Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze'ev, Lord Winston, Mr. Ron Prosor
A reception hosted by His Excellency Mr. Ron Prosor, Ambassador of the State of Israel in the UK, for the British Friends of Haifa University sealed his commitment to honoring academic excellence. The guest speaker was Professor Lord Winston, Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College, famed for his dedication to the advancement of fertility treatment, and for his BBC documentary series bringing the wonders of nature to the public. Lord Winston addressed the impressive crowd of community leaders, friends and donors, on the role of higher education in general and the University of Haifa in particular in advancing underprivileged groups in society and in giving young people a chance to improve their lives.
He related to the importance of Israeli student participation in international programs as ambassadors able to represent the better side of Israel around the world.
Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze'ev, President of the University of Haifa, echoed these themes, assuring that the University "stimulates pragmatic scientific research and discovery - and ensures that the University maintains a strategic contribution to Israel's present and future, to Israel's national development and to improving social conditions in Israel and worldwide."
Prominent guests at the reception included Michael Crystal, Chairman of the Trustees of the British Friends of Haifa University, and his wife Licia, Hana Smouha, a trustee of the British Friends, with husband Brian, longtime supporters of the University Sir Maurice & Lady Hatter and Ernst & Thilde Fraenkel and many new friends.
L-R: Brian Smouha; Shmuel Ben-Tovim, Minister for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Israel; Hana Smouha
Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze'ev; Nicola Cobbold, Managing Director of the Portland Trust; Sir Maurice Hatter
Dr.Ernst Fraenkel OBE & Mrs. Thilde Fraenkel
Lady Irene Hatter (left) with Mrs. Licia Crystal
Eli Avrahampour and Leora Torn-Hibler
Tali Sayar (British Friends of Haifa University) and University of Haifa alumnus Ravit Alfandari
Guy Naggar and Michael Crystal QC