TAU Honors First Jewish Woman Appointed to Canada's Supreme Court

Tel Aviv University, Israel's premier academic institution, is set to honor nine exceptional individuals for their significant contributions in philanthropy, research, culture, and public service. This recognition will take place during the 2024 Board of Governors meeting in a ceremony led by Chairwoman Dafna Meitar-Nechmad, President Prof. Ariel Porat, and Rector Prof. Mark Steif.

Among the honorees is The Hon. Rosalie Silberman Abella, the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. Abella's esteemed career is highlighted by groundbreaking rulings on freedom of religion and expression, employment equity, and corporate accountability. As a former refugee and the youngest person ever appointed to the judiciary in Canada, her legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to justice and human rights.

Prof. Lucian Bebchuk will be recognized for his influential scholarship in law and economics, which has significantly impacted Israeli legislation and policymaking. Over four decades, his work has established him as one of the world’s most influential scholars in this field.

Dr. Anita Friedman, President of the Koret Foundation, will receive an honorary degree for her efforts in enhancing the quality of life in the Bay Area, promoting Jewish peoplehood, combating antisemitism, and strengthening US-Israel ties.

Prof. Andrea Goldsmith, an esteemed figure in wireless communications, will be honored for her pioneering work that has significantly improved cellular and Wi-Fi services worldwide. She is the Dean of Engineering and Applied Science at both Princeton and Stanford Universities.

Shlomo Artzi, one of Israel's most celebrated musicians, will be recognized for his extraordinary contributions to Israeli music and culture over five decades. His influence spans composing, producing, radio hosting, and singing, making him a cultural icon.

Yehuda Naftali, known for pioneering the open-air shopping center concept in Israel and successfully introducing it to the US market, will be honored for his innovative contributions and philanthropic efforts, particularly his support of the Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden at TAU.

Adv. Dan Yakir, a leading human rights lawyer and Chief Legal Counsel of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, will be recognized for his dedication to civil liberties and his role in numerous landmark rulings.

Prof. Daniel Simberloff from the University of Tennessee will receive an honorary degree for his legendary achievements in ecology, conservation biology, and invasive species management, which have greatly contributed to biodiversity protection.

These honorary degrees highlight Tel Aviv University's commitment to recognizing global leaders who excel in their fields and positively impact society. As part of a four-day event, the celebration will continue with a special red-carpet interview session hosted by The Jerusalem Post, showcasing the achievements and insights of these remarkable individuals.

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