—medically, legally and emotionally.
TAU’s wonderful developments in the spheres of the humanities, arts and sciences are made possible due to the amazing dedication of our friends and supporters in Israel and abroad. We’re proud and grateful to receive this support and look forward to continued success in the future.
Regards and enjoy your read,
Prof. Ariel Porat
President, Tel Aviv University
