American Friends of the Hebrew University

Exciting news from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem!

American Friends of the Hebrew University congratulates Prof. Yuval Dor and Dr. Agnès Klochendler on receiving a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem proudly congratulates Prof. Yuval Dor and Dr. Agnès Klochendler of the IMRIC - The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada on receiving the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant, one of Europe’s top research awards.

The awarded project focuses on uncovering the earliest events that lead to the development of type 1 diabetes. Contrary to the widely held view that viral infections are the primary trigger of this autoimmune disease, the research team has proposed a novel model. Their work suggests that the initial cause may lie within the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, specifically due to disruptions in RNA metabolism and RNA editing. By investigating how these defects initiate autoimmune responses, they hope to unlock entirely new mechanisms for prevention and early-stage treatment.

Congratulations, Yuval and Agnès. We look forward to the future impact of your research.

In the photo: Back, Dr Agnes Klochender and Prof. Yuval Dor. Front left to right graduate students Dr Sara Jonsson, Maya Dagan-Israeli and Jonathan Belin. Credit: Dor Lab

🌎 New research from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is reshaping our understanding of climate change.

A new study published in Nature Communications and led by Prof. Guy Dagan found that aerosols—tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere—can either warm or cool the climate depending on timing, revealing that the atmosphere has a kind of “memory” that shapes climate impacts based not only on the number of particles present, but also on how quickly conditions are changing and how much time the atmosphere has had to respond.

These findings could help address one of the greatest uncertainties in climate projections and improve our ability to predict future climate change.

📖 Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/4g1YgnJ

Aerosols May Warm or Cool the Climate Depending on Timing, New Study Finds June 22, 2026 - A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) challenges a long-held assumption in climate science by showing that

This week, representatives from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where he encouraged the University community to continue serving as “artisans of true peace” in a world increasingly marked by division and conflict.

Recognizing universities as essential spaces for respectful dialogue, learning, and understanding across differences, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the important role institutions like the Hebrew University play in fostering peace, breaking down barriers, and building stronger connections between people and cultures.

As a University founded on the belief that knowledge can help shape a better future, Hebrew University continues to serve as a place where diverse perspectives come together in pursuit of discovery, collaboration, and hope.

📖 Read the full article on Vatican News: https://bit.ly/4whDF3J

Pope to Hebrew University of Jerusalem: 'Be artisans of true peace' - Vatican News Pope Leo XIV meets with representatives of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and encourages them to be beacons of hope, peace, and unity in a world ...

Congratulations to the graduates!

Breakthroughs of this magnitude are rarely the result of a single moment—they are the culmination of years of scientific inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to advancing human health.

American Friends of the Hebrew University is proud to support an institution whose research continues to create meaningful impact far beyond campus, improving lives around the world.

A historic milestone in precision medicine has just been reached, marking a world-first for infant neurological care.

An eight-month-old infant suffering from a severe, drug-resistant genetic epilepsy became the first patient in the world to receive a groundbreaking gene replacement therapy delivered directly to the brain. Administered at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, the treatment has left the child stable with no recurrence of the severe seizures.

This world-first achievement builds upon more than a decade of foundational research led by Prof. Rami Aqeilan at the Faculty of Medicine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Learn more! Link in the comments.

הפקולטה לרפואה האוניברסיטה העברית Faculty of Medicine

American Friends of the Hebrew University congratulates Prof. Yaakov Nahmias on being named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the academy’s highest professional distinction.

Israeli innovation continues to make a global impact.🌏

Congratulations to Prof. Yaakov Nahmias of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Prof. Tal Dvir of Tel Aviv University, and Prof. Hossam Haick of the Technion on being named Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the academy’s highest professional distinction.

We are especially proud to celebrate Prof. Nahmias, Director of the Grass Center for Bioengineering at the Hebrew University, whose groundbreaking work in bioengineering and organ-on-chip technologies is advancing drug development, precision medicine, and human disease modeling.

The link to read the full story is in the comments.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

AFHU LEAD is recruiting for Cohort IV.

This elite leadership development program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders for American Friends of the Hebrew University while providing participants with unique opportunities for personal, professional, and philanthropic growth.

Participants receive:
✔ Leadership training and professional development
✔ An exclusive week-long Israel experience
✔ Access to Hebrew University's world-changing research and innovation
✔ Mentorship and networking opportunities with AFHU and Hebrew University leaders

Join a select group of emerging leaders from across the country who are committed to strengthening their connection to Israel, advancing innovation, and helping shape AFHU's future.

Apply today: afhu.org/lead

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem recently hosted members of the B’nai B’rith World Center Hebrew Diplomatic Club for a discussion on academic freedom, international cooperation, and the challenges facing global academic collaboration.

The meeting highlighted the vital role universities play in advancing research, dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas across borders.

We are proud to support an institution committed to academic excellence and international engagement.

June is Pride Month. 🏳️‍🌈

As Pride Month begins, we join the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in celebrating the LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff who contribute to the rich diversity of campus life.

Creating an environment where every member of the community feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed is essential to the University's mission. We are proud to support a community where everyone can belong exactly as they are.

Happy Pride Month. 🌈

American Friends of the Hebrew University joins the Hebrew University of Jerusalem community in mourning the loss of Captain Dr. Ori Silvester, a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine's Tzameret Track, who fell in battle.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and colleagues.

May his memory be a blessing.