The world’s greatest resource is in its human capital.
The Azrieli Fellowship identifies, catalyzes and ignites this capital by creating an elite group of academics who through their shared experiences are establishing a network of leading professionals committed to maintaining strong academic links between Israel – a country long recognized for outstanding achievements in research and higher education – and the rest of the world.
Excellence
Azrieli Fellows are an elite group of top-tier academics focused on original, internationally recognized research that will have a positive impact on society.
Innovation
The key to innovation is in encouraging “out-of-the-box” thinking – creativity which opens the doors to discoveries, whether in architecture, science, humanities, social sciences or education. We believe in this “high-risk, high reward” model and so does each Azrieli Fellow.
Impact
Candidates applying to the Azrieli Fellowship are assessed on their past academic performance, but equally on their potential to generate cutting-edge contributions in their respective fields and translate those contributions to the betterment of not only their academic community but society at-large.
Leadership
By enabling multidisciplinary study and the cross-pollination of ideas, the Azrieli Fellows aim to break down academic silos, encourage creative thinking and drive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
“Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.”
– Salvador Dali
When the Azrieli Foundation established the Azrieli Fellows Program in 2007, we had many goals. At the top of the list was supporting those in the early stages of their careers by promoting innovative research and academic leadership. We knew then, as we know now, that the key to innovation is in encouraging “out-of-the-box” thinking – creativity which opens the doors to discoveries, whether in architecture, science, humanities, social sciences or education.
This approach is not without risk, but we firmly believe in a “high-risk, high reward” outlook.
This is the path that we follow in many of the Azrieli Foundation’s initiatives, whether we are supporting future leaders in science, those who are building bridges between Canada and Israel or programs encouraging youth-at-risk to stay in school.
My message to the newest members of the Azrieli Fellows family is this: As you meet new Fellows or Alumni, don’t be intimidated: be inspired. Use that inspiration to allow yourself to dream. My father, the late David J. Azrieli, used to say, “To be an architect and a builder, you have to be a dreamer… but a dreamer who dreams with his eyes open.”
You were chosen through a demanding selection process which proved your academic excellence and your desire to give back to our community.
But you were also chosen because we believed in your dreams. We are eager to see what you will create.
Dr. Naomi Azrieli
Chair and CEO
The Azrieli Foundation
Aviad A. Stollman, Global Director
Aviad is the Global Director of The Azrieli Fellows Program. He holds a BA from The Open University of Israel in the Humanities, an MA (summa cum laude), and a PhD in Talmudic Philology, both from Bar-Ilan University. Mr. Stollman carried out postdoctoral research at the Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies, The University of Texas at Austin. Before joining The Azrieli Foundation, Mr. Stollman served as the Head of Collections at The National Library of Israel, where he oversaw the strategic development of the library’s cultural assets. Aviad is married to Elisheva and a proud father of five.
Rochelle Avitan, Program Manager
Rochelle has managed the Azrieli Fellows Program since its establishment in 2007. She is responsible for conceptualizing and operating the program, working with university managements and leading academic figures, as well as Fellows and program staff. Rochelle comes from a rich background in philanthropy, business and international relations. She coordinated worldwide brand accounts for local and international advertising agencies and played central roles in a number of philanthropic organizations supporting the State of Israel. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Jewish History and Land of Israel Studies, and certification in teaching and tour guiding. Rochelle is married to Meir, a mother of two and a proud grandmother of four.
Yosepha Tabib-Calif, Program Consultant
Yosepha is responsible for the development of content and strategy for ongoing activities and productions, and communications with Fellows. She also serves as a lecturer in the David Yellin Academic Collage of Education in the department of Educational Studies and a teaching Fellow in the School of Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Yosepha holds a B.A in Hebrew Literature and Education, an M.A in Sociology of Education and a PhD in Sociology of Education, all from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Yosepha is an expert in organizational consultancy and programming strategy working with NGO’s, Fellowship Programs and Foundations.
Yami (Miriam) Ben-David, Community & Projects Coordinator
Yami is responsible for social activism in the program and for developing the alumni unit. She is also responsible for producing the community events during the year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology & Anthropology and master’s degree in Sociology of Organizations and Gender Studies, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prior to joining the Azrieli Fellows Program staff, Yami coordinated the Polonsky Academy at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. Yami has a rich background in community building, group facilitation, and educational work. For several years now, she has been volunteering at the Jerusalem Sexual Assault Crisis Center and at the Window to Mount Zion Project for Promoting Interreligious Tolerance, as well as other organizations which promotes social change and equality.
Tal Mordoch, Fellows & Research Coordinator
Tal is responsible for the screening and admission of new candidates and for operating the interface between the Fellows, the universities and the Azrieli Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in State-of-Israel Studies from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and master’s degree in Security Studies from Tel Aviv University. Tal has a rich background in developing international programs at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv University. Recently, Tal has been certified as a social organizations director by the Herzliya Municipality. Tal is married with two daughters. In his spare time, he is the professional coach and manager of the Tel Aviv Pioneers American Football Team.
