Ambassador Hotovely Hosts Ariel University Reception Showcasing Israeli Innovation and UK–Israel Academic Partnership
Newsadmin7/29/2025
Sivan Rahav Meir, Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, with her husband, Or Alon and Gabi Harow, VP of Ariel University[/caption]
Her Excellency Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely welcomed leading supporters of Ariel University to her official London residence for an evening celebrating Israeli research excellence and the growing ties between the University and Britain’s Jewish community.
“I am proud to host Ariel University and to honour its excellence in ground-breaking research and innovation, as well as its embodiment of the Israeli spirit,” the Ambassador told guests. “Ariel University’s achievements and dedication to cooperation remind us how vital partnerships between Israel’s academic institutions and the UK Jewish community truly are. Israel’s story is one of resilience, rebuilding and renewal - and Ariel University is very much part of that.”
Organised by the British Friends of Ariel University, the reception drew alumni, communal leaders, and prospective partners from across the United Kingdom. Renowned journalist and educator Sivan Rahav Meir delivered the keynote address, highlighting the role of academia in advancing Israel’s culture of creativity and resilience.
Representing the University, Vice‑President Gabi Harow thanked the Ambassador for her hospitality and praised the British Friends for strengthening ties that “translate goodwill into laboratories, scholarships and life‑changing discoveries.”
Ariel University: Innovation with Purpose
- Research Leadership – AU scientists are driving advances in autonomous systems, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and space technology, including Israel’s first nano‑satellite constellation operated by a university.
- Medical Impact – Opened in 2019, the Miriam & Sheldon Adelson School of Medicine has already graduated its first class of physicians and is expanding clinical research in partnership with leading hospitals.
- Regional Development – Several new facilities are already operating: a multidisciplinary rehabilitation clinic, a dedicated mental‑health clinic, a children’s clinic, and stand‑alone specialist clinics. Meanwhile, the larger regional medical centre remains under construction. Once complete, the combined network will serve more than 600,000 residents of Judea and Samaria.
- Inclusive Excellence – Over 15,000 students - Jews, Muslims, Druze, Christians and others - study side by side, reflecting the diversity of Israeli society and demonstrating the power of shared academic endeavour.
Strengthening UK–Israel Collaboration
The evening underscored Ariel University’s commitment to forging research partnerships, student exchanges and philanthropic initiatives with UK institutions and community leaders. “British support accelerates our ability to turn bold ideas into practical solutions that benefit Israel and the wider world,” Mr Harow noted.