Fifty years of impact and innovation

The Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) Victoria recently celebrated 50 years of connection, community, and impact with a special evening that brought together friends, supporters and special guests.

AFTAU was delighted to welcome Tel Aviv University (TAU) president Professor Ariel Porat and vice-president Amos Elad, and to honour the many supporters and volunteers who have helped shape AFTAU since the very beginning.

Guests enjoyed an engaging and thought-provoking conversation between Senator Dave Sharma, a former Australian ambassador to Israel and Rebecca Davis, digital media editor at the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council.

Asked about the deterioration of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Israel, Sharma said he found it “heartbreaking”.

“I spent four years of my professional life strengthening and building the relationship between Australia and Israel … because I believed it’s in both our countries’ interests that a strong partnership helps both the nations … and to see what I think has been a reckless and aggressive trashing and degrading of that relationship by this federal government has been, I think, a terrible exercise,” he said.

“I think there is hope … everyone I speak to in the Israeli government and decision-making system wants to make a relationship with Australia work … I think the door is open, and I’m hopeful that with the conflict over and temperatures having cooled, there’ll be a bit more space to do that and allow relationships to grow.”

Sharma noted the importance of people-to-people cooperation, “Governments come and go … I’d like to hope that at least there is now some of that space to pursue academic exchanges, research partnerships, collaboration, cooperation.”

AFTAU presented Sharma with a Friendship Award, in recognition of his extraordinary record of public service, principled leadership, and enduring friendship toward the State of Israel.

The award also honoured his steadfast advocacy for Australia’s Jewish community and commitment to countering the rising tide of antisemitism.

Awards were presented in appreciation of recipients’ longstanding support and significant contributions to Tel Aviv University, acknowledging their commitment and generosity over many years.

Awards went to: the Besen Family Foundation, Keith and Deirdre Beville, the Erdi Foundation, Gandel Foundation, Kaye Vaver family, Krongold family, Kushinsky Frydman family, Solomon Lew, Tami and Rick Olsha, Perelberg Grosman family, Pratt Foundation, Selwyn Family and Professor Paul and Vivien Zimmet.

Another moving moment came when a Tel Aviv University alumnus delivered a heartfelt testimonial about Kobi, a TAU medical student who received transformative care through the TAU Post-Trauma Clinic. His story reminded everyone of the incredible impact of the work AFTAU supports.

Funds raised during the evening will support “Optimism at Work – from Trauma to Triumph”, providing essential treatment and care for TAU students recovering from trauma and PTSD.

To the next 50 years of friendship, purpose, innovation and progress.