HUJ honours Besen, Ehrlich
COMMUNAL stalwart Marc Besen received the prestigious award of Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (HUJ) to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
In the May 31 ceremony in Jerusalem, the well-known Australian businessman and philanthropist was recognised for his lifelong dedication to Israel through medical research and education. His passion for Israel was also recognised in 1985 by the Tel Aviv University, when he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy.
Arriving in Australia in 1947 and well known for his business achievements, Besen is also founding chair of the Besen Family Foundation.
Over the past four decades, he and his wife Eva, and in later years his children and grandchildren, have provided significant support for education, medical research, welfare and the arts in Australia, an HUJ spokesperson noted. However little is known in Australia of his lifelong commitment to Israel.
Expressing his great love for Israel and pride for the Israel that exists today compared to the Israel of 67 years ago, Besen said: “Israel has become a land, despite many setbacks, that is filled with laughter and music and a land that provides a warm welcome for all newcomers. This should be not only a great source of pride, but a powerful inspiration for world Jewry.”
Meanwhile, Sydney’s Shirley Ehrlich received an honorary fellowship after more than 50 years of selflessly devoting her time, energy and efforts to the Hebrew University and its mission.
Ehrlich is the longest serving member of the Women’s Committee for Student Support of the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University, having joined the committee in 1963 while pregnant with the third of her six children. She went on to serve as the committee’s honorary secretary for more than 20 years before becoming its president.
Throughout these years, Ehrlich has played an instrumental role in securing much tangible support for the university’s activities, in particular for scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Likewise, she has ensured the highest profile for the university within the Jewish community through her active involvement in organisations such as WIZO and the United Israel Appeal’s Women’s Division.
AJN STAFF
Shirley Ehrlich (left) and Hebrew University president Menahem Ben-Sasson.
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