First Dormitory Building at Student City Inaugurated

The first modern dormitory building at Student City, the largest, most ambitious building project in Tel Aviv University’s history, was unveiled at a festive ceremony in the presence of TAU Friends, Chella and Moise Safra and family members, top university officials, staff and students. Also attending were Dr. Claudio L. Lottenberg, President of the Jewish Confederation of Brazil, and Jack Terpins, President, Latin American Jewish Congress.

One of the first three buildings to be occupied in the project, the Chella and Moise Safra Building is providing affordable living space to students from needy backgrounds and outlying communities. Its convenient location close to the campus will enable them to focus on their studies. Situated on the entrance square to the complex, the building comprises 3,600m² with 8 floors and 90 residential units.

​Adjacent to the building is the Chella and Moise Safra Court, which will become the hub of the complex’s commercial and recreation area.  

The unveiling ceremony

After warm greetings by Chairman of the TAU Board of Governors Prof. Jacob A. Frenkel, TAU President Joseph Klafter described Moise and Chella Safra’s role in realizing the grand dream of Student City.

“Ten years and two university presidents ago, an idea was born to build the biggest, most socially responsible student housing complex in the entire greater Tel Aviv area. At the beginning, this ambitious plan was just architectural sketches on paper. It was hard to imagine the size, impressiveness, the impact of the complex. But one person did have the imagination and vision, and that was Moise Safra, with the full support of Chella,” he said.

“We are honored to link the future success of student residents in this building to the Moise and Chella Safra family name for generations to come,” said Prof. Klafter. “We are proud that you have chosen to associate your name with Tel Aviv University as part of your tradition of dedication to Jewish heritage, social welfare, education, the arts and medicine.”

Prof. Klafter recognized the role of Dr. Mario A. Adler, TAU Governor and President and Chairman of the Brazilian Friends of Tel Aviv University, for introducing the University to Moise and Chella Safra and for “nurturing what has turned into a warm, deep friendship.”

Chella and Moise Safra’s deep commitment to Israel’s students and Tel Aviv University previously led to the dedication of the Chella and Moise Safra Gate, a major portal to the University campus.

​​​A TAU honorary doctor, Moise Safra is a member of the famous Safra banking family. Moise Safra’s name is linked with numerous institutions in Israel and overseas, as well as with Jewish communities, religious and health organizations, orphanages, schools, and retirement homes. Chella Safra has served as Brazilian representative to the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors, as a member of the Executive Board and the Consulting Board of Keren Hayesod of Sáo Paulo and is currently Treasurer of the World Jewish Congress.

Promoting the common good

Paying tribute to her husband’s vision, Chella spoke of Moise’s passionate commitment to Tikkun Olam and strong belief in the family’s responsibility to promote the common good. “For many years Moise has been a strong friend of Israel – of students, education, medical research, the arts and sciences. All of these causes will be well realized through the establishment of Student City at Tel Aviv University,” said Mrs. Safra. She noted that the Safra Building will make an important contribution to the community which it serves, fulfilling the family’s belief that providing a quality education to disadvantaged students should be at the forefront of the University’s mission.  

“The University’s continuing commitment to fostering a diverse student body is critical to its continuing success; therefore, a substantial portion of accommodation in this building is earmarked for students of limited means from development towns and large families,” said Chella. “We are confident that this University will continue to recruit the very best students from all backgrounds and we are honored to celebrate this project with all of you today. Together we have constructed a new foundation to build upon Tel Aviv University’s tradition of inclusiveness and ground-breaking research.”