June 15, 2023 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) presented an Honorary Fellowship to prominent pancreatic cancer researcher and Jewish leader Dr. William Isacoff on June 12th at the 86th Board of Governors Meeting in Jerusalem, Israel. 

Dr. Isacoff is one of the foremost gastrointestinal oncologists in the United States and has developed innovative treatments which have significantly extended the lives of pancreatic cancer patients nationwide. For four decades, he has striven to form better, safer, and more effective treatments for patients battling pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. He currently holds an academic appointment within the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and serves on the Board of Directors of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Foundation.  

In 2005, Dr. Isacoff received the Medical Visionary Award from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, presented to an individual within the scientific community whose outstanding professional achievement and contributions have advanced pancreatic cancer research.  

Dr. lsacoff serves on the American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) National Board of Directors as well as the Hebrew University’s International Board of Governors and is a lifetime trustee. 

“We welcome Dr. William Isacoff into the ranks of the Hebrew University Honorary Fellows with gratitude for his outstanding service on the Board of Governors of the Hebrew University and for his leadership on the national AFHU Board; celebrating his prolific achievements in medicine, including his innovations, research, and sharing of his knowledge with professionals worldwide through teaching and consulting; and in recognition of his vision of making arts and culture accessible to all, including a conference on the publications of Hebrew University founder Albert Einstein,” said HU President Prof. Asher Cohen. “He is one of a highly select group of esteemed individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy in support of Israel and higher education.” 

Dr. Isacoff is a patron of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2009, he produced the show “Bring It to You” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the benefit of more than 300 inner-city high school students. He also chaired and produced the “Legacy of Einstein’s Science,” an academic conference to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the year in which Einstein published five papers that changed the world. 

In accepting the accolade, Dr. Isacoff said, “The Hebrew University is noted throughout the world as a pioneer in medicine, cancer research, neuroscience, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. The standard of living and quality of life worldwide have improved as a result of HU’s outstanding achievements. There is a unique environment at the University where the faculty is appreciated, they trust their colleagues, and enjoy an atmosphere of mutual collaboration. For the last 100 years, Hebrew University has attracted the best faculty and students from around the world that make it Israel’s finest jewel.” 

Dr. Isacoff received his medical degree from New York Medical College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hofstra University.