Ronson Dorms Inaugurated at Reichman University

New Ronson Dorms inaugurated at Reichman University! Sir Gerald and Dame Gail Ronson, renowned for their extraordinary philanthropy, along with daughters Amanda and Lisa, graced this important occasion. Jonathan Davis , VP at RU and Head of the Raphael Recanati International School and Prof. Boaz Ganor, RUNI President, expressed profound gratitude for the Ronsons' unwavering generosity and friendship that has transformed countless lives.

These dorms have become a sanctuary for Kibbutz Kfar Aza evacuees. Liora Eilon from Kfar Aza, shared her heart-wrenching story of unimaginable loss and survival. On that fateful day, she endured hours in a safe room with her family while tragedy unfolded, including the devastating loss of her son. She thanked the Ronsons and Prof. Uriel Reichman for providing a beacon of hope and a temporary home during these darkest of times.

The Ronson Dorms stand as a testament to compassion, resilience, and the power of community. They're not just buildings, but a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Pictured: Prof. Varda Liberman, Prof. Boaz Ganor, Lisa Althasen, Liora Eilon, Amanda Ronson, Dame Gail Ronson, Sir Gerald Ronson, Jonathan Davis, Nissim Avi

Photographer: Rami Sinai

Israel’s lone warriors: Foreign students answer the call to arms - opinion By Jonathan Davis

In the chaos following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, an unlikely cohort answered the call to arms: international students. These “lone soldiers” – volunteers who leave their home countries to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) – exemplify the growing phenomenon of Diaspora Jews taking active roles in Israel’s security.

Three hundred former lone soldiers are enrolled at Reichman University’s Raphael Recanati International School. Strikingly, over 20% of these students, already IDF veterans, reported for reserve duty in the current conflict. Their choice is particularly poignant since, without family in Israel, they face unique hardships balancing military service with studies and part-time jobs.

Nichole Amar, a third-year American student, epitomizes this commitment. Called up before her final year began, she served over 100 days in a Home Front Command unit. “When I got the call, I didn’t think of my studies or well-being,” Amar reflects. “I felt at peace putting everything aside to join the family of reservists.”

Read the full article in the Jerusalem Post here.

THE WRITER (center) and Sylvia Kassoff (far right), head of student well-being on campus, meet with reservists after they were discharged.

(photo credit: JONATHAN DAVIS)

Legal aid in action-Reichman University's Response Center for Displaced Families

By ADV. RAVIT KAUL COHEN

In the face of the October 7th terror attack by Hamas, Reichman University swiftly embraced its commitment to freedom and social responsibility. Recognizing the urgent need for support, the Legal Aid Clinics on campus emerged as crucial first responders. From drafting informative memos on the rights of those impacted by the war to establishing a dedicated legal aid response center, the university demonstrated its unwavering dedication to assisting displaced families.

From left: Adv. Yael Vias Gvirsman (with pink shirt), Adv. Ilan Yonash, Head of the Shira Banki Anti-Hate Clinic, Dr. Neta Nadiv, Head of the Experiential Program, Adv. Sharon Sionov, Head of Legal Clinics, the German Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Stefan Seibert and his wife Mrs. Sophia Gundelach (credit: ALON GILBOA)

Led by the Dean and staff of the Harry Radzyner Law School, Prof. Lior Zemer (Dean), Dr. Neta Nadiv (Head of the Experiential Program), and Adv. Sharon Sionov (Head of Clinical Legal Education), the Response Center was formed to provide free legal assistance, particularly to individuals evacuated from their homes in the south and north.

The Response Center is still active and until today have handled over 600 inquiries spanning a broad spectrum of subjects, including labor rights, youth, housing, mental health, social insurance, welfare, grants, and inheritance arrangements. The multifaceted approach of the Response Center reflects its commitment to addressing the numerous challenges faced by those affected by the conflict.

From left, first row: MK Karine Elharrar, Yarden Levy, Omri Kaplinski, Jonathan Cohen, Hadar Sutker and Aya Kador. From left, second row: Dr. Neta Nadiv, Head of the Experiential Program, Tal Horev, MK Karine Elharrar's Parliamentary Assistant, Prof. Lior Zemer, Adv. Geller Efrat and Adv. Einat Ka

(photo credit: ALON GILBOA)

In times of crisis, Reichman University’s legal aid initiative stands as an inspiration of support, showcasing the power of community-driven action in alleviating the legal burdens borne by displaced families.

Read the full article here.