International BoardExecutive Board

November 8, 2023

Dear colleagues and friends,

I am humbled and honored to take on the chairmanship of the International Board of the Weizmann Institute of Science. As Vice Chair, I have been privileged to work closely with the Institute management and scientists for many years.

I believe that what connects us as Board members with Weizmann scientists is curiosity. We are all curious individuals. We all come from a variety of professions, cultures, and places. However, we are all curious about the way the world works, about health and disease, about the environment, and about the Universe. And we are also curious about what the future holds.

In a sense, what we and Weizmann scientists have is synergy. We want Weizmann scientists to be able to do what they do best, which is to discover. To achieve that, we can offer our expertise and knowledge in service of the management of the Institute, as well as raise funding for all the ambitious scientific goals our researchers set for themselves.

As members of the International Board of the Weizmann Institute, we have the incredible privilege of dreaming big and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge by supporting this one-of-a-kind institution. However, this is not merely an honorary role. It is a mission, or a “Shlichut” in Hebrew. That is how I, and my wife and partner Renee, see our involvement with Weizmann.

What does our mission entail? It means that everywhere we go in our travels and at home, the Weizmann Institute is first in our minds, and on the tip of our tongues. We think about Weizmann’s contribution to the world, and how we can engage the person in front of us in one area of research or another aspect of Weizmann that may appeal to them; about an experience that we recently had on campus that may resonate with them.

As Board members, we must also lead by example. Philanthropy is essential for Weizmann to maintain its excellence and make even more profound discoveries. Science is a never-ending racetrack, and our job is to help feed the runners and keep them hydrated. Together, I am confident we can continue to help the Weizmann Institute reach new heights, for the future of humanity.