Faculty News
Tour of the New Teaching Building
תאריךDuring April 2026, a professional tour was held in the new Medical Education Building, currently under construction, adjacent to the existing campus. The tour was conducted for faculty members and for the Rector, who visited the Faculty, and provided a close‑up view of the impressive progress of the project and the meticulous planning of the future learning environment for students and staff.
The building will include five floors above street level, housing three modern auditoriums—a central hall with 400 seats and two additional halls with 200 seats each—which will enable the hosting of lectures, conferences, and academic events of varying scales. In addition, the building will incorporate classrooms designed for both large groups and small‑group learning, alongside administrative offices and the medical students’ administrative offices.
One of the building's flagship components is an advanced medical simulation center that will provide an innovative, hands‑on training environment. Alongside it will operate a comprehensive medical library, as well as well‑designed, comfortable self‑study spaces for both individual and group learning. The building will also include two underground parking levels with approximately 100 parking spaces.
At the time of the tour, construction is at an advanced stage: the structural framework of the building is nearly complete, and interior infrastructure works are currently underway, including wall construction and the installation of electrical, plumbing, and air‑conditioning systems.
The building is scheduled for occupancy and operation in October 2027, ahead of the opening of the 2027/28 academic year.
Prof. Orly Avni has been elected to an additional term as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee
תאריךThe Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee congratulates its Dean, Prof. Orly Avni, on her re‑election to an additional term as head of the Faculty. Her reappointment reflects broad recognition of her leadership, academic vision, and deep commitment to advancing medicine, research, and medical education in the Galilee.
In recent years, under Prof. Avni’s leadership, the Faculty has continued to strengthen its position as a significant academic, medical, and social engine of growth in northern Israel. During her tenure, wide‑ranging initiatives have been advanced in the areas of teaching, research, faculty development, and the strengthening of ties between the Faculty, medical centers, the community, and the region as a whole.
Among the key achievements during her term are the establishment of nine new research centers, the launch of the six‑year MD program, the introduction of a Master’s program in Health Sciences, the development of promotion tracks for teaching physicians, and the expansion of medical education training courses for physicians, department heads, and mentors. In parallel, the Faculty secured major research grants totaling tens of millions of shekels, aimed at expanding research infrastructure, establishing new core facilities, and strengthening the Faculty’s scientific capabilities.
One of the most prominent developments in recent years is the launch of the six‑year MD program, which is based on the vision of the future physician: one who combines clinical excellence, a strong commitment to research, medical innovation, professional ethics, and a deep connection to the Galilee. This approach reflects the Faculty’s vision of training a new generation of physicians who view medicine not only as a clinical profession, but as a social, scientific, and human mission.
At the same time, additional strategic initiatives have been advanced, including the establishment of the new Medical Education Center, the creation of a relocation office to the Galilee aimed at encouraging the growth of the medical community in the north, and the organization of faculty retreats that strengthen cohesion, shared identity, and research-oriented thinking among faculty members and students.
Looking ahead, under Prof. Avni’s leadership, the Faculty will continue to advance a vision of academic excellence, medical innovation, and a deep commitment to the Galilee and its residents. Key objectives for the coming years include the construction of a new research building, the development of student villages, the expansion of the academic “colony” in the Galilee for teaching and research, increasing the number of medical students, improving the quality of clinical teaching in hospitals and community settings, recruiting outstanding faculty and students for research, advancing the establishment of a School of Pharmacy and a School of Public Health, developing multidisciplinary programs with other faculties at the University, and deepening the Faculty’s international collaborations in research and education.
Prof. Avni’s re‑election, which received broad support, reflects deep confidence in her leadership approach—one that combines vision, attentiveness, partnership, commitment, and dedication. Her guiding philosophy—that “the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee is not merely an academic institution operating within a community, but rather a community that has a Faculty of Medicine”—continues to lead the Faculty forward.
The Faculty congratulates Prof. Avni and wishes her continued fruitful, meaningful, and inspiring work.
Double Achievement in the 2025/26 Call for Proposals for Innovation in Teaching at the Faculty of Medicine
תאריךThe Faculty of Medicine congratulates Dr. Liron Rosenkrantz and Dr. Yair Daon on their success in the 2025/26 (5786) call for proposals for innovation in teaching, in recognition of innovative pedagogical initiatives that promote teaching that is relevant and aligned with the challenges of contemporary academic training.
Dr. Liron Rosenkrantz was awarded for an initiative in the course “Professional Skills – Orientation and Thriving in Academia,” designed for graduate students. The course addresses key competencies that are not always taught explicitly, including formulating research questions, scientific writing, and presenting research in a clear and compelling manner, with an emphasis on practical training and feedback. As part of the initiative, it was proposed to incorporate a guest lecture on scientific storytelling, aimed at equipping students with tools for constructing a scientific narrative and presenting research in a clear and effective manner.
Dr. Yair Daon was awarded for an innovative pedagogical proposal in the course “Statistics for Medical Students,” which includes a group-based final project centered on the analysis of real medical data. The proposal seeks to address the challenges of artificial intelligence use through the development of an interactive assessment and feedback bot, which conducts a dialogue with the student to assess their understanding. The bot is based on the student’s written work, the data source, and the Python code developed by the student, enabling an integrative assessment of knowledge, skills, and application, while encouraging responsible and informed use of artificial intelligence.
The award reflects the Faculty’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative, relevant, and meaningful teaching practices for its students.
Planting the Future Generation of Medical Students in the Galilee
תאריךThe Unit for Medical Education at the Faculty is currently in the process of being established. Its role is to shape the Faculty’s pedagogical direction, make advanced teaching methodologies accessible, and support the alignment of medical training with the challenges of the 21st century and the evolving needs of the clinical environment.
The Unit’s activities are based on four principal domains of action: the planning and implementation of curricula, including the gradual advancement of competency‑based medical education (CBME); faculty development and training; the enhancement of teaching processes and course evaluation; and the support of students in forming their professional identity as physicians—competent, ethical, and humane—who choose to anchor their professional future and growth in the Galilee.
A key milestone in the process was the presentation of the Unit at a Faculty leadership meeting, during which its vision, mission, and main directions of action were outlined. The discussion regarding the Unit’s continued establishment raised two central topics: prioritizing tasks for the first year of operation, with an emphasis on selecting initiatives that will generate the greatest value for the Faculty; defining the Unit’s authority and its interfaces with Faculty leadership, committees, course coordinators, and departments. During the meeting, a general mapping of the main anticipated barriers at the establishment stage was also conducted. The discussion helped to sharpen the need to develop the Unit in a gradual, practical, and collaborative manner, while mapping the needs of faculty and students and strengthening training processes within the Faculty.
At the conclusion of the leadership meeting, an olive tree was planted in the Faculty courtyard as a symbol of growth, rootedness, and long‑term vision. This act echoes the inspiring words of Janusz Korczak: “He who is concerned about the days to come sows wheat; he who is concerned about the years to come plants trees; he who is concerned about generations educates people.”
Holocaust Remembrance Exhibit at the Faculty: Medicine During the Shoah
תאריךThis exhibition at the Faculty of Medicine was created by Dr. Menachem Shiffer and Dr. Limor Meoded Danon as part of the course "Medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust" (led by Prof. Shmuel Weiss, Dr. Miriam Offer, Dr. Hadas Sasa, and others).
The exhibition brings to light the testament left by Dr. Yisrael Mileykovsky in his research on starvation — "for I shall not wholly die" — and deepens the connection and significance of medicine as a form of creation.
The men and women highlighted in the exhibition left behind, even in death, scientific knowledge, the value of healing, hope, and vitality — which they offered to those around them despite the horrific struggle for survival. The themes and values presented in the exhibition remain deeply relevant to our time and to the future of medicine.
Celebrating Our Three Outstanding Faculty Award Winners for 2025
תאריךWe are proud and delighted to announce the three exceptional recipients of Bar-Ilan University’s Outstanding Lecturer Award for 2025. These remarkable educators set a high standard in teaching, research, and student mentorship—shaping the next generation of physicians and researchers!
Meet the Award Winners:
Dr. Shai Bel (center)
Dr. Bel, a leading researcher in inflammatory bowel diseases, seamlessly integrates groundbreaking research with excellence in teaching. He leads challenging courses on the immune system, making complex topics accessible and engaging. His lectures stand out for their interactive presentations, active discussions, and deep investment in student learning. As the head of the MD/PhD program, he nurtures a new generation of physician-scientists, fostering scientific innovation and guiding students with dedication and belief in their potential.Dr. Gassan Moady (right)
Dr. Moady, Head of the cardiology clinical division at the Faculty of Medicine, is a senior lecturer and clinical instructor in cardiology. He is highly respected by both students and faculty members.
For the past seven years, he has mentored students with dedication in hospital settings, providing practical clinical knowledge alongside essential values of patient-centered care. His outstanding teaching is reflected in top student evaluations and his contributions to both preclinical and clinical training programs.🏆 Nadav Toledano (left)
Nadav, an anatomy lecturer and physiotherapist, is revolutionizing the way anatomy is taught at the Faculty. He implements innovative learning techniques, including pre-recorded lectures and interactive practice sessions. Student feedback highlights his inspiring teaching, personalized approach, and outstanding pedagogical support. His dedication to creating engaging content and developing advanced teaching programs makes him a vital asset to the Faculty.The selection of these outstanding lecturers was based on years of student evaluations, faculty recommendations, and the rankings of the university’s selection committee.
The award ceremony will take place on Monday, June 16, 2025, in the presence of the university president and rector.
Excellence in teaching is a core value of our faculty, and we deeply appreciate the dedication of our lecturers who tirelessly invest in quality education, inspiration, and unwavering support for our students!
New at the Faculty: Center for Research in Genetics and Malignant Diseases
תאריךOn March 12, 2025, the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine inaugurated a new research center, headed by Prof. Itay Onn, Prof. Tzipora Falik-Zaccai, and Dr. Kobi Maman. The center aims to foster collaborations between Faculty researchers and physicians in affiliated hospitals, integrating clinical knowledge with research.
Approximately 50 researchers and physicians attended the launch conference, with many presenting their research profiles in the fields of genetics and oncology. Following the lectures, networking sessions were held to generate ideas for future collaborations.
What’s Next?
- Hosting leading researchers from Israel and abroad
- Research grants
- Conferences to present research findings
This is the third center in the faculty’s Galilee Research Network, which unites nine dedicated research centers to advance medicine and healthcare in the Galilee. Our existing centers include the Women’s Health Research Center and the Immunology and Infectious Diseases Research Center.
A Microscopic Exhibit at the Faculty!
תאריךThe Faculty of Medicine is currently hosting a "traveling exhibition" of the Israel Society for Microscopy, showcasing a stunning selection of microscopy images captured by researchers in Israel. The exhibition features 40 original works from various fields, including life sciences and materials science, offering a unique glimpse into the microscopic worlds of cells, organisms, materials, and molecular structures.
Displayed at the entrance to the research buildings, the exhibition invites visitors to experience the beauty and complexity of the micro-world as never seen before.
Medical Cadets Present Their Final Research Projects at 2025 Galileum Conference
תאריךGalilium is a regional partnership established to promote science and technology education in the Eastern Galilee cluster as a tool for reducing gaps and fostering social mobility.
Galilium leads a wide range of programs, including the Medical Cadets program, which operates in collaboration with the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine. This program is one of Galilium’s flagship excellence initiatives.
As part of the program, students write a final research paper worth five matriculation units under the guidance of researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, hospitals in the Eastern Galilee region, and the MIGAL Research Institute.
This year, program students once again participated in Galilium’s Science and Technology Research Paper Conference, which has been held annually for the past 11 years. This year, the conference was hosted at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed.
The conference featured 25 students who submitted their science research papers to the Ministry of Education and presented their work in five parallel sessions.
A heartfelt thank you to the Faculty of Medicine for hosting the event and to all the researchers for guiding and mentoring the students!
30 Medical Students Receive Their White Coats and Begin Clinical Training
תאריךLast night, 30 medical students proudly received their white coats, marking the beginning of their clinical studies in hospitals.
In a heartfelt and celebratory ceremony at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, 30 students were presented their white coats, symbolizing their transition from theoretical studies to hands-on clinical training.
This event signifies a pivotal milestone as they move from classroom-based learning at the Faculty to practical, patient-centered education in affiliated hospitals across northern Israel and community health centers in the Galilee.
During the ceremony, each student received a white coat and a personalized name tag from the Dean, while the physicians who guided them in their training placed the coats on them in a symbolic gesture.
These 30 students, graduates of the Faculty’s three-year track program, now join 98 graduates of the four-year track who received their white coats last July.
These students left everything behind and returned home from countries where they had begun their medical studies—including Georgia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Italy, Croatia, Russia, and Jordan.
Prof. Orly Avni, Dean of the Faculty, addressed the students:
"Dear students, we have reached the moment for which we have gathered today—the point where the educational focus shifts from the faculty to hospitals and community medicine. This is the most significant stage in your medical education: the moment when patients begin to see you as part of the medical team. I cannot overstate the immense responsibility that comes with donning your white coats. In an era of artificial intelligence, where a single click grants access to the sum of human knowledge, your true strength lies in your ability to extend a wise, compassionate, and empathetic hand."
Gal-Tanamy Joins Unique Training Program for Advancing Medical Research Entrepreneurship in Industry
תאריךProf. Meital Gal-Tanamy from the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, a pioneering researcher in virology and vaccines, has been selected to participate in a prestigious training program organized by BIRAD, the commercialization company of Bar-Ilan University, in collaboration with the Arieli Group investment firm.
The training, conducted as part of a "Bootcamp" for researchers developed in partnership with industry, provides essential tools for presenting scientific research and innovations to business stakeholders, investors, and funding bodies. Prof. Gal-Tanamy was invited to join the program due to the groundbreaking vaccine developed in her lab, which holds significant medical potential.
As part of the program, alongside eight other researchers from Bar-Ilan University, she received close mentorship in preparing a scientific pitch for the industry, participated in one-on-one meetings with representatives from the pharma and biotech sectors, and presented her research at a key event attended by investors and industry leaders.
Her participation in the program highlights the importance of bridging academic research with commercial development, marking the path of innovation at the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee—from the laboratory to the medical market.
For the First Time in Israel: Biobank Integrating Biological Samples and Bacteria Linked to a Database
תאריךThe establishment of the biobank at the Tzafon Medical Center, in collaboration with the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, is made possible thanks to a grant of 1.5 million shekels from the Israel Innovation Authority.
This week, the Tzafon Medical Center received notification that it has won a 1.5-million-shekel grant from the Israel Innovation Authority to establish The Tzafon Data and Bio-Bank in partnership with the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine. This will not only be the first biobank in northern Israel but also a unique facility that will incorporate bacterial samples in addition to biological specimens.
The project is part of the Academia, Innovation, and Research (AIR) infrastructure at Tzafon Medical Center (Poriya) and will be physically located within the Biomedical Research Institute affiliated with BIU’s Azrieli Faculty of Medicine. A biological sample repository is an essential and innovative tool that facilitates a wide range of research opportunities and strengthens the connection between industry and the medical field. Furthermore, biobanks play a crucial role in the commercial development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, particularly in the era of personalized medicine.
The grant is led by Prof. Avi Peretz, Head of the AIR (Academia, Innovation, and Research) Division at Tzafon Medical Center; Dr. Hagar Tadmor, who will manage the sample repository; and Dr. Maya Azrad, who will oversee the bacterial collection. Prof. Peretz explains:
"The establishment of this biobank will be a significant leap forward for research infrastructure in northern Israel. It is expected to serve both academia and industry in medical and para-medical fields. The unique sample repository will provide a foundation for conducting complex studies and industrial developments, including research on bacterial resistance to antibiotics, bacterial strain classification using molecular methods, identification and measurement of bacterial virulence factors such as toxin production, host-pathogen interactions, and more."
In recent decades, with advancements in scientific understanding of medicine, the recognition of the importance and potential of such repositories has grown, leading to the establishment of biobanks worldwide. In Israel, only a limited number of data and biological sample repositories exist, most of which are located in central Israel. These repositories serve academic institutions and industrial companies across the country, placing the medical and academic research ecosystem in northern Israel at a disadvantage. An analysis of the Israeli market reveals that while several academic centers and industrial companies operate in northern Israel, they currently rely on acquiring samples from distant repositories. The establishment of a data and biological sample biobank in northern Israel will address a critical gap that currently lacks a solution.
"This is a highly prestigious grant that enables the medical center to establish an advanced repository, providing a foundation for researchers in Israel and abroad. The establishment of this infrastructure will also strengthen northern Israel, the biotech industry, and biomedical research, serving as a catalyst for attracting further research projects to our region," adds Prof. Avi Peretz.
Dr. Noam Yehudai:
"Thanks to the establishment of the biobank and the collaboration between AIR, Bar-Ilan University, and the Israel Innovation Authority, we will now have the infrastructure to conduct complex studies. This will allow us to provide the most precise and personalized treatment for each patient in the future. The biobank will serve as a growth engine for northern Israel, both academically and in attracting entrepreneurs, startups, and biotech companies while fostering collaborations and future data-driven research."
Photo:
Seated: Dr. Hagar Tadmor
Center: Prof. Avi Peretz
Left: Dr. Maya Azrad
Photo credit: Tzafon Medical Center
Dr. Sivan Spitzer Wins Prestigious EU-IHI Grant
תאריךUnprecedented Achievement: Dr. Sivan Spitzer from the Faculty of Medicine and Her Partners Win a €22 Million Grant!
Dr. Sivan Spitzer has achieved an extraordinary milestone, securing Bar-Ilan University's first-ever prestigious EU-IHI grant from the European Union. The grant, worth €22 million (equivalent to 80 million NIS), is aimed at developing an innovative platform to improve medication adherence among patients with cardio-metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
CAREPATH brings together researchers from six European countries, in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Pfizer, along with patient organizations. Its mission is to design and implement an advanced platform to enhance medication adherence through personalized digital and analog tools.
Why Is This Important?
Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension affect millions of people worldwide. However, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring consistent medication adherence. CAREPATH aims to bridge this gap, improve treatment outcomes, and provide patients with culturally and personally tailored tools.Dr. Spitzer: "The vision of CAREPATH is to integrate scientific research, technological innovation, and international collaboration to enhance the quality of life for millions of people worldwide."
Dr. Keren Agay-Shay Appointed Associate Professor
תאריךProf. Keren Agay-Shay is a leading researcher at the Faculty of Medicine, specializing in environmental epidemiology with a focus on the relationship between health and the environment.
She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a PhD from the School of Public Health at the University of Haifa, where she studied congenital anomalies and air pollution in Israel. Her postdoctoral work was conducted in Barcelona at the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL) at the ISGlobal Institute and later in Israel as part of the "Mimshak" program at Tel Aviv University and the Ministry of Health.
Prof. Agay-Shay’s interdisciplinary research primarily explores the health impacts of harmful environmental conditions such as air pollution and extreme temperature events, as well as the benefits of conditions like green spaces and vertical greenery systems. Additionally, she investigates temporal and spatial patterns of disease, enabling the identification of environmental hazards and hotspots of health inequality.
In groundbreaking research funded by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF), she revealed a link between exposure to extreme temperatures during pregnancy and an increased risk of low birth weight in newborns, highlighting the health implications of climate change in Israel and globally. Another study explored the connection between green residential environments early in pregnancy and chronic cortisol levels, finding evidence of positive effects on women's health.
In a large-scale study involving around one million residents, Prof. Agay-Shay identified an association between living in greener areas in Tel Aviv and a lower risk of cancer, as well as elevated morbidity rates in the Haifa Bay area that could not be attributed solely to socio-demographic factors. This research provides critical insights for environmental and public health policy.
Prof. Agay-Shay’s prolific career includes the publication of dozens of studies and academic articles. She serves as a model for academic engagement that bridges the gap between scholarly work and practical impact, ensuring her research is deeply connected to real-world challenges.
Moti Sonnenfeld Visits Faculty, Grants Scholarships
תאריךOn December 8, 2024, Moti Sonnenfeld (pictured to left) visited the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed. Moti Sonnenfeld is the founder of the Danielle Sonnenfeld Foundation, named after his daughter Danieli, who was tragically killed in a car accident some 10 years ago. Danieli Sonnenfeld had devoted two years to National Service, the first of which took place at the oncology department of the Schneider Children's Hospital in Petah Tikva. After an uplifting meeting with the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Orly Avni, a ceremony was held to award 10 scholarships to medical students. The ceremony was led by the Administrative Head of the Faculty, Noam David Reshelbach. During the ceremony, the donor became acquainted with the students, and they learned about him and his important work, which spans dozens of philanthropic projects. Each student received a certificate and a generous scholarship.
