On July 22, 2025, the Azrieli Fellows Program community gathered for its annual end-of-year event in the heart of Jerusalem. It was held just outside the Old City walls in Beit Shmuel’s iconic circular hall with a central glass ceiling, a beautiful venue offering sweeping views of the historic skyline as the sun was setting. This location provided a meaningful backdrop for a celebration marked by resilience, reflection, and renewed connection.
The Fellows were welcomed with a recorded message from Dr. Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation and founder of the Azrieli Fellows Program. Her remarks underscored the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, continuity, and community, even in uncertain times.
Naomi’s video was followed by words from Dr. Aviad Stollman, our Global Director, on the importance of leadership, especially in uncertain times such as these. He emphasized the role of Azrieli Fellows as emerging leaders, whose knowledge, integrity, and sense of responsibility position them to make a meaningful impact across disciplines and society.
Certificates were awarded to the outgoing cohort by Professor Hermona Soreq, the Program’s senior academic advisor, and she was joined on stage by Aviad, together with Rochelle Avitan, out Program Director. We thus welcomed the outgoing cohort into the Azrieli alumni community, marking the start of their continued connection to the Program.
The evening featured performances by talented musicians, Elijah Eskin and Amalia Small, who shared songs of optimism and hope. Their harmonies added warmth and depth to the atmosphere and resonated with the spirit of the gathering. The evening served both as a farewell and a celebration, a moment to honor accomplishments and look ahead with optimism.
The Azrieli Fellows Program looks forward to welcoming its community back in the autumn, continuing its mission of supporting outstanding scholars in their academic and professional journeys.
