First Ever Tel Aviv University Legacy Mission from the UK a Triumph
Twenty four participants of the first ever Tel Aviv University Living Legacy Mission have returned inspired and enthused from a tremendous fully sponsored nine-day tour of Israel which included meeting top Israeli leaders and IDF commanders at their naval and air bases, a meeting with UK Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould, traversing the country, and a private meeting with the TAU President during which a stunning Legacy Wall of Honour was unveiled in tribute. Together the 24 have pledged a record amount in legacy funding for the university.
Donors, most in their 60’s, but spanning the decades up to the age of 91, paid tribute to their loved ones at a moving ceremony at the new memorial. One donor paid homage to her father, who helped forge passports for Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. Another couple thanked the University for giving them a cause – “this wonderful university” – to believe in.
Tour participant Ros Eisen said: “Israel is the most welcoming and inspirational country I have ever visited. Thanks to this tour, I have never ever been more proud to be Jewish.”
The new initiative which encourages those who would like to leave a legacy to the university and offers them the unique opportunity to be honoured in their lifetime whilst also enjoying a free tour is led by pioneering Tel Aviv University Legacy Chairman Geoffrey Simmonds.
Mr Simmonds said: “I am delighted to be fundraising on behalf of the Tel Aviv University Trust, and to be able to offer a significant UK contribution to TAU’s future development particularly the ground breaking research in medical discoveries pioneered at the University. It is especially wonderful to be able to offer people this new type of legacy tour in which they are honoured in their life time.”
Tel Aviv University President Professor Joseph Klafter praised Simmonds’ UK initiative:
“The triumph of the campaign bore witness to your expertise and true professionalism, particularly against the background of the anti-Israel academic campaign existing today in many countries. We look forward to a long lasting relationship with you.”
Back in London Geoffrey Simmonds and Legacy Manager Avril Fleishman declared the innovative programme a resounding success and announced a second legacy tour which will take place in June 2012.
For more details speak to Avril Fleishman at Tel Aviv University Trust,
126 Albert Street, London NW1 7NE
tel: +44(0) 20 7446 8792
fax: +44(0) 20 7446 8795
Email: Avril.Fleishman@tau-trust.co.uk
