American Friends of the Hebrew University

09/02/2026

American Friends of the Hebrew University joins the Hebrew University community in mourning the passing of Prof. Ada Yonath, Nobel laureate in Chemistry and esteemed Hebrew University alumna.

A pioneering scientist and the first Israeli woman to receive a Nobel Prize, Prof. Yonath leaves an extraordinary legacy of discovery, determination, and scientific excellence that will continue to inspire generations.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.

May her memory be a blessing.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem mourns the passing of Prof. Ada Yonath, Nobel laureate in Chemistry and esteemed alumna.

Born in Jerusalem, Prof. Yonath began her distinguished academic journey at the Hebrew University, earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1962 and her master’s degree in biochemistry in 1964 before continuing on to her doctoral studies at the Weizmann Institute of Science.

As the first Israeli woman to win a Nobel Prize, Prof. Yonath’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of students and researchers around the world to ask bold questions and pursue discovery without compromise.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, her colleagues, and the scientific community.

May her memory be a blessing.

Photo credit: Stephen Epstein

09/01/2026

Join us in Jerusalem for The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's 89th Board of Governors Meeting, October 16–20, 2026.

This special gathering will bring together the global Hebrew University community for five days of discovery, celebration, and connection—including HUJI Talks on the frontiers of AI, a journey into cutting-edge doctoral research, honorary degree and fellowship ceremonies, campus dedications, a special concert, and more.

Experience firsthand the people and ideas shaping Hebrew University’s next chapter.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qOQO2B

08/31/2026

A mysterious black lesion that forms on cats’ eyes has puzzled veterinarians for years. New research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is offering important clues. 🐈👁️

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Koret School of Veterinary Medicine identified iron and bromine in affected corneal tissue, while neither element was found in healthy samples.

The findings provide a new biochemical perspective on this poorly understood condition and could help guide future research into how the disease develops.

🔗 Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/4wUwfDb

August 24, 2026 - A mysterious black lesion that forms on cats’ eyes has puzzled veterinarians for years. Now, researchers have identified two elements

08/26/2026

What really helps protect mental health during times of prolonged stress?

A new study from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that a stronger sense of purpose, less time on social media, and reduced exposure to harmful online content were among the strongest predictors of lower vulnerability to addiction, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

While religiosity was associated with better mental health outcomes, the findings suggest much of that benefit may stem from the meaning and digital habits it can help cultivate—factors that can be strengthened regardless of religious identity.

🔗 Read the press release to learn more:

A new study suggests that the mental health benefits often associated with religiosity may be attributed to the habits and mindset it

08/25/2026

Congratulations to the recipients of the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s newly announced research grants!

A special congratulations to Hebrew University researchers Prof. Julia Shifman, Prof. Michael Berger, Dr. Mohamed Mahameed, Prof. Norman Metanis, Prof. Ora Schueler-Furman, and Prof. Eitan Shaulian.

We’re proud to see HU researchers among those advancing innovative approaches to cancer research, with the potential to improve prevention, detection, treatment, and patient care worldwide.

We are proud to announce 38 new research grants supporting Israeli scientists pursuing innovative approaches to cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

From AI and advanced imaging to liquid biopsy, genomics, microbiome research, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, these grants reflect the extraordinary breadth of cancer research across Israel.

Since 1975, ICRF has invested nearly $109 million in more than 3,000 cancer research grants, helping advance discoveries and improve patient care worldwide.

Learn more about the new grants and their recipients: https://www.icrfonline.org/new-grant-recipients-2026-2027-funding-year/

08/24/2026

Research shaped by real-world experience can help healthcare systems better prepare for future crises.

A new study involving Hebrew University researchers examines Assuta Ashdod Hospital’s response during the October 7 attacks, identifying important lessons in hospital communication, staffing, logistics, and emergency preparedness.

Read the press release to learn how these findings could help strengthen healthcare preparedness in Israel and around the world. ⬇️

The unprecedented events of October 7 pushed civilian healthcare systems far beyond standard emergency protocols, exposing critical gaps in hospital communication, staffing, and logistics during active conflict.

A new study examining Assuta Ashdod Hospital’s response during the October 7 attacks provides vital insights into how civilian facilities operate under sustained rocket fire. The findings offer practical lessons for healthcare systems worldwide as governments reevaluate medical preparedness for modern, high-intensity warfare.

The research was led by Maximilian Nerlander (Linköping University and visiting scholar at HUJI's School of Public Health), alongside Prof. Adam Rose (HUJI School of Public Health) and Dr. Debra West (Assuta Ashdod Medical Center).

Learn more: https://international.huji.ac.il/news/what-october-7-taught-hospitals-about-preparing-modern-warfare

08/21/2026

What can birdsong teach us about human language? 🐦

A new international study co-led by Prof. Inbal Arnon of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that young Bengalese finches learn their songs using statistical patterns remarkably similar to those human infants use to learn language.

Researchers found that finch songs contain recurring sequences of notes—similar to “words”—that follow the same mathematical patterns observed in human language. The findings suggest that some of the fundamental building blocks that make language easier to learn may not be uniquely human, but can emerge across species when communication is learned and passed from one generation to the next.

The discovery offers new insight into how complex communication develops across the animal kingdom.

Read the full press release to learn more:

It turns out that songbirds, humpback whales, and human babies may all rely on the same hidden mathematical rules when learning to communicate. A new

08/20/2026

Jerusalem has been recognized among the world’s top 10 cities for culture and history in the new Yanolja Attractiveness Index. 🌍

For students and researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the city’s more than 3,000 years of history provide an extraordinary backdrop for learning, discovery, and innovation.

It’s a place where the past is always present—and where the next generation is helping shape the future.

Learn more about studying and living in Jerusalem through the Hebrew University.

When a city holds over 3,000 years of history, breaking into the global top 10 for culture and history feels almost natural.

According to the new Yanolja Attractiveness Index, developed in collaboration with researchers from Purdue University and Kyung Hee University, Jerusalem placed in the top 50 overall tourism cities worldwide, while ranking 10th in the Culture and History category. The index analyzed global social big data across 14 languages to evaluate how travelers experience and discuss iconic destinations.

For students and researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, this setting is an everyday reality. Living and learning in Jerusalem means being constantly surrounded by deep historical heritage while actively building the future of academic discovery.

Discover your future at HUJI and explore what it means to study and live in Jerusalem: https://tinyurl.com/4ak8an9p

Learn more about the ranking: https://www.yanolja-research.com/brand/attractiveness/ranking/overall?lang=en