Over the past several years, Israel’s university students have pursued their education amid war, disruption, and uncertainty, balancing their studies with military service, family responsibilities, displacement, and concern for loved ones. Through it all, they have continued to learn, grow, and work toward their futures.In this webinar, three Bar-Ilan University students share their personal stories and offer a firsthand look at what it has meant to pursue an education in Israel during this extraordinary period.The conversation explores the challenges they have faced, the support and sense of community they have found at Bar-Ilan, and the experiences that have shaped their aspirations. Looking ahead to a new academic year and their own futures, the students also reflect on their hopes, ambitions, and the impact they hope to make in Israel and around the world.Featuring:– Guy, Engineering, Bar-Ilan University– Eliyahu, Computer Science, Bar-Ilan University– Omri, Medicine, Bar-Ilan University– Harvey Kaminski, National Board Member, American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (Moderator)To support Bar-Ilan University and its students, visit:afbiu.org/donate

The recent Iran war sent shockwaves across the Middle East and global energy markets, underscoring the growing importance of energy security, regional cooperation, and resilient infrastructure. As policymakers and industry leaders assess the implications, what does the future hold for the region's evolving energy landscape?In this webinar, Dr. Elai Rettig, Assistant Professor in Bar-Ilan University's Department of Political Studies and Senior Research Fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, examines how recent conflicts are reshaping energy security, trade routes, and strategic partnerships throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.The conversation explores the changing role of the Strait of Hormuz, emerging land-based energy corridors connecting the Gulf and Europe, Israel's expanding role in regional energy infrastructure, and how renewable energy cooperation could help strengthen regional partnerships and economic resilience.Featuring:— Dr. Elai Rettig, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Studies, Bar-Ilan University; Senior Research Fellow, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies— Harvey Kaminski, National Board Member, American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (Moderator)To support Bar-Ilan University's groundbreaking research and academic excellence, visit:https://afbiu.org/donate

As Israel's northern communities continue to recover from years of conflict, displacement, and economic disruption, strengthening healthcare access and outcomes has become an increasingly urgent priority.In this webinar, Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Director of the Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE at Bar-Ilan University, joins Dr. Idana Goldberg, CEO of the Russell Berrie Foundation, for a discussion on the public health challenges facing northern Israel and the innovative solutions being developed to address them.The conversation explores healthcare disparities in the Galilee, the impact of prolonged instability on community health, the role of universities and philanthropy in driving change, and how initiatives like SPHERE are helping build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for the future.Featuring:• Dr. Sivan Spitzer, Director, Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE• Dr. Idana Goldberg, CEO, Russell Berrie Foundation• Jessica Feldan, CEO, American Friends of Bar-Ilan UniversityTo support SPHERE and Bar-Ilan University's efforts to strengthen healthcare in northern Israel, visit:https://afbiu.org/donation/supportsphere