A special visit by a global leadership delegation

The Tel Aviv University Alumni Organization and the Global Leadership Community of Tel Aviv University hosted a unique and inaugural delegation of selected leaders from Israel and around the world, as part of the university’s Global Leadership Community initiative. The delegation arrived in Israel with a mission to create impact, foster engagement, and build meaningful connections both locally and globally.

During a weeklong visit to Israel, members of the delegation were exposed to Tel Aviv University’s unique activities and to groundbreaking innovation. They met with leading researchers at the university, toured advanced laboratories, and held a personal visit at the President’s Residence with the President of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog – a proud alumnus of Tel Aviv University. In addition, the delegation visited key locations across the country including: Kibbutz Be’eri, the site of the Nova music festival, the Bank of Israel, Israel Aerospace Industries, the National Library in Jerusalem, and more - meeting along the way leading Tel Aviv University Alumni who are shaping the future.

The week kicked off with a welcome cocktail reception in Tel Aviv, hosted at the breathtaking apartment of Jeremy Coller – British businessman, philanthropist, Founder and Chairman of Coller Capital, longtime friend and supporter of Tel Aviv University, after whom the Coller School of Management is named. In 2013, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the University. The event was attended by members of the delegation, TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat, WomenChair of TAU’s Board of Governors Dafna Meitar Nechmad, Amos Elad – TAU’s Vice President for Resource Development, Public Affairs and Alumni Affaires , and Johana Landau – Founder and CEO of Vibe Israel, the organization working on Israel’s long-term nation branding, and granddaughter of Shirley and Leslie Porter.

On the second day, the delegation travelled south to visit protective shelters along Route 232 and Kibbutz Be’eri, where they met Ben Sochman, CEO of Be’eri Print and an alumnus of both the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University , and a resident of the kibbutz. Sochman shared his personal survival story, spoke about reopening the printing house the day after the October 7th attack, and discussed the resilience and recovery of both the business and the community. The delegation then toured the kibbutz, visited the Nova site, and concluded the day at Carmey Avdat Winery near Ein Avdat, to experience desert agriculture that combines innovation and local tourism. In the evening, the delegation gathered at Claro Restaurant in Tel Aviv for a "Unicorn Panel Night" featuring Omri Geller – Co-Founder and CEO of Run:AI (acquired by NVIDIA), alumnus of the TAU Faculty of Engineering, and Arik Faingold – serial entrepreneur, Chairman and President of Commit, Co-Founder of unicorns Pentera (2022) and Autonomy AI, alumnus of the Coller School of Management. The panel was moderated by Inbal Orpaz, Strategic Innovation Consultant, Researcher & Data Storyteller , Founder of ‘Women in Tech”, and an alumna of the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University .

On the third day, the delegation visited Israel Aerospace Industries for a tour of the innovative Space Center and learned about IAI’s international projects. They then continued to Jerusalem for a guided tour of the new National Library, led by Asaf Mann – architect and Co-designer of the project ,and alumnus of the TAU Faculty of  Arts.

The highlight of the delegation’s visit was a special meeting at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, hosted by President Isaac Herzog. The President, himself a Tel Aviv University alumnus, welcomed the delegation into his salon for an open discussion. He was joined by Johana Landau and Ran Fuhrer – VP of Business Development at the Neopharm Group, serves as a Board Member at Bezek, Representing the controlling  Shareholder ,  TAU Alumnus and  a member of the Tel Aviv University Alumni Advisory Board. 

Following the moving meeting at the President’s Residence, the delegation enjoyed a special culinary tour through Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda Market, tasting local delicacies and experiencing the vibrant evening atmosphere. The day concluded with an emotional nighttime visit to the Western Wall.

On the fourth day, the delegation met with Adv. Shulamit Geri, Director General at Bank of Israel and alumna of the Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University. They then attended an inspiring lecture by Dr. Daniel Gold – Head of MAFAT (Directorate of Defense Research & Development – DDR&D ) and IDF Brigadier General (res.), the Inventor of the Iron Dome system and holder of two doctorates from the TAU Faculty of Engineering and the Coller School of Management. The day continued with a visit to Tel Aviv University’s cutting-edge laboratories, where they met young, leading researchers and learned about groundbreaking projects. The delegation concluded their journey by attending Tel Aviv University’s Honorary Doctorate Ceremony.

Many thanks to Anat Starik-Dahan , Deputy CEO of the Setai, Herbert Samuel & Orchid Hotels Group, and Chairwoman of the marketing committee of the Israel Hotels Association. Former Co-CEO of Tamares Hotels, Alumna of the TAU Faculty of Humanities at Tel Aviv University who also graduated the Directors and Senior Executives Program at "Lahav Executive Education", Tel Aviv University, and member at the Advisory Committee of Tel Aviv University Alumni Organization, for the Hospitality of the Delegation  at Setai Tel Aviv Hotel.

Many thanks to Assaf Ben Dov , CEO of the Golan Heights Winery , for the collaboration  of the Golan Heights Winery for the Delegation .  

The Tel Aviv University Alumni Organization and the Global Leadership Community – a World Changing Community