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News & Updates
Hebrew University, Sapir College, and Clemson University Forge Important Agricultural Partnership
March 19, 2025 – In a significant initiative to tackle pressing agricultural, nutritional, and environmental challenges, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is partnering with Clemson University in South Carolina and Sapir College in Israel. Last week, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Neanderthal and Homo sapiens Interactions in the Mid-Middle Paleolithic Period
March 11, 2025 – A new discovery at Tinshemet Cave in central Israel is reshaping our understanding of human interactions during the Middle Paleolithic (MP) period in the Near East. The cave, remarkable for its wealth of archaeological and anthropological findings, has revealed several human
New, More Nutritional Lettuce Plant Developed by Hebrew University Researchers Using CRISPR Gene Editing
March 7, 2025 – Gene-editing (CRISPR) has successfully been used by Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers to enhance the nutritional value of lettuce, which could address micronutrient deficiencies and improve the dietary quality of widely consumed crops. The findings, published in Plant
How the Brain Seamlessly Transforms Speech Patterns and Words into Conversations
March 7, 2025 – A new Hebrew University study has uncovered how the brain seamlessly transforms sounds, speech patterns, and words into everyday conversation flow. These findings have the potential to improve speech recognition technology and help develop better tools for people with
Petunia’s Secret: Cracking Nature’s Perfume with Key Floral Scent Gene
February 27, 2025 – A study led by Prof. Alexander Vainstein from The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has revealed the crucial role of the PhDEF gene in regulating floral scent production in petunia flowers. This discovery
The important thing is to not stop questioning.
Curiosity has its own reason for existing.- Good ol' Al
Upcoming Events
Events are a great way to meet, mingle, and network with luminaries, philanthropists, and visionaries who share a passion for knowledge.
04/06/2025
Panel Discussion with Dr. Nir Hirshoren and Students from Tzameret, hosted by Adath Israel
05/08/2025
55th Annual George A. Katz Torch of Learning Award Luncheon
06/08/2025
AFHU Mission to Germany and Israel | June 8-12, 2025
06/13/2025
88th International Board of Governors
08/07/2025
Aspen Patron Trip

Hebrew University at a Glance
550+ Awards of Excellence
Including 9 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, Physics, and Economics.
4,200+ Research Projects
Hebrew University produces 1/3 of Israel's civilian research.
11,500+ registered patents
Hebrew University is ranked 12th worldwide in biotechnology patent filings and commercial development.
23,000
Students
Studying across 6 campuses, 7 faculties, together with 1,400+ researchers.
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Special Initiatives
AFHU LEAD
AFHU LEAD identifies, cultivates, and mentors the next generation of leaders for American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU). By engaging seasoned facilitators and brilliant Hebrew University researchers, AFHU LEAD connects future leaders to Israel’s premier research university, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Rimon Initiative
The Rimon Philanthropic Investment Initiative is a new, philanthropy-based venture creation engine from AFHU in partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Yissum, the university’s technology transfer company; and ASPER HUJI-Innovate, the university’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Igniting Impact
Supporting Social Initiatives at HU, is a new campaign from AFHU designed to propel social impact initiatives with a global outreach. By selecting the project that speaks to you, you will be able to identify, support, and follow your philanthropic impact.
AFHU LEAD
AFHU LEAD identifies, cultivates, and mentors the next generation of leaders for American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU). By engaging seasoned facilitators and brilliant Hebrew University researchers, AFHU LEAD connects future leaders to Israel’s premier research university, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Rimon Initiative
The Rimon Philanthropic Investment Initiative is a new, philanthropy-based venture creation engine from AFHU in partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Yissum, the university’s technology transfer company; and ASPER HUJI-Innovate, the university’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Igniting Impact
Supporting Social Initiatives at HU, is a new campaign from AFHU designed to propel social impact initiatives with a global outreach. By selecting the project that speaks to you, you will be able to identify, support, and follow your philanthropic impact.