AFHUnews

VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 8 | SPRING 2009

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INAUGURAL EINSTEIN AWARD GALA RAISES MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH

n December 2, 2008, AFHU and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the American Friends of The Hebrew University awarded Bill Gates, founder and chairman of Microsoft Corporation and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with its inaugural Einstein Award at a gala dinner held at the New York Hilton. The dinner, which featured a special exhibit from the Albert Einstein archives, raised more than 1.5 million dollars for cutting-edge

plant and animal science research at HUs Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Robert H. Smith served as honorary chair of the Einstein Award event, and Einstein biographer Walter Isaacson delivered the keynote address. Ambassador Sallai Meridor spoke on behalf of the State of Israel. In accepting the Einstein Award, Mr. Gates noted that remarkable progress has been made in recent decades in improving health around
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Elizabeth Edwards appeared at ALEF 2009, speaking on Healthcare in Crisis

See page 4 for article.

CONTENTS
Executive Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 ALEF 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Inaugural Einstein Award Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Leona Rosenberg: A Leader of Stature . . . . . . . . 8 Paws for a Cause & Tails of Love: Supporting the Koret School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Planned Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 HU Research Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 AFHU Regional News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Upcoming Event Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Robert H. Smith congratulating Bill Gates

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PAGE 2 | AFHU NEWS

2009 AFHU BOARD OF DIRECTORS

George A. Schieren President Ira Lee Sorkin Chairman of the Board Lawrence E. Glick Louis L. Kaitz Michael S. Kurtz Richard S. Ziman Vice Chairmen of the Board Michael S. Kurtz Michael J. Freed Chairmen of the Executive Committee Ernest Bogen Ambassador William A. Brown Susan A. Gitelson Charles H. Goodman Michael G. Jesselson Todd S. Lundy Kenneth L. Stein Ronald M. Zimmerman Vice Presidents Clive Kabatznik National Chair Campaign Committee Adi Raviv Treasurer Daniel J. Schultz Assistant Treasurer Frances R. Katz Secretary Martin E. Karlinsky Richard D. Weinberg Assistant Secretaries Stanley M. Bogen Ambassador Max M. Kampelman Harvey M. Krueger Fred S. Lafer Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Barbara A. Mandel Keith L. Sachs Ira Lee Sorkin Honorary Presidents Stanley M. Bogen Ambassador Max M. Kampelman Harvey M. Krueger Fred S. Lafer Keith L. Sachs Honorary Chairmen of the Board Harold Berry D. Walter Cohen Leonie J. Darwin Alex Grass Martin Hecht Sanford F. Kuvin Bess Myerson Theodore K. Rabb Rabbi Stanley Rabinowitz Herbert L. Sachs Vidal Sassoon David Shapell Robert H. Smith Charles A. Stillman Jerry M. Sudarsky Barnett C. Tobins Dan K. Wassong Stanley R. Zax Honorary Vice Presidents

PRESIDENTS COLUMN
George A. Schieren

here is always reason to celebrate in Israel, a tiny country with a big heart and unwavering spirit. This year is no exception. The Hebrew University of Jerusalems renowned faculty and brilliant students continue to make breakthrough advances in every eld, particularly in the realms of sustainable agriculture, biomedicine, and brain research. Theyre uncovering major historical nds, and using everyday items such as the humble cell phone to transmit life-saving medical diagnoses. Their award winning innovations benet not only the people of Israel, but people the world over. And on the festive side, Israel is buzzing with anticipation in preparation for events commemorating Tel Avivs 100th anniversary. I invite you to celebrate these and other milestones by joining me and my regional co-chairs on American Friends of The Hebrew Universitys June 2009 Presidents Mission to Israel from June 515, 2009. Our scholars-in-residence will accompany us across Israels storied

landscapes as we go behind the scenes of Israeli government and stand on the threshold where Israels independence was declared. Geopolitical tours will take us to Masada and across the Golan Heights to learn about the historic and strategic importance of these regions. Well attend VIP receptions, briengs, and events with HU and international friends, focusing on the countrys top talents. The 2009 Presidents Mission will showcase cutting-edge progress in brain research. Well attend briengs with HU experts, and at HUs 72nd Board of Governors meeting, whose theme is Unraveling the Mysteries of the Brain. At the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, well learn about the eco-friendly methods being developed to assure that the world has clean water to drink and nutrientrich foods. Be prepared to be inspired by Israel and by Hebrew Universitys intellectual vitality. Visit www.afhu.org for mission details, or contact an AFHU regional ofce near you.

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AFHU NEWS | PAGE 3

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS COLUMN

Peter T. Willner

he spate of Gaza attacks on southern Israel earlier this year demonstrated once again the resiliency of the Israeli people. Despite turbulent times, Israel and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem remain ready to meet any challenge, while moving forward with life and progress. AFHU joins and supports the Universitys efforts to serve as a vital academic and humanitarian resource. During this challenging time many critical needs arose, and Hebrew University took swift action. The University launched several key initiatives, extending its educational mission and outreach and support for studentsnot only Hebrew University students in the IDF reserves who were called to active duty, but also young students from Israeli towns near Gaza.

When schools in southern Israel were forced to close due to rocket attacks, Hebrew University opened its doors to 100 middle and high school students from Ashkelon, Sderot and Netivot. These students participated in science workshops led by HU student volunteers at the Belmonte Science Laboratories for Youth on HUs Edmond J. Safra campus at Givat Ram. They lived in HU dormitories and enjoyed social activities, cultural tours and home hospitality offered by Jerusalem families. Hebrew Universitys outreach provided educational opportunities plus a much-needed respite for the students and their families. The war in Gaza also took a nancial toll on area residents unable to go to work. In response, Hebrew

Universitys Clinical Legal Education Center set up an emergency hotline to provide them with free legal advice. The Universitys law students provided counsel on work status questions and legal matters resulting from work disruptions caused by the Gaza situation. AFHU created a dedicated fund to support HUs outreach during this difcult time. Financial need still exists in the aftermath of the Gaza conict. If you would like to contribute to The Hebrew University Outreach and Student Aid Fund 2009, please visit www.afhu.org to donate online, or contact an AFHU ofce near you. We are truly proud of HUs commitment and responsiveness to students and their families in times of crisis. Our ongoing support helps the university to continue to be a model citizen for Israel and the world.

AFHU

published by American Friends of The Hebrew University One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Fl., New York, NY 10004-1405 Tel: (212) 607-8500 1-800-567-AFHU (2348) Fax: (212) 809-4430 E-mail: info@afhu.org website: www.afhu.org George A. Schieren President Ira Lee Sorkin Chairman of the Board Dr. Peter T. Willner National Executive Director NATIONAL (800) 567-AFHU GREATER NEW YORK (212) 607-8510 MID-ATLANTIC (202) 478-9698 SOUTHEAST (561) 750-8585 MIDWEST (312) 329-0332 WESTERN (310) 843-3100 NORTHWEST (925) 937-AFHU

news

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PAGE 4 | ALEF 2009

ALEF: AFHUS SEVENTH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL FORUM

FHUs Seventh Annual Leadership and Educational Forum was hosted by the Southeast Region on January 18, 2009 in Palm Beach, Florida. Sheldon Hechtman, Ellen Klersfeld and David Schulman co-chaired the enlightening and thought-provoking conference. Panels and guest speakers discussed timely topics ranging from new technologies for cancer treatment and diagnosis to national security and the economics of oil energy. ALEF opened with a presentation by Professor John Deutch, an MIT faculty member and national security expert who has held key positions in the U.S. Department of Energy and has served on numerous presidential committees

(LR) Hebrew University V.P. Carmi Gillon, Stanley and Roberta Bogen, Mike Stein

and commissions on national security policy. Former member of the Knesset Minister Silvan Shalom

(LR) Helen Eisenberg, Ann Friedlander, Ambassador Bill Brown, Dr. Maria Spinak, Patte Bogen Roberts
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updated conference attendees on the recent Gaza situation and the Israeli elections. Professor Deutch joined Ambassador and Hebrew University Vice President Carmi Gillon later in the morning for a panel discussion on international geopolitics. Keynote speaker, the attorney and healthcare activist Elizabeth Edwards, Professor Boris Rubinsky, Director of the Center for Bioengineering in the Service of Humanity and Society, and Professor Howard Cedar, Wolf Prize recipient, discussed innovations in cancer research and treatment. The inventor of a method to transmit medical images via cell phones, Professor

ALEF 2009 | PAGE 5

Rubinsky is working on an inexpensive method to kill cancerous tumors, using irreversible electroporation. Professor Rubinksy explained: This new technology requires only the application of an electrical pulse through a few electrodes that can be inserted in the tumor. We found particular sets of parameters that can produce the pulse that destroys the tumor in micro-second pulses. This technique is inexpensive and very portable. In fact, you can run the device from a car battery. Elizabeth Edwards, who spoke on Healthcare in Crisis: Solutions and Remedies, praised Hebrew Universitys emphasis on basic biomedical research. She stated: So much of our research, just because of the way the U.S. system has developed, is prot-driven.

(LR) Martin Zelman, Elizabeth Edwards, Lois Zelman

Its nice to see places like The Hebrew University where scientists are doing the kind of basic research

that desperately needs to be done without so much concern for economic prot.

(LR) Shelly Hechtman and Ellen Klersfeld, ALEF Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Edwards, Professors Howard Cedar and Boris Rubinsky
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PAGE 6 | AFHU NEWS

INAUGURAL EINSTEIN AWARD GALA RAISES MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION FOR
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the world, due in no small part to Hebrew University breakthroughs such as drip irrigation, which helps farmers use water more efciently.

BILL GATES TRULY EMBODIES THE VALUES AND IDEALS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY AND INDEED THE EINSTEIN AWARD. GEORGE SCHIEREN AFHU PRESIDENT

Bill Gates with Susan and Michael Dell, Executive Co-Chairs of the Einstein Award Gala

Agricultural innovation is one of the most important ways to make peoples lives better. History has shown us that almost no country has managed a rapid rise from poverty without increasing its agricultural productivity. Hebrew University is uniquely suited to contribute to the world though agricultural research and development, stated Bill Gates in accepting the Einstein Award. The award was inspired by the legacy of Albert Einstein, whose actions were rooted in the belief that true progress

Bill Gates with Professor Hanoch Gottfreund, President Menachem Magidor and Walter Isaacson at the Einstein Archives Exhibit

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AFHU NEWS | PAGE 7

RESEARCH IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

requires the alleviation of human suffering. Bill Gates truly embodies the values and ideals of The Hebrew University and indeed the Einstein Award, said George Schieren, AFHU president. He is a pioneer who has transformed the world, rst through revolutionary technological innovation, and now through his seless pursuit to eradicate disease and hunger. His dedication to meeting the nutritional needs of millions around the globe mirrors the continuing efforts by Hebrew University researchers to feed the world through sustainable agriculture.
Mark R. Gordon, Executive Co-Chair, Jane Zimmerman, Patricia Gordon, Executive Co-Chair, and Ronald Zimmerman

Ambassador Sallai Meridor and Harvey Krueger, Executive Co-Chair of the Einstein Gala

Isaac Becker, Nancy and Kenneth Stein, HU Rector, Professor Sarah Stroumsa, and Pita Becker

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PAGE 8 | AFHU NEWS

LEONA Z. ROSENBERG: A Leader of Stature

eona Z. Rosenberg, a Benefactor of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has been active with AFHU since 1975, fullling varied leadership roles in the Midwest Region and nationally as a member of AFHUs Board of Directors. A gracious hostess, she has opened her Chicago home on countless occasions to visiting Hebrew University faculty, providing a welcoming environment for sabbatical nights and parlor meetings. Stated Mike Freed, chair of AFHU, Midwest Region: Leona is almost without parallel in her support of the Midwest Region. Her longstanding commitment to AFHU and our region has been reected in every way possible, including by providing hospitality and friendship to HU professors and students and to board leadership. She has represented our region in national activities and participated in many Hebrew University Board of Governors meetings and AFHU missions. She is loved and admired by us all. A participant in last springs AFHU Mission to Berlin and Jerusalem, Leona observed that many of her

Leona Rosenberg receiving Honorary Fellowship from HU President, Professor Menachem Magidor

fellow participants were Chicagoans whose devotion to the university is reected by their presence at Board of Governors meetings and on missions to Israel. Admiring faculty excellence, she also commented that HU scholar-in-residence, Professor Shlomo Avineri, made great presentations, heightening the pleasure of the 2008 two-country journey. I became involved in AFHUs Chicago Chapter through Max (zl) and Rita Haber, said Leona. They went to Tel Aviv every year, and I spent a winter in Tel Aviv at the urging of Rita and Max. It was a wonderful experience. Maxs heart

and soul was in The Hebrew University. I went to one Board of Governors meeting with Max and I was hooked. Todd Lundy, Midwest Region Executive Committee Co-Chair and former president of the Chicago chapter, was cited for inspiring Leonas engagement with the University community and American Friends. Todd was an innovative and charismatic Chicago board president, remarked Leona. I went on various missions with Todd and Morissa. I admire and respect Todds leadership and creative vision for AFHU.

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AFHU NEWS | PAGE 9

Leona Rosenberg with Mary Ann Tuft and Todd and Morissa Lundy

I think of Todd as the Ken Stein of Chicago, Leona added, referring to another friend and national board member. I watched Nancy and Ken Steins children grow up because the Steins travelled as a family to Jerusalem for BOG meetings. Delighting in these and many other relationships with fellow lay leaders, faculty and students, Leona, who herself has a knack for bringing people together, credited The Hebrew University for having so much to offer. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Leona grew up in a community with about 1,000 Jewish

people and two congregations, the reform congregation dating back to 1848. My father and his group would form minyans for the holidays, Leona said, remarking upon a neighbor, Minette Baum, who personally knew Henrietta Szold, the founder of Hadassah Womens Zionist Organization of America. In those days, everybody bought trees for Palestine, Leona noted. Her Russian born father, Samuel Zweig, immigrated with his family to Indiana in the late 1800s. Highly educated, Samuel Zweig spoke several languages and encouraged his four children to succeed academically,

as did Leonas mother Celia Zweig, a homemaker devoted to her childrens upbringing. Leona proudly stated that her brother Felix received a four-year scholarship from Yale University in the midst of the Great Depression. Leona received a scholarship from the Indiana University Extension and earned an IU bachelors degree. Upon graduating college, she taught high school in Fort Wayne for several years, taking summer courses at the University of Chicago, where she earned an M.B.A. with an emphasis on Business Education.
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PAGE 10 | AFHU NEWS

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university symposia in countries While in Chicago, Leona met her outside Israel. She visited Turkey in husband Benjamin (zl), a prominent the company of HU art historians real estate and corporate lawyer. as well as Czechoslovakia, where she There were no eligible men in studied Jewish Fort Wayne, she art. Both memoquipped. The couple LEONA IS ALMOST WITHOUT rable trips were married in 1952 under the leaderand enjoyed active PARALLEL IN HER SUPPORT ship of Professor professional and OF THE MIDWEST REGION. Bezalel Narkiss social lives, all the SHE IS LOVED AND ADMIRED (zl). while participating in BY US ALL. Jewish communal Equally intercauses. Admired for ested in the eld MIKE FREED CHAIR, AFHU MIDWEST REGION fostering an array of nutrition, Leona of academic and maintained a research activities at close friendship Hebrew University, Leona was an with Professor Naomi Trostler, a early supporter of Israel Bonds in renowned nutritionist and academic Illinois. She is a member of the leader at HUs Faculty of Agriculture, National Council of Jewish Women, today known as the Robert H. Smith the Jewish United Fund and is a Faculty of Agriculture, Food and member of NaAmat, a Zionist Environment. With partial support organization formerly known as from Leona, Professor Trostler Pioneer Jewish Women. launched a unique research project Leona established scholarships at analyzing the diet of Ethiopian Jews HUs Center for Jewish Art. One of for the purpose of controlling and her pleasures, aside from helping preventing non-Western diseases. students, came from attending Said Leona, It meant a lot to me

that my money was used for this highly original and important research. Whether contributing to HU projects in medicine, science, agriculture or the humanities, Leona gives from her headon the basis of intellectual curiosityas well as from her heart. The recipient of AFHUs prestigious Torch of Learning and Scopus Awards, Leona was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Hebrew University in 2004. Her enduring dedication to and support for Hebrew University springs from the belief that the most important role of philanthropy is to provide people with the tools to better themselves. Whats more important than educating a person so that he can help himself, becoming selfsufcient and helping others? Leona explained. We rejoice in her exemplary leadership and a friendship that has spanned many decades.

AFHUS LATEST VIDEO THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM: FEEDING THE WORLD, NARRATED BY BILLY CRYSTAL, IS NOW ONLINE!

Visit www.afhu.org/feedingthefuture
to see how the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Environment is working to preserve natural resources, boost global food supplies, ght disease and reach out to developing nations.
www.afhu.org

AFHU NEWS | PAGE 11

PAWS FOR A CAUSE & TAILS OF LOVE: AFHU Spring 2009 Events Supporting The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine
In 2006, AFHUs Mid-Atlantic Region launched a new tradition:

Paws for a Cause, a Bring Your Dog fundraising event that has captured the hearts of American Friends, many of whom have much loved pets at home. This spring, American Friends in the Mid-Atlantic Region will enjoy AFHUs second Paws for a Cause on April 19th, with speaker Cesar Millan, known as The Dog Whisperer. The event is co-chaired by Judy and Mark Lerner and Mr. Bogart Lerner. On May 3rd AFHUs Northwest Region will host a Tails of Love event with remarks by John Grogan, author of the best-seller, Marley and Me. Proceeds from these delightful events will help to support The Hebrew Universitys Koret School of Veterinary Medicine. Established in 1985, the Koret School is Israels rst and only veterinary school and has the nations only teaching hospital, offering round-the-clock animal care. The nest academic and research facility of its kind in the Middle East, the Koret School trains veterinarians, provides rst-rate clinical care for animals and livestock, assures Israels food safety and helps to control diseases, including those transmitted from animals to humans. A vital component of the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Koret School brings expert animal care to the entire region and is a national resource for Israel. To learn more about AFHUs Paws for a Cause and Tails of Love events, visit www.afhu.org or contact Mimi Tygier in the Mid-Atlantic Region or Beth Kyman in the Northwest Region.

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PAGE 12 | PLANNED GIVING

CREATING A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY THOUGH AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE

sraels greatest asset is and always has been the intellectual strength of the nations people. By establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity through American Friends of The Hebrew University, you will play an essential role in nurturing and safeguarding this precious asset while helping to strengthen The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Israel in years to come. In these economically challenging times, your AFHU Charitable Gift Annuity will provide you or a loved one with: Guaranteed income for life at a generous rate of return A charitable income tax deduction Tax-advantaged annuity payments A CGA with AFHU is one of the most donor advantaged gift arrangements available and can provide you and/or your loved one with secure nancial benets. Most importantly, you will have the satisfaction of providing a meaningful legacy that will perpetuate the highest standards of excellence and achievement at Israels premier institution, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Frequently Asked Questions Q. How Does a Charitable Gift Annuity Work? A. A charitable gift annuity is a simple agreement
under which AFHU, in return for a transfer of cash or marketable securities, agrees to pay a xed sum of money over a period measured by one or two lives. The person who contributes an asset for the annuity is called the donor, and the person who receives payments is called the life income beneciary. Usually, the donor is also the life income beneciary, although donors have the option of designating a different beneciary.

Example:
Dan S., aged 81, owned long-held appreciated securities that were not currently yielding any dividends. He did not want to owe capital gains tax on the sale of the stock, which was selling at $25.00 per share and which he purchased at $14.00 per share. Dan has been a supporter of AFHU and wished to continue being philanthropic this year. However, due to the current economic climate, he was concerned about his income.
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Solution:
Dan discovered he could receive 7.8% annual income guaranteed for life, and payable quarterly, if he established a CGA with AFHU. He used his appreciated stock to fund the CGA, thus avoiding capital gains tax on the difference between the current value of the shares and the price he paid for the stock. He also did not have to pay a brokers fee. Equally important, Dan is eligible for an immediate income tax deduction in this tax year that can be carried forward in

PLANNED GIVING | PAGE 13

HEBREW UNIVERSITY
accordance with accounting principles. The tax deduction is not based on the full amount of his contribution to fund the CGA. Rather the deduction is based on the remainder value to AFHU that will pass to support The Hebrew University as his legacy. The calculation for the actual charitable deduction takes into consideration several factors: among these are the age of the life income beneciary, the rate of the annuity income payments he or she will receive and the IRS discount rate during the month the gift was made. By establishing a CGA now, Dan can enjoy the various nancial and emotional benets during his lifetime. He becomes an esteemed member of AFHUs Einstein Visionaries, an honorary society that recognizes planned gifts created through AFHU in support of The Hebrew University.

Q. Are there any tax benets to charitable gift annuities? A. Yes. A portion of each annuity payment will be taxfree for a period of time; for gifts of cash, the taxfree portion is larger. Moreover, donors who itemize deductions are eligible for an immediate charitable income tax deduction in return for their charitable contribution. The exact amount of the deduction is calculated at the time of the contribution and based on the value of the remainder interest to AFHU. You can reduce your taxable estate by the amount used to establish the CGA. Alternatively, if you fund your CGA with appreciated securities, you will not have to pay the capital gains tax on the difference between the price per share when the securities were originally purchased or received and the current value of the stock. The contribution of securities to fund the CGA will be valued based on the average price per share on the date of your gift. As you receive your annuity income distributions, a small portion of each payment will be treated as capital gains income. In addition, as stated above, a portion of each payment is tax-free.

Q. Who can receive payments from a charitable gift annuity? A. The donor, his or her spouse, a family member or
even an unrelated individual can be designated as a life income beneciary of a CGA. The maximum number of beneciaries to receive life income with one CGA is two people. Payments can be made to these individuals jointly or successively.

Q. How safe are charitable gift annuities? A. Payments from a charitable gift annuity are xed
from the outset. They will neither increase nor decrease, no matter what happens to interest rates or the stock market. AFHU is contractually obligated to make the payments to the life income beneciaries and there are legal requirements for charities such as AFHU. When issuing CGAs, nonprot 501(c) 3 organizations such as AFHU hold reserve funds for this express purpose.
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PAGE 14 | PLANNED GIVING

Continued from page 13

Q. Is a CGA right for me? A. Most gift annuity donors are seeking to increase
their cash ow. They prefer the security of guaranteed payments and want to save taxes. A Charitable Gift Annuity is right for people who: Have declining CD and bond interest rates and want the higher rate of returns and increased cash ow not currently available from US investments; Would like xed guaranteed payments for life that are not affected by uctuating interest rates or the stock market; Want to assure continuation of payments to a spouse; Would like to provide nancial assistance to an elderly parent, sibling or other person in a tax advantaged manner; Own appreciated stock and have considered selling some shares and reinvesting the proceeds to generate more income. However, they dont want to pay the capital gains tax immediately; Want to provide a legacy to AFHU to support The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and would like to enjoy the emotional fulllment of charitable giving and donor recognition during their lifetime. You may decide to cut your losses in the stock market and sell some of your stock for cash. If you itemize on your tax returns, you can report the loss and use the cash proceeds from the sale of the stock to fund a CGA. In this way, you will be utilizing the cash to earn xed income for life at a higher rate of return than may be currently available with other types of US investments.

Q. How can I obtain more information? A. You can receive a personalized illustration of the
income and tax benets that you would be entitled to when you establish a CGA through AFHU. To create a customized illustration, AFHU will want to know your age and/or the age of the life income beneciary and whether you are considering funding the CGA with cash, securities or a combination of both. For further information, please contact your local AFHU Regional Ofce or email plannedgiving@afhu.org

Q. How much is required to fund a gift annuity? A. The minimum contribution to AFHU to fund a CGA is
$10,000 for a single life income beneciary and $25,000 for two life income beneciaries. CGAs are available to donors who are age 65 and above.

Q. Are there any advantages if I contribute securities that have depreciated in value? A. Unfortunately, during this past year many of our friends
have suffered losses in the market; some are not certain of the direction to take while their stocks continue depreciate in value. If you are charitably inclined and wish to make a contribution to support The Hebrew University, you may consider using a CGA to convert your loss into a protable situation.
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Charitable Gift Annuity Interest Rates

Age Rate

65 . . 70 . . 75 . . 80 . . 85 . . 90+ .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

5.3% 5.7% 6.3% 7.1% 8.1% 9.5%

These rates are based on single life calculations, and are offered by the American Council on Gift Annuities. These rates are effective until June 30, 2009.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 15

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY

Earliest Known Hebrew Text Discovered by Famed Archaeologists

Elah Fortress excavations

he oldest Hebrew script found to date has been discovered by HU archaeologists. The writing text in black ink on a shard of pottery was uncovered during excavations of a fortress city overlooking the Elah valley, the Biblical site of the battle between David and Goliath. Professor Yosef Garfinkel, the Yigal Yadin Professor of Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology and his colleague, Saar Ganur, led the excavations. The 3,000 year-old finding is the most significant archaeological discovery in Israel since the Dead Sea Scrolls, predating them by 1,000 years. The Elah Fortress archaeological site could prove the existence of the United Monarchy, whose existence has been disputed by scholars. Initial interpretation of the text suggests that it was part of a letter and contains the roots of the words judge, slave and king. To date, artifacts found at the site indicate that there was most likely a strong king and central government in Jerusalem, which would verify descriptions found in Samuel and Chronicles.
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Oldest known Hebrew script on pottery shard

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PAGE 16 | HU RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

HU Scientists Use Stem Cells to Reverse Brain Defects

Professor Joseph Yanai and his associates at The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School have successfully used stem cells to replace defective brain cells, reversing birth defects in the brains of animal models. The researchers were able to reverse learning decits in mice who were exposed to pesticide and heroin in utero by transplanting neural stem cell into the brains of the baby mice. The mice made an almost full recovery, as proved in behavioral tests. The brain chemistry of the treated animals was also restored to normal.
New brain cells (green stain) induced in the heroin-damaged brain by transplantation of neural stem cells

New Understanding of the Origin of Galaxies

U cosmologists, led by Professor Avishai Dekel, the Andre Aisenstadt Chair of Theoretical Physics at the Racah Institute of Physics, have formulated a new theory on the formation of galaxies. Their theory challenges the current, predominant theory on the origin of galaxies, which holds that galaxies were formed from galactic mergers.

The new theory, based on advanced astronomical observations and state-of-the-art computer simulations, maintains that the galaxies primarily were formed from intense cosmic streams of cold gas. The researchers show that these mergers had only limited inuence on the cosmological makeup of the universe as we know it. The results of the cosmology research group appear in the journal Nature.

Computer simulation of galaxy formation shows matter owing into the center of a galaxy through three cold gas streams. Such pictures provide the basis for the new theory of galaxy formation via these streams.

View of a spiral galaxy

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HU RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 17

HU Scientists Reveal Mechanism That Triggers Differentiation of Embryo Cells

Professors Yehudit Bergman and Howard Cedar of The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School have deciphered how embryonic cells stop being flexible and turn into mature cells. At the earliest stages of human development all cells of the embryo are identical. Unlike adult cells, they have the potential to become any type of tissue. The researchers discovered that a single gene, G9a, is responsible for controlling the process of embryonic stem cell differentiation. Their studies hold major implications for medical treatment, particularly in generating new tissues for replacing damaged cells common to a variety of diseases, among these Parkinsons and diabetes.

HU Article Voted Best Paper on Reproduction Research

team of Hebrew University-Hadassah medical scientists received top honors from Nature Medicine, based on their joint 2006 paper identifying the previously unknown role played by the human immune system during pregnancy. The paper tied for rst place in Nature Medicines survey of the most inuential advances in reproductive science between 2004 and 2008. When the worlds foremost experts in reproductive biology and medicine were polled by the journal, seventeen percent of respondents chose The Hebrew University-Hadassah teams work, citing its importance to the eld of human reproduction. Professor Ofer Mandelboim and Dr. Jacob Hanna of the Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology collaborated on this groundbreaking research with Professor Simcha Yagel and Dr. Debra Goldman-Wohl of Hadassahs Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ein Kerem. The scientists utilized both cellular and molecular biology to advance their understanding of maternal-fetal interaction. Their paper, Decidual NK cells regulate key developmental processes at the human fetal-maternal interface, revealed that the bodys defensive immune cells, known as decidual NKs (natural killers), also perform a vital reg-

ulatory function in the development of the placenta during pregnancy. Such cells, when migrating to the uterus, secrete proteins that trigger the formation of blood vessels that are essential for the shaping of the newly formed placenta. Professor Mandelboim explained: This study provides a revolutionary peaceful model for reproductive immunology, in which elements of the innate immune system are incorporated in a constructive manner to support proper development of the placenta. The research teams new insight into the immune system is helpful in addressing the dangers of high-risk pregnancies, in-vitro fertilization and recurrent miscarriages.

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PAGE 18 | REGIONAL NEWS

Greater New York Region TORCH OF LEARNING LUNCHEON HONORS GARY P. NAFTALIS, ESQ. AND MARY JO WHITE, ESQ.

Gary P. Naftalis accepts award from event co-chair Brad S. Karp

Mary Jo White honored by event co-chair Lorin L. Reisner

eading American lawyers Gary P. Naftalis, co-chair of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, and Mary Jo White, chair of the Litigation Department at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, received AFHUs 39th Annual George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award on February 5, 2009. The award luncheon, held at Cipriani in New York City, attracted 350 guests and raised over $500,000 for the Aharon Barak Research Center Endowment Fund at Hebrew Universitys Faculty of Law. Tribute Committee co-chairs and fellow attorneys, Elkan Abramowitz, Alan R. Friedman, Brad S. Karp, Alan R. Kaufman, Bernard W. Nussbaum, Mark F. Pomerantz, and Lorin L. Reisner, helped generate support for the event. Also attending the luncheon were Yoav Dotan, dean of Hebrew Universitys Faculty of Law and Edwin A. Goodman Professor of Public Law, HU student ambassador Hadar Moriah, and Frances R. Katz, an AFHU leader and the wife of George A. Katz (zl).

Former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Right Honorable Lord Harry Woolf, presented the keynote address. Lord Woolf, praised the Law Faculty, which he said has a reputation for excellence, as does Israels legal system. Gary P. Naftalis, head of litigation at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, has represented individuals and corporations, including prominent securities industry clients in complex bet-thecompany civil, criminal and regulatory matters for more than 30 years. Mary Jo White is a premier litigator of white-collar corporate crime, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) matters, and major business litigation disputes. She is a former US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and the only woman to have held this top position in the ofces more than 200-year history.

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YOURE INVITED: MICHAEL KURTZ TO RECEIVE MAIMONIDES AWARD ON MAY 21, 2009

lease join American Friends of The Hebrew University as we honor Michael Kurtz for his longstanding leadership and dedication to the Lautenberg Research Center for General and Tumor Immunology at The Hebrew Universitys Faculty of Medicine. The May 21, 2009, Maimonides reception at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ, will benefit the Lautenberg Centers pioneering cancer research. (See page 17 for Lautenberg Center news.) Senator Frank Lautenberg is the events Honorary Chair. Joining him in tribute to Michael Kutz are Robert Densen, co-chair of the Lautenberg

Michael Kurtz

Research Center, Harvey Krueger, Maimonides Award event chair and Bernard Berkowitz, Benjamin Perlmutter, and Zev Rosen, co-chairs. Michael Kurtz has been involved with the Lautenberg Center since 1982. Co-chair since 1999, he has been instrumental in the centers growth and research success. The active AFHU leader is a member of Hebrew Universitys Board of Governors and AFHUs Board of Directors. To participate in this evening of tribute, please contact Naomi Smook, (212) 607-8517; nsmook@afhu.org, or visit www.afhu.org, Greater NY Region events.

Mid-Atlantic Region SCOPUS AWARD IN WASHINGTON, DC

Ambassador and HU VP Carmi Gillon, Ambassador Stuart and Fran Eizenstat, Ambassador Alfred Moses, Thomas Friedman, Ira Lee Sorkin

mbassador Stuart and Fran Eizenstat of Maryland were honored with the Scopus Award on December 10, 2008, in Washington, DC. The award was presented by Scopus Gala chair and friend, Ambassador Alfred Moses. New York Times correspondent and HU alumnus Thomas Friedman

spoke about environmental issues, global warming and HUs leadership in sustainable agriculture. Proceeds from the gala event beneted the Institute of Environmental Sciences at HUs Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

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Southeast Region HONORING MIKE AND LOUISE STEIN

n January 31, 2009, Louise and Michael Stein received the Scopus Award in Palm Beach, Florida. More than $600,000 for student scholarships at The Hebrew University was raised at the dinner event. Marvin Kalb, television journalist and Harvard Universitys Edward R. Murrow Professor of Press and Public Policy at Harvard University, delivered the evenings keynote address.

Keynote Speaker Marvin Kalb and esteemed Scopus honorees Louise and Michael Stein

RAISING SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS: MAR-A-LAGO SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON

The Southeast Region hosted its annual Mar-a-Lago Scholarship Luncheon on December 3, 2008. Journalist and former CNN host Paula Zahn was the guest speaker. Over 300 people attended the event, chaired by Roberta Bogen, Sherry Endelson, Roberta Kozloff and Laurie Silvers.

Roberta Kozloff, Laurie Silvers, Paula Zahn, Roberta Bogen, Sherry Endelson

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Midwest Region JEROLD SOLOVY HONORED WITH SCOPUS AWARD

ver 350 people were present on December 10, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago to honor Jerold S. Solovy, Chairman Emeritus, Jenner & Block LLP, at AFHUs Gala Scopus Award Dinner. The event raised $500,000 for student scholarships. In presenting Mr. Solovy with the Scopus Award, HU Rector Sarah Stroumsa acknowledged that Mr. Solovy is repeatedly counted among the 100 best lawyers in the US. By litigating pro bono, he makes manifest, time and again, the principle of fair trial as a cornerstone of a just society. Mr. Solovy said of the honor: Receiving the Scopus Award was a singular event in the life of the Solovy family. It was a very moving evening. I didnt think it was possible, but it made me feel even more closely connected to Israel than I have ever been.

Jerold and Kathleen Solovy, Millie Rosenbloom Simon, John Simon

Pacic Northwest Region TORCH OF LEARNING AWARD EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON IN SEATTLE

n December 3, 2008, Michael L. Novick, Allan G. Steinman, Harold B. Buzz Coe and John A. Coe were honored with AFHUs elite Torch of Learning Award in Seattle, Washington. The luncheon paid tribute to the honorees diverse contributions to higher education, Israel and Jewish philanthropic causes. Michael L. Novick is the Executive Director for Strategic Development of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Harold B.Coe and John A. Coe are distinguished attorneys with the The Coe Law Group, PLLC, located in Seattle. Professor Boris Rubinsky, Director of Hebrew Universitys Center for Bioengineering in the Service of Humanity, was the featured speaker. His presentation, Combating Cancer: One Cell Phone at a Time described his innovation whereby cell phones are used to transmit medical images to diagnostic centers located thousands of miles from patients in remote and rural parts of the world.

Torch of Learning Award 2008 Honorees Michael L. Novick; Allan G. Steinman; Harold B. Buzz Coe; John A. Coe
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Western Region IN APPRECIATION: PROFESSOR MENACHEM MAGIDOR

Western Region Chairman Richard Ziman, University of California President Mark Yudof, HU President Menachem Magidor, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, Western Region President Barry Lippman

n January 26 2009, over 100 guests gathered at the Beverly Hills home of Daphna and Richard Ziman to honor outgoing Hebrew University President Menachem Magidor, who has led the University for the past 12 years. The reception, co-hosted by the Zimans and Patricia Glaser and Sam Mudie, also gave the Western Region the opportunity to recognize its most recent Founders, Trustees, Guardians, and Benefactors and extend its gracious thanks for their steadfast support. The evenings highlights included a briefing from Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, a special message from University of California President Mark Yudof, remarks by guest speaker UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, and an appreciative response by President Magidor. HU Vice President Carmi Gillon and Hebrew University medical students currently studying at UCLA through an exchange program were also in attendance.

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AFHU NEWS | PAGE 23

2009 Spring Highlights

REGION
GREATER NEW YORK

DATE
MARCH 29 MAY 21

EVENT
Healing the World Conference: A Day of Dialogue & Discoveries Maimonides Dinner Honoring Michael Kurtz Paws for a Cause Dinner Beneting The Koret School Leaders of Distinction Dinner Honoring Rabbi & Mrs. Robert Frazin, Dr. & Mrs. Horacio Schlaen

MID-ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST

APRIL 19 MARCH 29

MIDWEST

MARCH 26 APRIL 21

Scopus Award Dinner Honoring James Matanky Lawyers Luncheon with speaker Sharon Sioniv, Director of HUs Center for Legal Education

WESTERN

APRIL 19

Western Region Academic Symposium: Protecting & Sustaining the Environment and Feeding the World

NORTHWEST NATIONAL

MAY 3 APRIL 26

Tails of Love Gala Beneting The Koret School Board of Directors Annual Meeting in NYC with special recognition to: Professor Menachem Magidor, Ira Lee Sorkin and George A. Schieren

JUNE 5-15 JUNE 5-10

AFHU President's Mission to Israel The Hebrew Universitys Annual Board of Governors Meeting

Learn more about these and other events at www.afhu.org

In Remembrance
We mourn the passing of Sophia Kalina Emanuel Shemin Monte Toole
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