Safra Foundation honors 10 top achievers

Awards given to those who contributed to Israeli society in the fields of medicine, science, business, hi-tech.

By RUTH EGLASH
Bloomfield Science Museum 311 (photo credit: iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
Bloomfield Science Museum 311
(photo credit: iTRAVELJERUSALEM)
The Edmond J. Safra-funded ISEF Foundation celebrated 35 years Wednesday night by honoring 10 outstanding individuals for their personal achievements and professional contributions to Israeli society in the fields of medicine, science, business and hi-tech.
Those who were awarded the prestigious International Sephardic Education Foundation prize include businessmen Eyal Edrei and Eli Elezra, who used their success to invest in community projects.
Dr. Osnat Akirav and Beersheba Labor Court Judge Yosef Yosefi were recognized for their volunteer work.
Also honored were Dr. Adi Kol, for creating a higher education program for underprivileged populations, and Prof.
Avi Levi, president of the Hemdat Hadarom Academic College, Dr. Eve Biton, for her work in the medical field, Prof. Yehuda Hadad, president of the Sami Shamoon Academic College of Engineering, Dr. Meir Buzaglo for his work with the Tikun social movement, and Dr. Miriam Biton from Bar-Ilan University’s Faculty of Law.
The honorees were inducted into the Edmond J. Safra Honorary Society of ISEF Alumni during a ceremony in Tel Aviv.
Speaking at the event, Lily Safra, chairwoman of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation and honorary chairwoman of ISEF, said: “ISEF scholars are the very best that Israel has to offer, and it is a privilege to be able to support them.”
She added: “Over 35 years I have watched in admiration as so many talented young men and women have reached the height of their chosen fields, embodying my husband Edmond’s values: Hard work, professional integrity and a duty to help others.”
The ISEF Foundation has bestowed thousands of academic scholarships to gifted youth from some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities, including those of Sephardic descent, third-and fourth-generation Israelis, Russian and Ethiopian immigrants and the Druse population. Some 700 students studying at 20 campuses countrywide currently benefit from the grants.