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University of Haifa Friends Associations Around the World

American Friends of University of Haifa

Chair: Warren Gleicher, Esq.

American Society of the University

of Haifa
Chair: Mr. Warren Gleicher

Mr. Warren Gleicher

Warren Gleicher is one of the top rated tax attorneys in New York with over 25 years of experience in income and estate taxation. He is the longtime Chair of the ASUH Board of Directors and a member of the University of Haifa Board of Governors.

 | National Director of Philanthropy: Derrek Shulman

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Argentinean Friends of the University of Haifa

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Brazilian Friends of the University of Haifa

President: Mr. Avi Gelberg

Brazilian Friends of the
University of Haifa
President: Mr. Avi Gelberg

Mr. Avi Gelberg

Mr. Avi Gelberg is the CEO of Group SYL, presides over both the Maccabi organization in Brazil and the Hebraica club in São Paulo, and a prominent member of the Israeli and Jewish communities of São Paulo. A Haifa native and Technion graduate, he has resided in Brazil for 30 years.

 | Director: Adrian Teper

Canadian Friends of Haifa University

National President: Jeremy Levy

Canadian Friends of Haifa University
National President: Jeremy Levy

Jeremy Levy is currently an Executive Director within CIBC Capital Markets’ Global Markets Group. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading Global Markets’ coverage of Private Equity, Growth Equity, Venture Capital and Private Debt clients globally. Jeremy has worked at CIBC for the last 15-years where he has held senior positions in Global Markets, Strategy & Corporate Development, Corporate Lending and Risk Management.

Jeremy has an MBA and Master’s Degree in Economics from Concordia University. He was a long-standing Board member and past co-chair of ArtScene Toronto, the young professionals division of Business for the Arts.

 

 | National Executive Director: Ariel Karabelnicoff

Danish Friends of the University of Haifa

French Friends of the University of Haifa

Executive Director: 

German Friends of the University of Haifa

Chairwoman: Dr. h. c. Sonja Lahnstein-Kandel

German Friends Association of the University of Haifa
Chairwoman: Dr. h.c. Sonja Lahnstein-Kandel

Sonja Lahnstein-Kandel.

Sonja Lahnstein-Kandel is a respected promoter of civic rights and tolerance in Germany, and German-Israeli relations. For over 30 years, she has been a significant supporter and partner of the University of Haifa, working tirelessly to promote Jewish-Arab relations and the advancement of women.
In 2017, she received an Honorary Doctorate, the University’s highest accolade.

 | Office Manager: Magdalena Backhaus

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Israel Desk

Director: Claudia Harel  

Mexican Friends of the University of Haifa

President: Mr. Alejandro Rubinstein

Mexican Friends of the University
of Haifa
President: Mr. Alejandro Rubinstein

Mr. Alejandro Rubinstein

Mr. Alejandro Rubinstein is a prominent member of the Mexican Jewish community, seasoned businessman and director on several boards in Mexico with extensive experience in philanthropy.

 | Director: Adrian Teper

Taiwan Friends Association of the University of Haifa

President: Mr. CY Huang

Taiwan Friends Association of the University of Haifa
President: Mr. CY Huang

Mr. CY Huang

Mr. CY Huang is a prominent Taiwanese investment banker, and Founder and President of FCC Partners. He was instrumental in facilitating a strategic alliance agreement between the University of Haifa and Tunghai University, and is working with the University to further strengthen its presence in Asia.

 | Director of the Asia Pacific Desk: Tsameret Zohar

University of Haifa UK

Co-Chair: Dr. Efrat Sopher

University of Haifa UK
Dr. Efrat Sopher, Co-Chair

Efrat is a qualified solicitor and has a PhD in International Relations, specializing in Israeli foreign policy towards Iran. She is the granddaughter of Meir Ezri, Founder of the Ezri Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies at the University of Haifa. Efrat and her mother sit on the board of this nationally important research center.

and Mr. Russell Jacobs

University of Haifa UK
Russell Jacobs, Co-Chair

Russell is a Partner in Milbank LLP’s Tax Group, covering all areas of domestic and international corporate taxation. He is involved with various charities and is passionate about supporting higher education and strengthening Israel, where he has a home.

 | Executive Director: Marcus Rees-Roberts

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International Desks

VP & CEO, International Friends of the University of Haifa: Shira Ben-Or

International Desks

Director: Dr. Iris Perry-Gilad

Latin American Desk

Director: Adrian Teper

French Speaking Countries Desk

Contact: Dr. Iris Perry-Gilad

Photo: Getty Images