The 87th Hebrew University Board Of Governors Meeting

The 87th Hebrew University of Jerusalem Board of Governors (BOG) meetings—a long weekend filled with informative meetings, compelling lectures, inspiring ceremonies, and entertaining events—took place in Israel from June 1-4, 2024. The BOG is a time for the University to conduct important business and serves as a meeting place where board members, dedicated partners, and philanthropic supporters from around the world gather to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. 

After the events of October 7th and in light of the ongoing war against Hamas, this year’s theme, We Are One, was befitting. The 2024 BOG focused on Hebrew University’s (HU) commitment to its students, faculty, the wider community, and Israel. 

On Saturday, June 1, the opening reception was held at the newly-opened National Library of Israel (formerly the Jewish National and University Library), where more than five million books are housed. On Sunday, attendees spent a full day in southern Israel, where attendees met with members of various kibbutzim communities—including HU students who live or serve in the South—and heard firsthand how the war has impacted the region and its residents.

Alongside an Executive Committee Meeting and events to honor and celebrate the recipients of the Bublick Prize (a prize given to those who have had a significant impact on the advancement and development of the State of Israel), Monday featured a celebration honoring HU Benefactors and ceremonies conferring Honorary Fellowships and Honorary Doctorates. The day closed with convocation at the Rothberg Amphitheatre, followed by special events held by various international friends’ organizations. 

On Tuesday, June 4th, HU honored the generosity of its many friends through Wall of Life, Legacy Tree, and Wall of Founders dedications. After a morning of magnificent and moving ceremonies on the Mt. Scopus campus, BOG attendees witnessed the presentation of this year’s highly competitive Asper Prize startup award to GynTools and Hydro X. GynTools, a Jerusalem-based startup, provides Gyni—the first AI-based, accurate, rapid point of care diagnostic system for commonly misdiagnosed gynecological ailments. Hydro X is reinventing hydrogen storage and transportation with a disruptive technology that enables the storage and transport of hydrogen in a non-toxic, non-flammable, non-explosive, and energy-efficient carrier, driving down the cost of hydrogen storage and transportation and unlocking the hydrogen economy. 

That evening, the 87th BOG closed with the gathering, “Together We Can,” at the Wise Auditorium on HU’s Edmond J. Safra Campus. The sense of solidarity and community at this year’s BOG was meaningful for all in attendance, and those who made the trip left with renewed energy and appreciation for the role played by the University in the broad context of Israeli society.   

Planning is already underway for the 2025 BOG, which marks the centennial anniversaries for both HU and AFHU.  We hope you will consider joining us in Jerusalem next June.   

Related Posts:

During the 87th BOG, attendees traveled to Southern Israel to pay their respects to victims of the October 7th massacre.
Board of Governor's Chair Dan I. Schlessinger at the BOG's closing event, "Together We Can."
The 87th BOG convocation ceremony.
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