The Israeli Embassy in the UK last week hosted a special reception with a visiting leadership delegation from the University of Haifa for friends and alumni of the University.
The audience heard from academics included recently appointed University President, Professor Gur Alroey, who shared his vision for his term as President and the role the University can play in supporting the North ‘the day after’ during a fireside chat hosted by Co-Chairs of the University of Haifa UK, Dr Efrat Sopher and Russell Jacobs. Tzipi Hotovely, Israeli Ambassador the UK, made the introductory remarks, commending the University on its innovation and social mission, after a video message of support from President Herzog.
Professor Uriel Simonsohn gave an inspirational presentation about the progress made with his interfaith relations initiative in Haifa, and now in other mixed cities. Professor Sarit Larisch presented her groundbreaking research in reversing early-stage breast cancer tumours back to health cells, and PhD student Ole Sorensen presented his work in marine conservation, describing also how as a Norwegian he has now settled in Haifa with an Israeli wife and family. Professor Ahmad Abu-Akel, and UK Trustee, Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, spoke about their collaboration with the University of Cambridge investigating empathy as a natural resource for peace.
Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, said: “I am so proud and excited to welcome representatives from the University of Haifa – in particular, its President, Professor Gur Alroey – and the University’s friends here in the UK. Welcome! Your presence here in London is especially important against the backdrop of the anti-Israel violence that has swept across Europe in recent weeks.
I wish everyone involved in establishing the new School of Medicine every success in the future. It’s just one example of the exciting developments at the University of Haifa – more of which we look forward to hearing about this evening.”
Dr Sopher said: “We are so grateful to the Israeli Embassy for supporting last night’s event. It was a true celebration of everything we have achieved recently, as well as an opportunity to look forward to future ambitions. In these challenging times, peacebuilding and coexistence are perhaps more important than ever, and we are proud to showcase our innovative work such as in interfaith relations and a collaboration with Sir Simon in the UK  on empathy as a natural resource for peace”.