2026 AFTAU Alumni Letter American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Dear Friends,

Over the past few weeks, Tel Aviv University alumni and friends have gathered across the U.S. for several engaging events that brought our community together for conversation, networking, and meaningful connection

TAU Alumni Happy Hour
New York City | February 18, 2026
TAU alumni gathered in New York City for a lively evening of networking, conversation, and reconnection. More than 50 alumni came together for a fun happy hour on the lower east side of Manhattan. With the NY sklyline in the background, everyone enjoyed a relaxed setting enjoying time to catch up with ambitious, globally-minded professionals who share the same alma mater.

Sofaer Global MBA Mix & Mingle
New York City | February 19, 2026
Alumni, current students, and prospective candidates joined the leadership of the Sofaer Global MBA Program for an evening of networking and conversation in Midtown Manhattan. The gathering provided an opportunity to learn more about the Israeli business ecosystem and the Coller School of Management while strengthening connections among members of the TAU community in New York.

Alumni C-Suite Breakfast with Rear Admiral (Ret.) Daniel Hagari
New York City | February 20, 2026
American Friends of Tel Aviv University hosted an intimate breakfast briefing with Rear Admiral (Ret.) Daniel Hagari, Immediate Past IDF Spokesperson and Tel Aviv University alumnus. The conversation (in Hebrew) focused on leadership, resilience, and responsibility in times of national and global crisis. Moderated by TAU alum Alina Shkolnikov Shvartsman, the discussion offered participants a unique perspective on Israel’s resilience and the challenges of leadership under pressure.

Conversation with Professor Harel Chorev
Phoenix, AZ | March 1, 2026
American Friends of Tel Aviv University had its first event in the Phoenix area in several years, bringing together alumni and local community members for an engaging evening featuring Dr. Harel Chorev, a leading Middle East expert who is senior researcher in the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University, in dialogue with TAU alumna Rita Regev Spector. The discussion explored the evolving dynamics of the Middle East and sparked thoughtful engagement among attendees, followed by a reception.

TAU Alumni Films at the Israel Film Festival
Los Angeles, CA | February 4–19, 2026
American Friends of Tel Aviv University participated in the 37th Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles, where six films created by Tel Aviv University filmmakers were featured. Members of the AFTAU alumni and donor community were invited to attend the screenings and meet the film directors.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant Tel Aviv University alumni community. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.

If you would like to be in our TAU alumni WhatsApp groups, we invite you to join to stay connected and to get early access and information about upcoming gatherings in your area. Please join by region below:

During this difficult time, our thoughts are with you and with your loved ones in Israel. We wish for their safety and hope for a swift and successful end of this war. Am Yisrael Chai.

Shay Bar
National Director, Alumni Affairs
American Friends of Tel Aviv University
sbar@aftau.org | 310-553-5232