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On December 2, 2008, AFHU
and The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem and the American
Friends of The Hebrew University
awarded Bill Gates, founder and
chairman of Microsoft Corporation
and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation, with its inaugural
Einstein Award at a gala dinner held
at the New York Hilton.
The dinner, which featured a
special exhibit from the Albert
Einstein archives, raised more than
1.5 million dollars for cutting-edge
plant and animal science research
at HU’s Robert H. Smith Faculty of
Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Robert H. Smith served as honorary
chair of the Einstein Award event,
and Einstein biographer Walter
Isaacson delivered the keynote
address. Ambassador Sallai Meridor
spoke on behalf of the State of Israel.
In accepting the Einstein Award,
Mr. Gates noted that remarkable
progress has been made in recent
decades in improving health around
AFHUnews
Executive Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
ALEF 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Inaugural Einstein Award Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Leona Rosenberg: A Leader of Stature . . . . . . . . 8
Paws for a Cause & Tails of Love:Supporting the Koret School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Planned Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
HU Research Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
AFHU Regional News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Upcoming Event Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
CONTENTS
Robert H. Smith congratulating Bill Gates
Continued on page 6
INAUGURAL EINSTEIN AWARD GALARAISES MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION FORSUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH
VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 8 | SPRING 2009
Elizabeth Edwardsappeared at ALEF 2009,
speaking on “Healthcare in Crisis”
See page 4 for article.
PAGE 2 | AFHU NEWS
www.afhu.org
2009 AFHU BOARDOF DIRECTORSGeorge A. SchierenPresident
Ira Lee SorkinChairman of the Board
Lawrence E. GlickLouis L. KaitzMichael S. KurtzRichard S. ZimanVice Chairmen of the Board
Michael S. KurtzMichael J. FreedChairmen of the Executive Committee
Ernest BogenAmbassador William A. BrownSusan A. GitelsonCharles H. GoodmanMichael G. JesselsonTodd S. LundyKenneth L. SteinRonald M. ZimmermanVice Presidents
Clive KabatznikNational Chair Campaign Committee
Adi RavivTreasurer
Daniel J. SchultzAssistant Treasurer
Frances R. KatzSecretary
Martin E. KarlinskyRichard D. WeinbergAssistant SecretariesStanley M. BogenAmbassador Max M. KampelmanHarvey M. KruegerFred S. LaferSenator Frank R. LautenbergBarbara A. MandelKeith L. SachsIra Lee SorkinHonorary Presidents
Stanley M. BogenAmbassador Max M. KampelmanHarvey M. KruegerFred S. LaferKeith L. SachsHonorary Chairmen of the Board
Harold BerryD. Walter CohenLeonie J. DarwinAlex GrassMartin HechtSanford F. KuvinBess MyersonTheodore K. RabbRabbi Stanley RabinowitzHerbert L. SachsVidal SassoonDavid ShapellRobert H. SmithCharles A. StillmanJerry M. SudarskyBarnett C. TobinsDan K. WassongStanley R. ZaxHonorary Vice Presidents
There is always reasonto celebrate in Israel,
a tiny country with a bigheart and unwaveringspirit. This year is noexception. The HebrewUniversity of Jerusalem’srenowned faculty andbrilliant students continueto make breakthroughadvances in every field, particularly inthe realms of sustainable agriculture,biomedicine, and brain research.They’re uncovering major historicalfinds, and using everyday items suchas the humble cell phone to transmitlife-saving medical diagnoses. Theiraward winning innovations benefit notonly the people of Israel, but people theworld over. And on the festive side,Israel is buzzing with anticipation inpreparation for events commemoratingTel Aviv’s 100th anniversary.
I invite you to celebrate these andother milestones by joining me and myregional co-chairs on American Friendsof The Hebrew University’s June 2009President’s Mission to Israel from June 5–15, 2009.
Our scholars-in-residence will accompany us across Israel’s storied
landscapes as we go behind the scenes of Israeligovernment and stand onthe threshold where Israel’sindependence was declared.Geopolitical tours will takeus to Masada and acrossthe Golan Heights to learnabout the historic andstrategic importance of
these regions. We’ll attend VIP receptions,briefings, and events with HU and international friends, focusing on thecountry’s top talents.
The 2009 President’s Mission willshowcase cutting-edge progress in brainresearch. We’ll attend briefings with HU experts, and at HU’s 72nd Board ofGovernors’ meeting, whose theme isUnraveling the Mysteries of the Brain. At the Robert H. Smith Faculty ofAgriculture, Food and Environment, we’lllearn about the eco-friendly methodsbeing developed to assure that the worldhas clean water to drink and nutrient-rich foods.
Be prepared to be inspired by Israel — and by Hebrew University’sintellectual vitality. Visit www.afhu.org formission details, or contact an AFHUregional office near you. ■
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
George A. Schieren
AFHU NEWS | PAGE 3
www.afhu.org
The spate of Gaza
attacks on southern
Israel earlier this year
demonstrated once again
the resiliency of the Israeli
people. Despite turbulent
times, Israel and The
Hebrew University of
Jerusalem remain ready to
meet any challenge, while
moving forward with life – and
progress. AFHU joins and supports
the University’s efforts to serve
as a vital academic and
humanitarian resource.
During this challenging time
many critical needs arose, and
Hebrew University took swift action.
The University launched several key
initiatives, extending its educational
mission and outreach and support
for students—not only Hebrew
University students in the IDF
reserves who were called to active
duty, but also young students from
Israeli towns near Gaza.
When schools in
southern Israel were
forced to close due
to rocket attacks,
Hebrew University
opened its doors
to 100 middle
and high school
students from
Ashkelon, Sderot
and Netivot. These students partici-
pated in science workshops led by
HU student volunteers at the
Belmonte Science Laboratories for
Youth on HU’s Edmond J. Safra
campus at Givat Ram. They lived in
HU dormitories and enjoyed social
activities, cultural tours and home
hospitality offered by Jerusalem
families. Hebrew University’s out-
reach provided educational opportu-
nities plus a much-needed respite
for the students and their families.
The war in Gaza also took a finan-
cial toll on area residents unable to
go to work. In response, Hebrew
University’s Clinical Legal Education
Center set up an emergency hotline
to provide them with free legal advice.
The University’s law students provid-
ed counsel on work status questions
and legal matters resulting from
work disruptions caused by the
Gaza situation.
AFHU created a dedicated fund
to support HU’s outreach during
this difficult time. Financial need
still exists in the aftermath of the
Gaza conflict. If you would like to
contribute to The Hebrew University
Outreach and Student Aid Fund
2009, please visit www.afhu.org to
donate online, or contact an AFHU
office near you.
We are truly proud of HU’s
commitment and responsiveness
to students and their families in
times of crisis. Our ongoing support
helps the university to continue to
be a “model citizen” for Israel and
the world. ■
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN
Peter T. Willner
AFHUnewspublished by American Friends of The Hebrew University
One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Fl., New York, NY 10004-1405
Tel: (212) 607-8500 1-800-567-AFHU (2348) Fax: (212) 809-4430
E-mail: [email protected] website: www.afhu.org
George A. SchierenPresident
Ira Lee SorkinChairman of the Board
Dr. Peter T. WillnerNational Executive Director
NATIONAL
(800) 567-AFHU
GREATER NEW YORK
(212) 607-8510
MID-ATLANTIC
(202) 478-9698
SOUTHEAST
(561) 750-8585
MIDWEST
(312) 329-0332
WESTERN
(310) 843-3100
NORTHWEST
(925) 937-AFHU
PAGE 4 | ALEF 2009
www.afhu.org
AFHU’s Seventh AnnualLeadership and Educational
Forum was hosted by the SoutheastRegion on January 18, 2009 inPalm Beach, Florida. SheldonHechtman, Ellen Klersfeld andDavid Schulman co-chaired theenlightening and thought-provokingconference. Panels and guestspeakers discussed timely topicsranging from new technologies forcancer treatment and diagnosis tonational security and the economicsof oil energy.
ALEF opened with a presentationby Professor John Deutch, an MITfaculty member and national security expert who has held keypositions in the U.S. Department of Energy and has served on numerous presidential committees
and commissions on national security policy. Former member ofthe Knesset Minister Silvan Shalom
updated conference attendees onthe recent Gaza situation and theIsraeli elections. Professor Deutch
joined Ambassador andHebrew University VicePresident Carmi Gillon laterin the morning for a paneldiscussion on internationalgeopolitics.
Keynote speaker, the attorney and healthcareactivist Elizabeth Edwards,Professor Boris Rubinsky,Director of the Center forBioengineering in theService of Humanity andSociety, and ProfessorHoward Cedar, Wolf Prizerecipient, discussed inno-vations in cancer researchand treatment. The inventor of a method totransmit medical images via cell phones, Professor
(L–R) Hebrew University V.P. Carmi Gillon, Stanley and Roberta Bogen, Mike Stein
ALEF: AFHU’S SEVENTH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL FORUM
(L–R) Helen Eisenberg, Ann Friedlander, Ambassador Bill Brown, Dr. Maria Spinak, Patte Bogen Roberts
ALEF 2009 | PAGE 5
www.afhu.org
Rubinsky is working on an inexpensive method to kill cancer-ous tumors, using irreversibleelectroporation. Professor Rubinksyexplained: “This new technologyrequires only the application of anelectrical pulse through a few electrodes that can be inserted in the tumor. We found particularsets of parameters that can producethe pulse that destroys the tumor in micro-second pulses. This tech-nique is inexpensive and veryportable. In fact, you can runthe device from a car battery.”
Elizabeth Edwards, who spokeon “Healthcare in Crisis: Solutionsand Remedies,” praised HebrewUniversity’s emphasis on basic bio-medical research. She stated: “Somuch of our research, just becauseof the way the U.S. system hasdeveloped, is profit-driven.
It’s nice to see places like TheHebrew University where scientistsare doing the kind of basic research
that desperately needs to be donewithout so much concern foreconomic profit.” ■
(L–R) Martin Zelman, Elizabeth Edwards, Lois Zelman
(L–R) Shelly Hechtman and Ellen Klersfeld, ALEF Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Edwards, Professors Howard Cedar and Boris Rubinsky
PAGE 6 | AFHU NEWS
www.afhu.org
INAUGURAL EINSTEIN AWARD GALA RAISES MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION FOR
the world, due in no small part
to Hebrew University break-
throughs such as drip
irrigation, which helps farmers
use water more efficiently.
“Agricultural innovation is one
of the most important ways
to make people’s lives better.
History has shown us that
almost no country has
managed a rapid rise from
poverty without increasing its
agricultural productivity.
Hebrew University is uniquely
suited to contribute to the
world though agricultural
research and development,”
stated Bill Gates in accepting
the Einstein Award.
The award was inspired by
the legacy of Albert Einstein,
whose actions were rooted
in the belief that true progress
Continued from page 1
“BILL GATES TRULY
EMBODIES THE VALUES
AND IDEALS OF
THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
AND INDEED
THE EINSTEIN AWARD.”
GEORGE SCHIERENAFHU PRESIDENT
Bill Gates with Susan and Michael Dell, Executive Co-Chairs of the Einstein Award Gala
Bill Gates with Professor Hanoch Gottfreund, President Menachem Magidor and Walter Isaacson at the Einstein Archives Exhibit
AFHU NEWS | PAGE 7
www.afhu.org
RESEARCH IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Ambassador Sallai Meridor and Harvey Krueger,Executive Co-Chair of the Einstein Gala
Mark R. Gordon, Executive Co-Chair, Jane Zimmerman, Patricia Gordon, Executive Co-Chair,and Ronald Zimmerman
Isaac Becker, Nancy and Kenneth Stein, HU Rector, Professor Sarah Stroumsa, and Pita Becker
requires the alleviation of
human suffering.
“Bill Gates truly embodies the
values and ideals of The Hebrew
University and indeed the Einstein
Award,” said George Schieren,
AFHU president. “He is a pioneer
who has transformed the world, first
through revolutionary technological
innovation, and now through
his selfless pursuit to eradicate
disease and hunger. His dedication
to meeting the nutritional needs
of millions around the globe
mirrors the continuing efforts
by Hebrew University researchers
to feed the world through
sustainable agriculture.” ■
LEONA Z. ROSENBERG: A Leader of Stature
Leona Z. Rosenberg, a Benefactorof The Hebrew University of
Jerusalem, has been active withAFHU since 1975, fulfilling variedleadership roles in the MidwestRegion and nationally as a memberof AFHU’s Board of Directors. A gracious hostess, she has openedher Chicago home on countlessoccasions to visiting Hebrew Universityfaculty, providing a welcoming environment for sabbatical nightsand parlor meetings.
Stated Mike Freed, chair of AFHU,Midwest Region: “Leona is almostwithout parallel in her support of theMidwest Region. Her longstandingcommitment to AFHU and our region has been reflected in everyway possible, including by providinghospitality and friendship to HU professors and students and to boardleadership. She has represented our region in national activities andparticipated in many HebrewUniversity Board of Governors’ meetings and AFHU missions. She is loved and admired by us all.”
A participant in last spring’s AFHUMission to Berlin and Jerusalem,Leona observed that many of her
fellow participants were Chicagoanswhose devotion to the university isreflected by their presence at Boardof Governors’ meetings and on mis-sions to Israel. Admiring facultyexcellence, she also commented thatHU scholar-in-residence, ProfessorShlomo Avineri, made “great presen-tations,” heightening the pleasure ofthe 2008 two-country journey.
“I became involved in AFHU’sChicago Chapter through Max (z”l)and Rita Haber,” said Leona. “Theywent to Tel Aviv every year, and I spent a winter in Tel Aviv at the urging of Rita and Max. It was awonderful experience. Max’s heart
and soul was in The HebrewUniversity. I went to one Board ofGovernors meeting with Max and I was hooked.”
Todd Lundy, Midwest RegionExecutive Committee Co-Chair andformer president of the Chicagochapter, was cited for inspiringLeona’s engagement with the University community and AmericanFriends. “Todd was an innovativeand charismatic Chicago board president,” remarked Leona. “I wenton various missions with Todd andMorissa. I admire and respect Todd’s leadership and creative visionfor AFHU.”
PAGE 8 | AFHU NEWS
www.afhu.org
Leona Rosenberg receiving Honorary Fellowship from HU President, Professor Menachem Magidor
AFHU NEWS | PAGE 9
www.afhu.org
“I think of Todd as the Ken Stein of Chicago,” Leona added, referringto another friend and national boardmember. “I watched Nancy and KenStein’s children grow up because the Steins travelled as a family toJerusalem for BOG meetings.”Delighting in these and many otherrelationships with fellow lay leaders,faculty and students, Leona, whoherself has a knack for bringing people together, credited TheHebrew University for having somuch to offer.
Born and raised in Fort Wayne,Indiana, Leona grew up in a community with about 1,000 Jewish
people and two congregations, thereform congregation dating back to 1848. “My father and his groupwould form minyans for the holidays,” Leona said, remarkingupon a neighbor, Minette Baum, who personally knew Henrietta Szold,the founder of Hadassah Women’sZionist Organization of America. “Inthose days, everybody bought treesfor Palestine,” Leona noted. HerRussian born father, Samuel Zweig,immigrated with his family to Indianain the late 1800s. Highly educated,Samuel Zweig spoke several languages and encouraged his fourchildren to succeed academically,
as did Leona’s mother Celia Zweig, ahomemaker devoted to her children’supbringing.
Leona proudly stated that herbrother Felix received a four-yearscholarship from Yale University inthe midst of the Great Depression.Leona received a scholarship fromthe Indiana University Extension andearned an IU bachelor’s degree.Upon graduating college, she taughthigh school in Fort Wayne for severalyears, taking summer courses at theUniversity of Chicago, where sheearned an M.B.A. with an emphasison Business Education.
Leona Rosenberg with Mary Ann Tuft and Todd and Morissa Lundy
Continued on page 10
PAGE 10 | AFHU NEWS
www.afhu.org
While in Chicago, Leona met herhusband Benjamin (z”l), a prominentreal estate and corporate lawyer.“There were no eligible men in Fort Wayne,” shequipped. The couplemarried in 1952 and enjoyed activeprofessional andsocial lives, all thewhile participating inJewish communalcauses. Admired forfostering an array of academic andresearch activities atHebrew University, Leona was anearly supporter of Israel Bonds inIllinois. She is a member of theNational Council of Jewish Women,the Jewish United Fund and is amember of Na’Amat, a Zionist organization formerly known asPioneer Jewish Women.
Leona established scholarships atHU’s Center for Jewish Art. One ofher pleasures, aside from helpingstudents, came from attending
university symposia in countries outside Israel. She visited Turkey inthe company of HU art historians as well as Czechoslovakia, where she
studied Jewishart. Both memo-rable trips wereunder the leader-ship of ProfessorBezalel Narkiss(z”l).
Equally inter-ested in the field of nutrition, Leonamaintained aclose friendship
with Professor Naomi Trostler, arenowned nutritionist and academicleader at HU’s Faculty of Agriculture,today known as the Robert H. SmithFaculty of Agriculture, Food andEnvironment. With partial supportfrom Leona, Professor Trostlerlaunched a unique research projectanalyzing the diet of Ethiopian Jewsfor the purpose of controlling andpreventing non-Western diseases.Said Leona, “It meant a lot to me
that my money was used for thishighly original and importantresearch.” Whether contributing toHU projects in medicine, science,agriculture or the humanities, Leonagives from her head—on the basis ofintellectual curiosity—as well asfrom her heart.
The recipient of AFHU’s prestigiousTorch of Learning and ScopusAwards, Leona was awarded anHonorary Fellowship from HebrewUniversity in 2004. Her enduringdedication to and support forHebrew University springs from the belief that the most importantrole of philanthropy is to providepeople with the tools to better themselves. “What’s more importantthan educating a person so that hecan help himself, becoming self-sufficient and helping others?”Leona explained.
We rejoice in her exemplary leadership and a friendship thathas spanned many decades. ■
“LEONA IS ALMOST WITHOUT
PARALLEL IN HER SUPPORT
OF THE MIDWEST REGION.
SHE IS LOVED AND ADMIRED
BY US ALL.”
MIKE FREED
CHAIR, AFHU MIDWEST REGION
Continued from page 9
AFHU’S LATEST VIDEOTHE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF
JERUSALEM: FEEDING THE WORLD, NARRATED BY BILLY CRYSTAL,
IS NOW ONLINE!
Visit www.afhu.org/feedingthefutureto see how the Robert H. Smith Faculty of
Food, Agriculture and Environment is working to preserve natural resources, boost global food supplies, fight disease and reach out
to developing nations.
AFHU NEWS | PAGE 11
www.afhu.org
In 2006, AFHU’s Mid-Atlantic Region launched a new tradition:
Paws for a Cause, a “Bring Your Dog” fundraising event that has
captured the hearts of American Friends, many of whom
have much loved pets at home. This spring, American
Friends in the Mid-Atlantic Region will enjoy AFHU’s
second Paws for a Cause on April 19th, with speaker
Cesar Millan, known as “The Dog Whisperer.”
The event is co-chaired by Judy and Mark
Lerner and Mr. Bogart Lerner.
On May 3rd AFHU’s Northwest Region will
host a Tails of Love event with remarks by
John Grogan, author of the best-seller,
Marley and Me.
Proceeds from these delightful events
will help to support The Hebrew
University’s Koret School of
Veterinary Medicine. Established in
1985, the Koret School is Israel’s first
and only veterinary school and has the
nation’s only teaching hospital, offering
round-the-clock animal care.
The finest academic and research
facility of its kind in the Middle
East, the Koret School trains veteri-
narians, provides first-rate clinical care for
animals and livestock, assures Israel’s food safety and helps
to control diseases, including those transmitted from animals to
humans. A vital component of the Robert H. Smith Faculty of
Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Koret School brings expert
animal care to the entire region and is a national resource for Israel.
To learn more about AFHU’s Paws for a Cause and Tails of
Love events, visit www.afhu.org or contact Mimi Tygier in the
Mid-Atlantic Region or Beth Kyman in the Northwest Region. ■
PAWS FOR A CAUSE & TAILS OF LOVE:
AFHU Spring 2009 Events Supporting TheKoret School of Veterinary Medicine
PAGE 12 | PLANNED GIVING
www.afhu.org
CREATING A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY THOUGH AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE
Q. How Does a Charitable Gift Annuity Work?
A. A charitable gift annuity is a simple agreementunder which AFHU, in return for a transfer of cashor marketable securities, agrees to pay a fixed sumof money over a period measured by one or twolives. The person who contributes an asset for theannuity is called the “donor,” and the person who receives payments is called the “life incomebeneficiary.” Usually, the donor is also the lifeincome beneficiary, although donors have the option of designating a different beneficiary.
Example:Dan S., aged 81, owned long-held appreciatedsecurities that were not currently yielding anydividends. He did not want to owe capital gainstax on the sale of the stock, which was selling at $25.00 per share and which he purchased at$14.00 per share. Dan has been a supporter ofAFHU and wished to continue being philanthropicthis year. However, due to the current economic climate, he was concerned about his income.
Solution:Dan discovered he could receive 7.8% annualincome guaranteed for life, and payable quarterly,if he established a CGA with AFHU. He used hisappreciated stock to fund the CGA, thus avoidingcapital gains tax on the difference between thecurrent value of the shares and the price he paidfor the stock. He also did not have to pay a broker’s fee. Equally important, Dan is eligible for an immediate income tax deduction in this tax year that can be carried forward in
Israel’s greatest asset is — and always has been — the intellectual strength of the nation’s people. By establishing
a Charitable Gift Annuity through American Friends of The Hebrew University, you will play an essential role
in nurturing and safeguarding this precious asset while helping to strengthen The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
and Israel in years to come.
In these economically challenging times, your AFHU Charitable Gift Annuity
will provide you or a loved one with:
• Guaranteed income for life at a generous rate of return
• A charitable income tax deduction
• Tax-advantaged annuity payments
A CGA with AFHU is one of the most donor advantaged gift arrangements
available and can provide you and/or your loved one with secure financial benefits.
Most importantly, you will have the satisfaction of providing a meaningful legacy
that will perpetuate the highest standards of excellence and achievement at
Israel’s premier institution, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
PLANNED GIVING | PAGE 13
www.afhu.org
HEBREW UNIVERSITY
accordance with accounting principles. The taxdeduction is not based on the full amount of his contribution to fund the CGA. Rather thededuction is based on the remainder value to AFHU that will pass to support The HebrewUniversity as his legacy. The calculation for the actual charitable deduction takes into consideration several factors: among these are the age of the life income beneficiary, the rateof the annuity income payments he or she willreceive and the IRS discount rate during themonth the gift was made.
By establishing a CGA now, Dan can enjoy the various financial and emotional benefits duringhis lifetime. He becomes an esteemed member ofAFHU’s Einstein Visionaries, an honorary societythat recognizes planned gifts created throughAFHU in support of The Hebrew University.
Q. Who can receive payments from a charitable gift annuity?
A. The donor, his or her spouse, a family member oreven an unrelated individual can be designated asa life income beneficiary of a CGA. The maximumnumber of beneficiaries to receive life income withone CGA is two people. Payments can be made tothese individuals jointly or successively.
Q. Are there any tax benefits to charitable gift annuities?
A. Yes. A portion of each annuity payment will be tax-free for a period of time; for gifts of cash, the tax-free portion is larger. Moreover, donors who itemizedeductions are eligible for an immediate charitableincome tax deduction in return for their charitablecontribution. The exact amount of the deduction iscalculated at the time of the contribution andbased on the value of the remainder interest toAFHU. You can reduce your taxable estate by theamount used to establish the CGA.
Alternatively, if you fund your CGA with appreciated securities, you will not have to pay the capital gains tax on the difference between the price per share when the securities were originally purchased orreceived and the current value of the stock. The contribution of securities to fund the CGA will be valued based on the average price per share on the date of your gift.
As you receive your annuity income distributions, a small portion of each payment will be treated as capital gains income. In addition, as stated above, a portion of each payment is tax-free.
Q. How safe are charitable gift annuities?
A. Payments from a charitable gift annuity are fixedfrom the outset. They will neither increase nordecrease, no matter what happens to interest rates or the stock market. AFHU is contractuallyobligated to make the payments to the life incomebeneficiaries and there are legal requirements for charities such as AFHU. When issuing CGAs, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organizations such as AFHUhold reserve funds for this express purpose.
Continued on page 14
PAGE 14 | PLANNED GIVING
www.afhu.org
Q. Is a CGA right for me?A. Most gift annuity donors are seeking to increase
their cash flow. They prefer the security of guaranteedpayments and want to save taxes. A Charitable GiftAnnuity is right for people who:
• Have declining CD and bond interest rates andwant the higher rate of returns and increased cashflow not currently available from US investments;
• Would like fixed guaranteed payments for life that are notaffected by fluctuating interest rates or the stock market;
• Want to assure continuation of payments to a spouse;
• Would like to provide financial assistance to an elderly parent, sibling or other person in a tax advantaged manner;
• Own appreciated stock and have considered selling some shares and reinvesting the proceeds to generate more income. However, they don’t want to pay the capital gains tax immediately;
• Want to provide a legacy to AFHU to supportThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem and wouldlike to enjoy the emotional fulfillment of charitablegiving and donor recognition during their lifetime.
Q. How much is required to fund a gift annuity?
A. The minimum contribution to AFHU to fund a CGA is$10,000 for a single life income beneficiary and$25,000 for two life income beneficiaries. CGAs areavailable to donors who are age 65 and above.
Q. Are there any advantages ifI contribute securities that havedepreciated in value?
A. Unfortunately, during this past year many of our friendshave suffered losses in the market; some are not cer-tain of the direction to take while their stocks continuedepreciate in value. If you are charitably inclined andwish to make a contribution to support The HebrewUniversity, you may consider using a CGA to convertyour loss into a profitable situation.
You may decide to cut your losses in the stock market and sell some of your stock for cash. If youitemize on your tax returns, you can report the lossand use the cash proceeds from the sale of thestock to fund a CGA. In this way, you will be utilizingthe cash to earn fixed income for life at a higher rateof return than may be currently available with othertypes of US investments.
Q. How can I obtain more information?A. You can receive a personalized illustration of the
income and tax benefits that you would be entitled towhen you establish a CGA through AFHU. To create a customized illustration, AFHU will want to knowyour age and/or the age of the life income beneficiaryand whether you are considering funding the CGAwith cash, securities or a combination of both. Forfurther information, please contact your local AFHURegional Office or email [email protected] ■
Continued from page 13
Charitable Gift AnnuityInterest Rates
Age Rate65 . . . . . . . 5.3%70 . . . . . . . 5.7%75 . . . . . . . 6.3%80 . . . . . . . 7.1%85 . . . . . . . 8.1%90+. . . . . . 9.5%
These rates are based on single life calculations, andare offered by the American Council on Gift Annuities.
These rates are effective until June 30, 2009.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 15
www.afhu.org
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
Earliest Known Hebrew Text Discovered by Famed Archaeologists
The oldest Hebrew script found to date has been discovered by HU archaeologists. The writing — text
in black ink on a shard of pottery — was uncovered during excavations of a fortress city overlooking the Elahvalley, the Biblical site of the battle between David andGoliath. Professor Yosef Garfinkel, the Yigal YadinProfessor of Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeologyand his colleague, Saar Ganur, led the excavations.The 3,000 year-old finding is the most significantarchaeological discovery in Israel since the Dead SeaScrolls, predating them by 1,000 years.
The Elah Fortress archaeological site could prove theexistence of the United Monarchy, whose existence hasbeen disputed by scholars. Initial interpretation of the textsuggests that it was part of a letter and contains the rootsof the words “judge,” “slave” and “king.” To date, artifactsfound at the site indicate that there was most likely astrong king and central government in Jerusalem, whichwould verify descriptions found in Samuel and Chronicles.
Oldest known Hebrew script on pottery shard
Continued on page 16
Elah Fortress excavations
PAGE 16 | HU RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
www.afhu.org
HU cosmologists, led by Professor Avishai Dekel, theAndre Aisenstadt Chair of Theoretical Physics at the
Racah Institute of Physics, have formulated a new theory onthe formation of galaxies. Their theory challenges the cur-rent, predominant theory on the origin of galaxies, whichholds that galaxies were formed from galactic mergers.
Computer simulation ofgalaxy formation showsmatter flowing into thecenter of a galaxy throughthree cold gas streams.Such pictures providethe basis for the newtheory of galaxy formationvia these streams.
View of a spiral galaxy
HU Scientists Use Stem Cells to Reverse Brain Defects
Professor Joseph Yanai and his associates at The HebrewUniversity-Hadassah Medical School have successfullyused stem cells to replace defective brain cells, reversingbirth defects in the brains of animal models.
The researchers were able to reverse learning deficits in mice who were exposed to pesticide and heroin in utero by transplanting neural stem cell into the brains ofthe baby mice. The mice made an almost full recovery, asproved in behavioral tests. The brain chemistry of thetreated animals was also restored to normal.
New brain cells (green stain) induced in the heroin-damaged brain by transplantation of neural stem cells
New Understanding of the Origin of Galaxies
The new theory, based on advanced astronomicalobservations and state-of-the-art computer simulations,maintains that the galaxies primarily were formed fromintense cosmic streams of cold gas. The researchersshow that these mergers had only limited influence onthe cosmological makeup of the universe as we know it.The results of the cosmology research group appear inthe journal Nature.
Professors Yehudit Bergman and Howard Cedar of The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School havedeciphered how embryonic cells stop being flexible
and turn into mature cells. At the earliest stagesof human development all cells of the embryo are
identical. Unlike adult cells, they have the potential tobecome any type of tissue. The researchers discovered
that a single gene, G9a, is responsible for controlling theprocess of embryonic stem cell differentiation. Their studies
hold major implications for medical treatment, particularly ingenerating new tissues for replacing damaged cells common to a
variety of diseases, among these Parkinson’s and diabetes.
HU RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS | PAGE 17
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HU Scientists Reveal Mechanism ThatTriggers Differentiation of Embryo Cells
HU Article Voted Best Paperon Reproduction Research
Ateam of Hebrew University-Hadassah medical scientists received top honors from Nature Medicine,
based on their joint 2006 paper identifying the previouslyunknown role played by the human immune system during pregnancy. The paper tied for first place inNature Medicine’s survey of the most influentialadvances in reproductive science between 2004 and2008. When the world’s foremost experts in reproductivebiology and medicine were polled by the journal,seventeen percent of respondents chose The HebrewUniversity-Hadassah team’s work, citing its importanceto the field of human reproduction.
Professor Ofer Mandelboim and Dr. Jacob Hanna of theLautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunologycollaborated on this groundbreaking research withProfessor Simcha Yagel and Dr. Debra Goldman-Wohlof Hadassah’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologyat Ein Kerem. The scientists utilized both cellular andmolecular biology to advance their understanding ofmaternal-fetal interaction.
Their paper, “Decidual NK cells regulate key develop-mental processes at the human fetal-maternal interface,”revealed that the body’s defensive immune cells, knownas decidual NKs (natural killers), also perform a vital reg-
ulatory function in the development of the placentaduring pregnancy. Such cells, when migrating to theuterus, secrete proteins that trigger the formation ofblood vessels that are essential for the shaping of thenewly formed placenta.
Professor Mandelboim explained: “This study provides a revolutionary ‘peaceful’ model for reproductiveimmunology, in which elements of the innate immunesystem are incorporated in a constructive manner tosupport proper development of the placenta.”
The research team’s new insight into theimmune system is helpful in addressing the dangersof high-risk pregnancies, in-vitro fertilization andrecurrent miscarriages.
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Greater New York Region
TORCH OF LEARNING LUNCHEON HONORS GARY P. NAFTALIS, ESQ. AND MARY JO WHITE, ESQ.
Leading American lawyers Gary P. Naftalis, co-chair ofKramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, and Mary Jo
White, chair of the Litigation Department at Debevoise &Plimpton LLP, received AFHU’s 39th Annual George A.Katz Torch of Learning Award on February 5, 2009. The award luncheon, held at Cipriani in New York City,attracted 350 guests and raised over $500,000 for theAharon Barak Research Center Endowment Fund atHebrew University’s Faculty of Law.
Tribute Committee co-chairs and fellow attorneys, Elkan Abramowitz, Alan R. Friedman, Brad S. Karp, AlanR. Kaufman, Bernard W. Nussbaum, Mark F. Pomerantz,and Lorin L. Reisner, helped generate support for theevent. Also attending the luncheon were Yoav Dotan, dean of Hebrew University’s Faculty of Law and Edwin A. Goodman Professor of Public Law, HU studentambassador Hadar Moriah, and Frances R. Katz, anAFHU leader and the wife of George A. Katz (z”l).
Former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales,The Right Honorable Lord Harry Woolf, presented thekeynote address. Lord Woolf, praised the LawFaculty, which he said “has a reputation forexcellence, as does Israel’s legal system.”
Gary P. Naftalis, head of litigation at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, has represented individuals and corporations, including prominentsecurities industry clients in complex bet-the-company civil, criminal and regulatory matters for more than 30 years.
Mary Jo White is a premier litigator of white-collarcorporate crime, Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) matters, and major business litigation disputes.She is a former US Attorney for the Southern Districtof New York, and the only woman to have held this topposition in the office’s more than 200-year history. ■
Mary Jo White honored by event co-chair Lorin L. ReisnerGary P. Naftalis accepts award from event co-chair Brad S. Karp
REGIONAL NEWS | PAGE 19
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Please join American Friends ofThe Hebrew University as we honor
Michael Kurtz for his longstandingleadership and dedication to theLautenberg Research Center forGeneral and Tumor Immunologyat The Hebrew University’s Facultyof Medicine. The May 21, 2009,Maimonides reception at the CrystalPlaza in Livingston, NJ, will benefit theLautenberg Center’s pioneering cancerresearch. (See page 17 for LautenbergCenter news.)
Senator Frank Lautenberg is theevent’s Honorary Chair. Joining him intribute to Michael Kutz are RobertDensen, co-chair of the Lautenberg
Research Center, Harvey Krueger,Maimonides Award event chair andBernard Berkowitz, BenjaminPerlmutter, and Zev Rosen, co-chairs.
Michael Kurtz has been involved withthe Lautenberg Center since 1982. Co-chair since 1999, he has been instrumental in the center’s growthand research success. The active AFHUleader is a member of HebrewUniversity’s Board of Governors andAFHU’s Board of Directors.
To participate in this evening oftribute, please contact Naomi Smook,(212) 607-8517; [email protected],or visit www.afhu.org, Greater NYRegion events.
YOU’RE INVITED:
MICHAEL KURTZ TO RECEIVE MAIMONIDES AWARD ON MAY 21, 2009
Ambassador Stuart and Fran Eizenstat of Marylandwere honored with the Scopus Award on
December 10, 2008, in Washington, DC. The awardwas presented by Scopus Gala chair and friend,Ambassador Alfred Moses. New York Timescorrespondent and HU alumnus Thomas Friedman
spoke about environmental issues, global warmingand HU’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.Proceeds from the gala event benefited the Instituteof Environmental Sciences at HU’s Robert H. SmithFaculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment. ■
Mid-Atlantic Region
SCOPUS AWARD IN WASHINGTON, DC
Ambassador and HU VP Carmi Gillon, Ambassador Stuart and Fran Eizenstat, Ambassador Alfred Moses, Thomas Friedman, Ira Lee Sorkin
Michael Kurtz
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On January 31, 2009, Louiseand Michael Stein received the
Scopus Award in Palm Beach, Florida.More than $600,000 for student scholar-ships at The Hebrew University wasraised at the dinner event. Marvin Kalb,television journalist and Harvard University’sEdward R. Murrow Professor of Pressand Public Policy at Harvard University,delivered the evening’s keynote address. ■
Southeast Region
HONORING MIKE AND LOUISE STEIN
The Southeast Region hosted its annual Mar-a-Lago Scholarship Luncheon on December 3, 2008.Journalist and former CNN host Paula Zahn was the guest speaker. Over 300 people attended the event,chaired by Roberta Bogen, Sherry Endelson, Roberta Kozloff and Laurie Silvers.
RAISING SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS: MAR-A-LAGO SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
Roberta Kozloff, Laurie Silvers, Paula Zahn, Roberta Bogen, Sherry Endelson
Keynote Speaker Marvin Kalb and esteemed Scopus honorees Louise and Michael Stein
REGIONAL NEWS | PAGE 21
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Midwest Region
JEROLD SOLOVY HONORED WITH SCOPUS AWARD
Over 350 people were present on December 10, 2008at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago to honor Jerold S.
Solovy, Chairman Emeritus, Jenner & Block LLP, at AFHU’s Gala Scopus Award Dinner. The event raised $500,000 forstudent scholarships.
In presenting Mr. Solovy with the Scopus Award, HURector Sarah Stroumsa acknowledged that Mr. Solovy is“repeatedly counted among the 100 best lawyers in theUS. By litigating pro bono, he makes manifest, time andagain, the principle of fair trial as a cornerstone of a justsociety.” Mr. Solovy said of the honor: “Receiving theScopus Award was a singular event in the life of the Solovyfamily. It was a very moving evening. I didn’t think it waspossible, but it made me feel even more closely connectedto Israel than I have ever been.” ■
Jerold and Kathleen Solovy, Millie Rosenbloom Simon, John Simon
Pacific Northwest Region
TORCH OF LEARNING AWARD EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON IN SEATTLE
On December 3, 2008, Michael L. Novick,Allan G. Steinman, Harold B. “Buzz” Coe
and John A. Coe were honored with AFHU’s eliteTorch of Learning Award in Seattle, Washington.The luncheon paid tribute to the honorees’ diversecontributions to higher education, Israel andJewish philanthropic causes. Michael L. Novick isthe Executive Director for Strategic Development ofthe American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.Harold B.Coe and John A. Coe are distinguishedattorneys with the The Coe Law Group, PLLC,located in Seattle.
Professor Boris Rubinsky, Director of HebrewUniversity’s Center for Bioengineering in theService of Humanity, was the featured speaker. Hispresentation, “Combating Cancer: One Cell Phoneat a Time” described his innovation whereby cellphones are used to transmit medical images todiagnostic centers located thousands of miles frompatients in remote and rural parts of the world. ■ Torch of Learning Award 2008 Honorees Michael L. Novick; Allan G. Steinman;
Harold B. “Buzz” Coe; John A. Coe
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Western Region
IN APPRECIATION: PROFESSOR MENACHEM MAGIDOR
On January 26 2009, over 100 guests gathered at the Beverly Hills home of Daphna and Richard Ziman to
honor outgoing Hebrew University President Menachem Magidor, who has led the University for the past
12 years. The reception, co-hosted by the Zimans and Patricia Glaser and Sam Mudie, also gave the Western
Region the opportunity to recognize its most recent Founders, Trustees, Guardians, and Benefactors and extend
its gracious thanks for their steadfast support.
The evening’s highlights included a briefing from Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, a special message from
University of California President Mark Yudof, remarks by guest speaker UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, and an
appreciative response by President Magidor. HU Vice President Carmi Gillon and Hebrew University medical
students currently studying at UCLA through an exchange program were also in attendance. ■
Western Region Chairman Richard Ziman, University of California President Mark Yudof, HU President Menachem Magidor, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan, Western Region President Barry Lippman
AFHU NEWS | PAGE 23
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2009 Spring Highlights
GREATER NEW YORK MARCH 29 Healing the World Conference: A Day of Dialogue & Discoveries
MAY 21 Maimonides Dinner Honoring Michael Kurtz
MID-ATLANTIC APRIL 19 Paws for a Cause Dinner Benefiting The Koret School
SOUTHEAST MARCH 29 Leaders of Distinction Dinner Honoring Rabbi & Mrs. Robert
Frazin, Dr. & Mrs. Horacio Schlaen
MIDWEST MARCH 26 Scopus Award Dinner Honoring James Matanky
APRIL 21 Lawyers’ Luncheon with speaker Sharon Sioniv, Director of HU’s
Center for Legal Education
WESTERN APRIL 19 Western Region Academic Symposium: Protecting & Sustaining
the Environment and Feeding the World
NORTHWEST MAY 3 Tails of Love Gala Benefiting The Koret School
NATIONAL APRIL 26 Board of Directors Annual Meeting in NYC with special
recognition to: Professor Menachem Magidor, Ira Lee Sorkin
and George A. Schieren
JUNE 5-15 AFHU President's Mission to Israel
JUNE 5-10 The Hebrew University’s Annual Board of Governors Meeting
REGION DATE EVENT
Learn more about these and other events at www.afhu.org
In RemembranceWe mourn the passing of
Sophia Kalina Emanuel Shemin Monte Toole
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