AFBIU Voices: Conversations That Impact Tomorrow, Today

American Friends of Bar-Ilan University
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American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU) brings you inspiring conversations from Israel’s second-largest and fastest-growing university—exploring innovation, resilience, and ideas shaping a brighter tomorrow. Hosted by AFBIU CEO Jessica Feldan, this series features top researchers, thought leaders, and changemakers whose work is transforming lives in Israel and around the world.

Episodes

  1. May 14

    From Strain to Strength: Israel’s Economic Outlook Amid Prolonged Conflict

    As Israel navigates one of the most challenging periods in its modern history, questions surrounding the country’s economic resilience, financial stability, and long-term outlook have taken on renewed urgency. In this timely webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, Professor Alon Raviv—Head of Bar-Ilan University’s International MBA Program and an expert in banking systems, financial risk, and economic resilience—explores how prolonged conflict is impacting Israel’s economy, markets, businesses, and global investment climate. Drawing on his experience in both academia and the financial sector, including senior leadership at Bank Hapoalim, Professor Raviv discusses:• The economic effects of prolonged regional conflict • Investor confidence and financial market resilience • Budget deficits, debt, and economic growth projections • The role of innovation and international investment in Israel’s recovery • How Israeli businesses and students are adapting during wartime The conversation is moderated by Harvey Kaminski, National Board Member of American Friends of Bar-Ilan University. To support Bar-Ilan University and its students, faculty, and groundbreaking research during this critical time, visit: https://afbiu.org/donate

    55 min

  2. Mar 12

    When the Lions Roar, We Rise: A Briefing on Bar-Ilan’s Response to This Moment of National Crisis

    Israel’s students are navigating an extraordinary period of uncertainty, trauma, and disruption as the country confronts an evolving regional conflict. In this timely webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, leading experts from Bar-Ilan University examine the psychological toll of war on Israeli students and discuss how universities are responding to the growing need for emotional support, resilience training, and community stability. Featuring Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, Vice President for International Affairs and Third Mission; Prof. Noa Vilchinsky, Dean of the Division for Designated Programs and Head of the Resiliency Center Steering Committee; and Prof. Danny Horesh, Head of the Trauma and Stress Research Lab in the Department of Psychology and Co-Director of Bar-Ilan’s Interdisciplinary Trauma Research Center, the conversation explores how research, clinical expertise, and educational leadership are helping support students through a period of profound national challenge. Drawing on Bar-Ilan’s work in trauma research and resilience, the speakers discuss how universities can play a critical role in supporting students, strengthening communities, and helping Israeli society navigate the emotional and psychological consequences of war. Your partnership helps make conversations like this possible and supports the work of Bar-Ilan University in advancing research, education, and resilience during this critical time. 🔗 To support Israeli students during this critical time: https://afbiu.org/donation/rise ✉️ Questions or follow-up: webinar@afbiu.org

    1h 1m

  3. Mar 4

    From Conflict to Consequences: Strategic Outlook for Iran, Israel and the Middle East

    As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, the Middle East stands at a volatile strategic inflection point. Military strikes, regional proxy activity, and rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics have raised urgent questions about what comes next — for Israel, the United States, and global security. In this emergency briefing hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU), leading experts from Bar-Ilan University’s Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies examine the evolving confrontation and its broader implications for the region and beyond. Featuring Professor Eitan Shamir, Managing Director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, alongside Vice Admiral (Res.) Eli Marum, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Eran Ortal, Dr. Elai Rettig, and Ran Segev, the discussion explores Iran’s strategic posture, Israel’s potential responses, the role of the United States, and the future trajectory of the conflict. Moderated by Harvey Kaminski, AFBIU National Board Member, the conversation provides timely analysis from scholars, former military commanders, and intelligence professionals whose insights are grounded in decades of real-world experience. Your partnership helps make conversations like this possible and supports the work of Bar-Ilan University’s research centers in advancing strategic scholarship, national resilience, and informed global dialogue. 📩 Questions or follow-up:webinar@afbiu.org

    1h 7m

  4. 12/18/2025

    What Would Rabbi Sacks Say? A Playbook for Today’s Challenges

    Five years after the passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l, his teachings continue to offer moral clarity and guidance for a Jewish world navigating profound complexity, division, and uncertainty.In this timely webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU), Professor Jonathan Rynhold, Academic Director of Bar-Ilan University’s Jonathan Sacks Institute, and Dr. Tanya White, Lecturer in Tanach and Jewish Philosophy, explore how Rabbi Sacks’ ideas on ethics, leadership, community, and responsibility speak directly to the challenges facing Israel and the Jewish Diaspora today.Moderated by Harvey Kaminski, AFBIU National Board Member, the conversation reflects on questions of moral courage, unity, and resilience in a post-war landscape marked by rising antisemitism and renewed vulnerability for Jewish communities worldwide. Drawing on Rabbi Sacks’ writings and legacy, the speakers examine how universities, leaders, and individuals can help shape a more thoughtful and hopeful Jewish future.Your partnership helps make conversations like this possible and supports the work of the Jonathan Sacks Institute in developing the next generation of Jewish leaders.🔗 Support the Jonathan Sacks Institute at Bar-Ilan University:https://afbiu.org/donation/rabbi-jonathan-sacks-institute📧 Questions or follow-up:webinar@afbiu.org

    1h 2m

  5. 11/21/2025

    Securing Israel’s Future: Bar-Ilan’s ‘Third Mission’ in Action

    In the wake of October 7 and the longest war in Israel’s history, Israelis are facing profound emotional, social, and spiritual challenges. Countless individuals, families, and soldiers continue to navigate trauma, loss, and the difficult work of rebuilding daily life.In this powerful webinar hosted by American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU), Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach — clinical psychologist, trauma expert, and Bar-Ilan’s Vice President for International Affairs & Third Mission — and Prof. Noa Vilchinsky — rehabilitation psychologist and Dean of the Division of Designated Programs — explore how Bar-Ilan’s “Third Mission” is transforming trauma into strength and helping secure Israel’s future. Moderated by Harvey Kaminski, AFBIU National Board Member, the conversation highlights Bar-Ilan’s pioneering initiatives such as the Shalom Project, which helps wounded soldiers reclaim their lives through education, as well as the Academic Resilience Center, which supports students and communities across Israel in building emotional resilience and long-term recovery. Your partnership makes this work possible. Together, we can help ensure that Israel’s strength, spirit, and future generations not only endure, but thrive.🔗 Support Bar-Ilan’s Academic Resilience Center and related initiatives:https://afbiu.org/donation/academic-resilience-center📧 Questions or follow-up:webinar@afbiu.org

    58 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU) brings you inspiring conversations from Israel’s second-largest and fastest-growing university—exploring innovation, resilience, and ideas shaping a brighter tomorrow. Hosted by AFBIU CEO Jessica Feldan, this series features top researchers, thought leaders, and changemakers whose work is transforming lives in Israel and around the world.

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