Itzchak Herzog leads plaudits to outgoing British Friends of Hebrew Uni chair

Israel’s President has paid tribute to the outgoing chair of the British Friends of Hebrew University [BFHU].

The group hailed the work of Isaac Kaye,  now BFHU President, for six decades of supporting its scholars and students – at its first in person event in three years at the elegant ballroom of Claridge’s Hotel.

The evening attracted over 150 guests, supporters of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and was attended by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Tzipi Hotovely, Israel’s ambassador to the UK. Mr Kaye was unable to attend but watched himself via video link.

Guests viewed several video tributes at the Claridge’s dinner, as well as the one from Itzchak Herzog, President of Israel.

Themed ‘Better World’, the evening showcased the global impact of the Hebrew University’s extensive research activity through short films and the presence of a number of early-career researchers.

Their innovative work, among more than 3,000 projects underway, include:

• “better ageing”
• applied physics to create a low-cost hand held MRI scanner
• understanding mosquito’s olfactory (smell) system to help biotech design of smell sensory devices
• improving crop yields in an era of climate change
• human rights and social policy for civil society

Under top caterer Tony Page, the aromas and tastes of Jerusalem were brought to life by guest chef ‘the face of modern Israeli cuisine’, Jerusalemite, Eyal Shany.

Shany is noted for restaurants such as North Abraxas, Miznon, Malka, Port Said, Romano and more.

Today the group operates a total of 30 restaurants in Paris, New York, Melbourne, Vienna, Singapore, Miami and Boston.