The HIT Holon Institute of Technology once again honors the achievements of prominent and outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions in the fields of science, innovative technologies, the development and implementation of advanced security systems, medicine, and healthcare, as well as in fostering bridges of friendship and peace between nations. This year, five distinguished laureates were awarded Honorary Degrees by HIT at a ceremony held on September 10, 2024, at the Center for Innovation and Peace, in honor of Shimon Peres, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the ninth President of Israel.
Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of HIT, stated, "HIT is proud to award honorary degrees to remarkable individuals of exceptional influence, each of whom has made a unique and significant contribution to Israeli society. For nine years, the Institute has awarded honorary degrees. This year, in light of the ongoing war and the current situation, we have decided to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to security, society, medicine, and the Israeli high-tech industry. The awarding of these degrees serves as recognition and appreciation for their profound and tireless efforts in advancing the State of Israel and society as a whole."
Among the awardees:
In the Field of Medicine
Professor Mordechai Shani – who was awarded the Israel Prize in 2009, successfully led the Shiba–Tel HaShomer Hospital for 33 years. He also served as the Director General of the Ministry of Health. Additionally, Professor Shani is the Founder and Chairman of the Management Committee of the Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research. He initiated and led revolutionary reforms, including the national health insurance law and mental health reform.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordechai_Shani
In the Field of Innovative Technologies:
Dr. Orna Berry – is recognized as the first woman to lead the Israeli high-tech industry, establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur, computer scientist, and influential leader. She made history by becoming the first Chief Scientist Officer in the Israeli government, a role during which Israel embarked on its journey to becoming a Startup Nation - a transformation that is still regarded as remarkable. Currently, she serves as the Director of Google Cloud and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technologies both in Israel and globally. Dr. Berry has also developed programs aimed at enhancing Israel's national research infrastructure in quantum science and technology, as well as in artificial intelligence and data science.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orna_Berry
In the Field of Science:
Professor Daniel Zajfman – is a world-renowned physicist who served as the President of the Weizmann Institute of Science. He has participated in groundbreaking projects, including the development of particle accelerators. In an interview, Professor Zajfman stated, "Excellence comes from the bottom up. We hire the best scientists and then trust them to do their best without directing them. They need to believe that they are working on their own mission, rather than being directed toward a specific goal—such as 'finding a cure for a particular disease.' We say, 'just research,' and great things come out of that. Over the years, I have increasingly realized my role in protecting the space and freedom of our scientists." Professor Zajfman has made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific education in Israel, investing heavily in making science accessible to the periphery through the establishment of educational centers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Zajfman
In the Field of Security and Defense Industry:
Boaz Levy – CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, is recognized as one of the top 10 defense industry leaders of 2024, according to Aviation Week. He successfully led the development of the "Iron Dome" and "Barak 8" defense systems, which have become integral to Israel's defense infrastructure. Under his leadership, numerous satellites and defense systems have been launched into space. Boaz Levy is regarded as a pivotal figure in the global defense industry.
https://www.iai.co.il/about/management/boaz-levy
In the Field of Public Affairs:
The esteemed expert and bridge-builder, Boris David Kandow, Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan to Austria, tirelessly promoted international trade partnerships between Western countries and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. He actively worked to reduce and eliminate nuclear weapons stockpiles, contributing to global stability. As a trusted advisor to the Presidents of Central Asian countries, he frequently organized parliamentary delegations to the White House and other nations. Kandow has made significant contributions to strengthening academic ties between HIT and scientific institutions in Uzbekistan.
Given the extremely challenging circumstances resulting from the war in our country, HIT Holon Institute of Technology deeply appreciates the contributions of these honorary laureates. We are inspired by their unwavering leadership in preserving and reinforcing the fundamental values of the State of Israel and Israeli society, which they uphold and pass down from generation to generation.
VIP representatives attend the ceremony:
Mr. Jakhongir Aminov - Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel
Mr. Sherzod Shavkatbekov - Council of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Israel
Mr. Mukhtar Yskak - Deputy Ambassador of the Republic the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel
Ms. Assel Ustenova - 1st Secretary of the Republic the Republic of Kazakhstan to the State of Israel
Ms. Aydan Karimli - 3rd Secretary Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the State of Israel
Mr. Yoel Razvozov - Deputy Minister of Tourism
Ambassador Dan Oryan – Director of Civil Diplomacy Israel MFA
Mr. Mr. Cohen Pinchas (Pini) - Chairman of the HIT Board of Trustees
Prof. Eduard Yakubov – HIT President
Prof. Adir Pridor - Chairman of the Executive HIT Committee
