Press Release: 4 November 2010
A major player in the world of prime Central London property has taken on a new role as chairman of the British Friends of Haifa University. Gary Hersham, 57, managing director of the Mayfair-based Beauchamp Estates has taken over from Michael Crystal QC, who has stepped down after four years in office.
This is the first time that Mr Hersham, a staunch supporter of charitable causes in the UK and Israel has headed up a charity. The Western Marble Arch Synagogue member is working with British Friends' executive director, Jack Raymond, appointed earlier this year.
Gary Hersham grew up in St John's Wood, where he attended St John's Wood Synagogue. He attended Menorah Primary School then Hasmonean Grammar School. This was followed by two years at Kol Torah yeshiva, Jerusalem. He went on to study at Imperial College of Science and Technology, where he achieved an honours degree in Zoology, Biochemistry and applied Entymology.
Gary Hersham said: "I believe strongly in the work of the university and their research programmes in particular will have dramatic consequences for good and for helping mankind. I am looking forward to the challenge of bringing this work to the attention of many more people in the UK and helping to raise the funds that are urgently needed."
He felt compelled to help when he heard about the university's groundbreaking 'ARTS-based Cancer Therapy' research project which could revolutionise the way in which new drugs are developed to help and cure cancer patients.
Mr Hersham added: "We need to raise around £1 million pounds within one year to ensure this important project reaches its next stage. This will include providing the laboratory with a new imaging machine and funding for additional PhD students. It is my privilege to lead the trustees and our small but highly effective professional team."
There was praise from Haifa University's president, Professor Aaron Ben-Ze'ev, who said: "I am impressed with Gary's deep level of interest and his strong desire to help. Our programmes combine academic excellence with social responsibility and the support of our British Friends will enable us to do so much more. Gary's energy and commitment and his business acumen will be of great benefit to us, and I wish him every success."
Some 17,000 students are taking degree courses at Haifa University, whose faculties include humanities, social sciences, science and science education, law, social welfare and health studies and education, in addition to a business school and research programmes on a wide range of subjects and fields.
Later this month, Dr Sarit Larisch, head of the Laboratory for Cell Death and Cancer Research at Haifa University, is coming to the UK to spearhead the fundraising appeal. She will be meeting potential donors and speaking at a London event on Tuesday 16 November.
To support the British Friends of Haifa University's cancer research appeal or attend the wine-tasting, call Jack Raymond on 07943 170 151 or email jack@haifa-univ.org.uk
ENDS
More info -Gary Hersham grew up in St John's Wood, where he attended St John's Wood Synagogue. He attended Menorah Primary School then Hasmonean Grammar School. This was followed by two years at Kol Torah yeshiva, Jerusalem. He went on to study at Imperial College of Science and Technology, where he achieved an honours degree in Zoology, Biochemistry and applied Entymology.