Dear Friends, As we welcome 2026, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for being an essential part of our vibrant alumni community across the United States. Over the past year, we connected in so many ways — whether online through exclusive English and Hebrew webinars, or in person at events across the country. Your enthusiasm and engagement are what make our community strong and thriving. I’m proud to share that we reached and engaged over 16,000 U.S.-based alumni in 2025. In 2025, we came together from coast to coast — from Los Angeles and Palo Alto to New York, Miami, and even Houston, Texas, where we held our first alumni event in the city. These gatherings were made possible by the dedication of our alumni leadership, who hosted, invited, and ensured meaningful connections took place. Thank you again for being part of this growing and dynamic network. You are our best ambassadors, and I look forward to connecting with even more of you in 2026. Stay tuned for an exciting year ahead filled with engaging programs, inspiring events, and opportunities to make an impact. With gratitude and best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful new year, Shay Bar 2025 ALUMNI & FRIENDS GATHERINGS Reception and Concert Featuring Cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper
The special evening featured violinist Kristina Reiko Cooper, Visiting Professor at TAU Buchmann School of Music, accompanied by pianist Noreen Cassidy-Polera. The evening included a special appearance by Constantine Orbelian, Conductor and Music Director of the New York City Opera. TAU Alumni & Friends Happy Hour
An evening of networking, conversation, and community for TAU alumni, with fine wine and light bites at Barrel Wine Bar in Hallandale Beach, FL. Tel Aviv University Discovery Day
A two-day symposium featuring Tel Aviv University President Professor Ariel Porat brought alumni and friends together for a Shabbat dinner and a full day of thought-provoking programming featuring Tel Aviv University leaders, researchers, and experts. Discussions focused on groundbreaking medical research, Israel and the Middle East, antisemitism and terrorism, media portrayal of Israel, and engineering innovations advancing national security. Alumni C-Suite Breakfast
The Tel Aviv University Alumni C-Suite Roundtable convened a select group of TAU alumni leaders at the AFTAU offices for an intimate, high-level discussion focused on leadership, impact, and the future of Israel and TAU. Alumni & Friends Reception with Dr. Amos Nadan
From Repetitive Misconceptions to Mastery: Rethinking the Middle East, a reception featuring Dr. Amos Nadan, Director, Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies. Hosted by AFTAU Board Member Ricki Alon and her husband Zvi Alon at their home in Los Altos Hills, CA. Alumni & Friends Breakfast with Dr. Amos Nadan
A breakfast conversation with Dr. Amos Nadan, Director of Tel Aviv University’s Moshe Dayan Center, sharing expert insights on the modern Middle East and regional developments following October 2023. Tel Aviv University Board of Governors 2025
A multi-day gathering that brought together Tel Aviv University’s global leadership, Board members, alumni, and supporters from around the world, including a large US delegation. The program featured meetings with University leadership, faculty presentations, student engagement, and in-depth discussions on Israel’s current challenges and Tel Aviv University’s role in shaping the future. Alumni & Friends Event with Guy M.
An exclusive talk and reception featuring Guy M., a Tel Aviv University medical student, IDF Unit 669 combat paramedic, and author of The Rescue: October 7 Through the Eyes of Israel’s Para-Rescue Commandos, offering a firsthand perspective on October 7 and Israel’s elite rescue forces. Hosted by TAU Alumni and AFTAU Board Member Maya Kadar Kovalsky and Gil Kovalsky. Tatami Preview Film Screening
An exclusive preview screening of Tatami for Tel Aviv University alumni and friends, followed by a Q&A with the film’s producer and TAU alum Adi Ezroni. Alumni & Friends Event with Guy M.
AFTAU Board Member and TAU alum Dr. Noga Niv, together with Israel Niv, hosted a powerful conversation with Guy M., a Tel Aviv University medical student and combat paramedic in IDF Unit 669, who shared firsthand reflections on the events of October 7 and their aftermath. Dinner with Professor Yishai Blank
A dinner and conversation with Professor Yishai Blank, Dean of Tel Aviv University’s Buchmann Faculty of Law, exploring federalism and its relevance to Israel. Hosted by TAU alum Nimi Aviad and Emily Aviad. TAU Medical School Alumni Breakfast with Professor Karen Avraham
A breakfast conversation with Professor Karen Avraham, Dean of Tel Aviv University’s Gray Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, highlighting the faculty’s leadership in breakthrough research, innovative medical education, and its role in shaping Israel’s future in global health. An Evening of Hope and Impact
Tel Aviv University alumni Rafi Zitvar and Michelle Schwarzman hosted an inspiring evening in support of Tel Aviv University students affected by October 7, raising critical funds for mental health services, academic support, and financial aid. The night featured a conversation with Professor Drorit Neumann, Dean of the Student Success Center at TAU, alongside a remarkable student from the Center. UPCOMING EVENTS TAU Alumni at the IAC National Summit
This year’s IAC National Summit features an exceptional lineup of TAU alumni and faculty leaders from government, medicine, innovation, academia, and public service. Highlights include a TAU Alumni & Friends Happy Hour and two exclusive TAU sessions on Saturday: Academic Diplomacy and US–Israel University Partnerships and Code & Command: Defense in the 21st Century. TAU alumni receive 10% off Summit registration with code AFTAU102026. READ MORE ABOUT IT and REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT SummerTech in Tel Aviv
An exciting week-long summer program for students in grades 10-12 to understand the unique characteristics and complexities of academia and entrepreneurship and to learn to hone their presentation skills for pitching their own high-impact projects. To see the schedule or get application information, CLICK HERE ELI Academic Gap Year Program
The brand new ELI Academic Gap Program for 2026-27 at TAU’s Lowy International School offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend your gap year in Israel enjoying rich academic immersion, leadership training, and extracurricular activities in an environment centering on engagement with Jewish culture and the Startup Nation, all in the heart of Tel Aviv. READ MORE ABOUT IT |
