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Who We Are

Our Story

The American Friends of Reichman University

Our mission is to support and promote Reichman University in the United States by investing in its continued growth and excellence. We strengthen the University through scholarships, capital projects, Jewish life initiatives, academic chairs, research institutes, and other strategic programs.

 

Since its founding in 1994 as Israel’s first non-government-funded university, Reichman University has redefined what higher education can achieve—free from bureaucracy, fueled by innovation, and guided by a clear mission: to develop the next generation of leaders for Israel and the world.

 

Reichman stands as Israel’s leading social sciences university, offering world-class undergraduate and graduate programs in both Hebrew and English. With 8,500 students from over 90 countries and a growing network of 30,000 alumni making an impact globally, Reichman is more than a university—it is a launchpad for leadership, entrepreneurship, and excellence.

 

At the heart of Reichman is a dedicated team of educators, administrators, and supporters who believe in a strong, vibrant, and secure Israel. Through strategic philanthropy, our partners have helped us build a unique institution that consistently ranks among the top for student satisfaction, academic rigor, and global relevance.

 Your support 
 empowers :
  • Innovative research with real-world impact

  • Cutting-edge facilities that foster creativity and collaboration

  • Scholarships that open doors for the brightest minds, regardless of background

  • A values-driven education grounded in Zionism, democracy, and personalresponsibility

By supporting Reichman University,
you invest in Israel’s future—one student,
one idea, one breakthrough at a time.
Join us in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Mission Statement 

The American Friends of Reichman University invests in and promotes innovations in higher education that strengthen Israel and the Jewish People.


Human capital is Israel’s greatest natural resource, which leads AFORU to support initiatives that cultivate the State’s next generation of public and private sector leaders and equips them with the skills, knowledge, and habits to compete globally.  In the policy arena, Israel must act proactively and with a far reaching, practical vision. AFORU supports knowledge development and events concerned with the long term needs, opportunities, and challenges of Israel’s international and domestic policy.


The futures of Israel and the Jewish People are inextricably bound together. The greater the involvement of Jews in Israel and around the world with one another, the stronger each will be. In recognition of this fact, AFORU supports programs that open the doors of college and graduate school to non-Israelis through English language curriculum.

Our Team

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Leslie Skyba 

Executive Director 

Leslie Siver-Skyba is the Executive Director of the American Friends of Reichman University, where she leads fundraising, donor engagement, and outreach efforts across North America. She plays a key role in strengthening academic and philanthropic partnerships between the United States and Israel and is known for her relationship-driven leadership and deep commitment to higher education. Leslie previously served as an Advancement Director at The City College of New York and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Manhattan University.

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Amy Nachon 

Director of Advancement 

Amy serves as Director of Advancement for American Friends of Reichman University, where she connects donors to purpose and impact. With a background in storytelling, she brings authenticity, energy, and heart to building relationships that make a difference.

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Natalie Golan-Aubrey

Director of Marketing & Recruitment,
North America 

Natalie Golan-Aubrey is a graduate of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy at Reichman University. Since 2015, she has served as Director of Recruitment and Marketing in North America at the Raphael Recanati International School, where she works closely with students, parents, and high school guidance counselors across the United States, guiding them through the application process and supporting them as incoming and current students.

In addition, Natalie serves as Director of U.S. Alumni Relations and Affairs, where she leads initiatives and organizes events for alumni who have returned to or relocated within North America.

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Rina Haller 

Advancement & Recruitment Manager,

North America

Rina Haller is the Advancement and Recruitment Manager at AFORU, where she supports both the American Friends organization and the U.S. office of the Raphael Recanati International School in daily operations, travel coordination, and recruitment efforts.

She also serves as the Manager of U.S. Financial Aid at RRIS, where she assists students throughout the financial aid process.

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