Honorary Fellowship Awards

Technion alumnus Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka, director of Ziv Medical Center, spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the award recipients: “We must bring forth light to ourselves and to the entire world”

The Technion awarded honorary fellowships this week to men and women who made exceptional contributions to the Technion, the State of Israel, and humanity. The recipients are Adina Bar Shalom, Paul Charney, Robert Davis, Stephen Seiden, and Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka. The ceremony took place within the framework of the Technion’s Board of Governors, in the presence of Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, Chairman of the Board Gideon Frank, Chairman of the Board of Governors Scott Leemaster, and was hosted by Prof. Avi Schroeder from the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering.

“Many of the Technion’s friends came to the Board of Governors’ meeting from near and far, despite the situation,” said Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan. “These are challenging days for all of us, but they have taught me three important lessons: the first is that decentralization of responsibility and authority is essential in crisis resolution. The Technion teams – management, administrative and academic staff, and students – demonstrated great creativity in dealing with unexpected challenges. The second lesson is the importance of community and the strength we draw from each other. We provided vital support to all those whose lives were disrupted on October 7 and during the subsequent war, and to the reservists who left everything to defend us. Cohesion and mutual support are what allowed us to face the challenges of the moment and will aid us in the recovery process. The third, and perhaps the most important lesson, is the significance of our values, not just as an ideal but as a practical tool in dealing with crises. The values of the Technion guided us, and each time we realized how stable they are and how deeply embedded they are in the Technion’s culture and in our lives. This is an emotional moment for me, to stand here today before you at this ceremony and to see that these very values are embodied in the lives and work of the people receiving honorary degrees from the Technion tonight. These exemplary figures serve as a beacon for us in times of internal and external turmoil.”

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Technion alumnus Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka, director of Ziv Medical Center in Safed, said: “Here at the Technion, as a young man from Peki’in, I began my academic journey at the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine – a journey that led me from the Technion to the battlefield, where I served as a combat doctor for more than 25 years. This evening, we have gathered here to highlight the crucial role of the Technion in educating students, fostering a love for humanity and the State of Israel, taking responsibility, striving to push boundaries, and leading into the future. We will continue to serve humanity and our beloved country.” Prof. Zarka thanked his colleagues, the Ziv family, donors, his subordinates in the Medical Corps, his partners in the government and the health system in his role as Corona project manager, and his family who are fully supportive of his endeavors. To conclude, he quoted Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, “As long as the candle is still burning, we can repair,” and added, “I believe that we must repair and bring forth light to ourselves and to the entire world.” He ended his speech with words of gratitude in three languages: “Thank You, Shukran, Toda.”

Pictured here receiving their honorary degrees from Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan are:

Adina Bar Shalom – “In gratitude and appreciation for her exceptional dedication to fostering unity among diverse sectors, promoting the values of equality, and inspiring solidarity among the people of Israel; and in recognition of her exemplary efforts to create opportunities for young girls, especially in the religious community, which demonstrate her tremendous commitment and significant contribution to the advancement of Israeli society.”

Paul Charney – “In recognition of his loyal devotion and service to the State of Israel and to the Technion as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Technion UK; and in gratitude for his philanthropic leadership in the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland and in other prominent Jewish organizations and charities.”

Robert Davis – “In gratitude for his dedication to and support of the Technion by furthering a multi-generational family legacy; for his commitment to the bettering of the State of Israel by investing in world-class education and research; for his leadership as a member of the Technion’s Board of Governors; and for his generous contributions as a Technion Guardian, including the founding of the Technion Additive Manufacturing Center.”

Stephen Seiden – “In celebration of his family’s multi-generational support of the Technion and deep commitment to and advocacy for Israel’s future; in gratitude for his numerous gifts as a Technion Guardian; for his contributions and leadership as a member of the Technion’s Board of Governors; and with appreciation for his support through his work as a trustee of the Russell Berrie Foundation.”

Col. (Res.) Prof. Salman Zarka – “In appreciation of his deep dedication to the human spirit and the provision of medical assistance that crosses geographical boundaries; in recognition of his leadership in times of crisis; and in gratitude for his activity on behalf of the State of Israel, which reflects a commitment to maintaining human values and lights the way to a world where compassion knows no bounds.”