American Friends of the Hebrew University

Yom Ha'atzmaut traditionally embodies jubilant celebrations of Israel's birth, a testament to the resilience and determination of the Israeli people. This year, festivities are imbued with a solemn tone, reflecting the harsh realities of recent events. The wounds of the ongoing conflict are still fresh, with hostages remaining in Gaza and survivors of the massacre yet to return to their homes. Yet, even as we grapple with the challenges of the present, we draw strength from the enduring spirit of the Israeli people and the principles that guide us: The establishment of the modern State of Israel was not merely a response to the horrors of the past but a beacon of hope for the future. As we navigate these turbulent times, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the State of Israel, to all its citizens, and to the Jewish people worldwide. We stand united against antisemitism and injustice, resolute in our belief that Israel is not just a haven, but a nation empowered to protect all its people, regardless of background. Today, as we commemorate Israeli independence, let us honor the sacrifices of the past by rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of peace, justice, and equality for all. Illustration by Katya Nikulin (www.katyanikulin.com), a graduate of HU and Bezalel Academy. #YomHaatzmaut #Israel #IndependenceDay #Solidarity

Today, as Israelis observe Yom HaZikaron, the national day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in defense of Israel and as victims of terror, our hearts are heavy with solemn reflection. This year, in the wake of recent events, our thoughts and prayers are with the safety and strength of all Israel Defense Forces, with the families of those currently serving, and with those who have answered the call to reserve duty since October 7th. Our hearts ache for the families of the hostages, enduring unimaginable pain. We pray for their immediate and safe return. As we reflect on this day, let us honor the memory of fallen students, alumni, and loved ones, standing in solidarity with their families. #YomHaZikaron #HebrewUniversity #BringThemHome #BringThemHomeNow

A new study by researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem that looked at the dietary preferences of desert isopods sheds light on the intricate interplay between organisms and their environment, informing ecosystem management and conservation strategies. https://bit.ly/3QG0YBD #ecology #environment #ecosystems

A new study by researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem sheds new light on the intricate process `of mRNA regulation during embryonic development, providing novel insights into how pluripotent cells adopt specialized identities through gene expression. https://bit.ly/3JVNG02 #Biology #Science #Cells

𝒀𝒐𝒎 𝑯𝒂𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒂𝒉: 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒚🕯️ On Yom HaShoah, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who were heinously murdered in the Holocaust, a dark chapter in human history that must never be forgotten. We also pay tribute to the courageous Jewish resistance fighters who stood against the atrocities of that horrific period. Since the end of World War II, Israel has served as a safe haven for Jews around the world. Yet, amidst the current period of conflict in the region, it is heartbreaking that the few Holocaust survivors who are still with us today had to witness the October 7th massacre, where once again Jews were targeted, this time in their own country, simply for being Jews. The words 'never again' ring hollow in the face of such atrocities. But even amid darkness, we refuse to succumb to despair. We are reminded that important work is still required, and we cannot and will not give up. Hope is essential, and darkness can only be dispersed by light. As we remember the past and confront the challenges of the present, let us honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust by reaffirming our commitment to fighting hatred, bigotry, and injustice wherever they may arise. Together, let us strive to build a future where the lessons of history are heeded, and where the promise of 'never again' is fulfilled for all humanity. #YomHaShoah #HolocaustRemembranceDay #NeverAgain #NeverAgainIsNow

Scientists may have pinpointed the true origin of the Hope Diamond and other pristine gemstones: Researchers suggest that the famed Golconda diamonds, including the Hope Diamond and Koh-I-Noor, may have originated from a volcanic outcrop nearly 200 miles from where they were mined. Yaakov Weiss, a geochemist who studies diamonds at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, weighs in. https://bit.ly/44mdxb3

An Israeli startup, Mentee Robotics, created by Mobileye founder Prof. Amnon Shashua from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, unveiled its AI-powered humanoid robot that can perform tasks in the home and industrial settings. https://bit.ly/3WG2g3F #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics #AI

Werner Spitz, ‘Medical Detective’ in high-profile murders, dies at 97: Dr. Spitz, a pathologist whose accounts of the traumatic last moments in some of the most sensational American deaths of the past 60 years figured in cases involving President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., O.J. Simpson, JonBenet Ramsey, Mary Jo Kopechne, and many others, was an alumnus of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. May his memory be a blessing. https://nyti.ms/49Vnjly #Detective #ForensicPathology #Forensics

Happy Earth Day! The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has a number of environment-oriented programs and research centers, one among them being the Center for Sustainability, a powerhouse to promote research, teaching, and implementation. Learn more about HU's commitment to the environment in 60 seconds: https://bit.ly/4aK4Jy6 #Sustainability #ClimateChange #Environment

According to a new study led by Prof. Lior David from the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem focusing on the common carp—a widely produced fish in the aquaculture industry and often the main ingredient in the Passover dish, gefilte fish—selective breeding could potentially lead to disease-resistant carp strains, opening up new avenues in ensuring safer food production. https://bit.ly/49JmLzh #Aquaculture #GefilteFish #Passover Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment