Prof. Rafi Melnick Appointed New President of Reichman University

Prof. Rafi Melnick has been appointed president of Reichman University. He will replace Founding President Prof. Uriel Reichman, who announced the conclusion of his term as president last September. Reichman's announcement came in the wake of the Council for Higher Education’s official recognition of the institution as a university – the first private university in Israel – and the institution’s Board of Directors’ decision to change its name to Reichman University.

Prof. Reichman was appointed chairman of the Board of Directors, an unpaid position, and a search committee was appointed to replace him. Prof. Melnick was unanimously elected by the search committee appointed to find a new president for Reichman University. The appointment of Prof. Melnick, the university’s provost, was approved by the Board of Directors and the General Assembly of Reichman University. Prof. Melnick, who had been serving as the university’s provost, replaced Prof. Reichman in September as acting president.

Prof. Uriel Reichman welcomed Prof. Melnick's election as president of the university, saying, “Reichman University is blessed to have Prof. Rafi Melnick appointed as the second president in its history. Prof. Melnick has been a partner in leading this university for many years. His agreement to serve as president gives me confidence that our university will continue to fulfill its values and make significant academic and human achievements. Prof. Melnick is an integral part of this university, and as provost has led it through considerable changes over the past few years. During one of the more difficult periods we have experienced, the COVID pandemic, we were forced to shift from being an institution that emphasizes community life on campus to one that focuses on distance learning.

Prof. Melnick demonstrated impressive leadership as he led the transition of all curricula and services to be delivered online. For me, our university has been my life’s mission and achievement. I conclude my role as president with a great sense of confidence in the future of the institution and in Prof. Melnick’s leadership. On behalf of the entire Reichman University family and as Chairman of the Board, I wish Prof. Melnick success and promise to support him in whatever he needs to continue to realize the unique story of this place.”

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December News and Updates from AFRU

December 2021 Newsletter

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Gantz at the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) Conference

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke at a conference held on November 23 by the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) at Reichman University. Below are some of PM Naftali Bennett’s remarks at the conference: Discussing the Iranian nuclear threat, the prime minister disparaged

the “legacy” he inherited from the previous government: “When I entered the Prime Minister's Office six months ago, I was shocked by the gap between rhetoric and action. I found a disturbing disparity between statements claiming that Iran is unlikely to become nuclear and the legacy I received. Iran is at a very advanced stage of its nuclear program, as its enrichment machine is broader and more sophisticated than ever. In addition to advancing the nuclear program, Iran has also succeeded in consistently encircling Israel with a ring of militias from all sides. From the northeast, Shiite militias in Syria and from the south, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. They have surrounded Israel with missiles while sitting in Tehran. They sit and do us harm and shed our blood without leaving the house and without paying a price.”

Defense Minister Gantz revealed: “Iran attempted to transfer explosives from Syria to terrorists in Judea and Samaria using unmanned aircraft” In his opening remarks, the minister said, “Israel is not a nation that dwells alone, and the Iranian threat is not just to Israel. Iran aspires to become a regional, and eventually a global, hegemon that will impose its extreme ideology, in which human rights are trampled, LGBT people are hanged, women are excluded, and resources are allocated for the benefit of the regime. .”

The conference also featured a conversation between Prof. Uriel Reichman, founding president and chairman of the Board of Directors of Reichman University, and Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead at the Security & Policy Conference convened by the Institute of Policy and Strategy at Reichman University.

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November News and Updates From AFRU

RRIS Alumna Eden Raviv Awarded Rhodes Scholarship

Congratulations to Eden Raviv on receiving one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, the Rhodes scholarship! The Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award for students to study at the University of Oxford. Established in 1903, it is the oldest graduate scholarship in the world. It is considered among the most prestigious international scholarship programs in the world. Eden grew up in Southern California and moved to Israel after high school. After serving in the IDF as a lone soldier, she studied Government in the Reichman University - International School and was top of her class all three years.

Eden was an honors fellow in The Argov Fellows Program in Leadership and Diplomacy. She participated in the Ambassador’s club, was part of the Young Israel Pugwash community and was the president of the RRIS Debate Society. Eden is interested in international relations and conflict resolution, and she looks forward to building relationships with Scholars from around the world and learning from their unique perspectives. We are so proud of you Eden! Good luck!

Approximately 4,800 Graduates Receive their Diplomas during Festive Ceremonies at Reichman University

Prof. Uriel Reichman to the graduates: "We now belong to the group of universities of Israel – we will compete with them and collaborate with them to promote research, novel approaches, and new horizons for the future leadership of the country."

The procession was led by the deans and faculty members, headed by Prof. Uriel Reichman, chairman of the board and founding President of Reichman University; Prof. Rafi Melnick, Provost and acting President, and Dr. Ayelet Ben Ezer, CEO and Vice President. Behind them marched the excited graduates, divided according to the various schools and programs. Prof. Reichman, Herzliya Mayor Mr. Moshe Fadlon, and Ricci Cohen, valedictorian and former chair of the Student Union, spoke at the ceremony.

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