May 11, 2008 / 6 Iyar, 5768

The Selim and Rachel Benin Fund of the UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Agency for Israel distributed 87 scholarships to students studying for their masters and doctorates in the fields of exact science, natural science, and life science.

The driving force behind the foundation of the Selim and Rachel Benin Fund of the UJA Federation of New York founded more than ten years ago is to provide scholarships to MA and PhD students studying exact science, natural science, and life science (mathematics, computers, biology, engineering, medicine etc.) in Israeli universities, in order to strengthen Israeli society and the Jewish world through excellence in what aren't considered traditional "Jewish professions".

On Tuesday, April 29, 87 scholarships were distributed. Each valued up to $1,000.00. Over 64% of the recipients are women and 47% are new immigrants who came to Israel either on their own within the framework of Naale or Selah or with their families. 79% of the recipients served in the IDF. There were also 6 members of minority groups that received the scholarship. The recipients study at one of the following Universities in Israel: Technion, Haifa University, Tel Aviv University, Bar-Ilan University, Weitzman Institute, Hebrew University and Ben Gurion University.

Scholarship distribution statistics:

• 56 Women (64%)
• 41 New immigrants (47%)
• 24 Married (24%)
• 6 Members of Minority Groups (7%)
• 69 Served in the IDF (79%)

At the Benin scholarship distribution ceremony, Jewish Agency Treasurer, Hagai Meirom stressed the importance of the contribution provided by those gifted in the sciences as a means of advancing Israeli society and their future role as leaders and trailblazers.

Leah Golan, director of the Jewish Agency Israel Department, praised the UJA Federation of New York for the assistance they provide to numerous students each year and spoke of the ways in which the Jewish Agency uses science and technology as a means of closing the socioeconomic gaps in Israeli society.

Yehuda Dominitz, former director of the Jewish Agency's Aliyah Department and the first Director of the UJA – federation of NY Israeli office, spoke of Mr. Benin, his unique character and immense contribution to the Jewish world.

Elisheva Flamm-Oren, staff liaison to the caring commission for the Israel office of the UJA Federation of New York, spoke of the leadership role the awardees have as contributors to the future of Israeli society.  She spoke of the positive impact that the Benin family’s donations have provided for Israeli society.

Two students representing the awardees thanked the Jewish Agency, UJA Federation of New York and the Selim and Rachel Benin Fund.

Elinor Halperin, awardee, is 26 and was born and raised in Israel. She is currently in her fifth year of studies at the Tel Aviv university to become a dentist while majoring in malpractice.  Elinor stressed how important the scholarship is to students in that it allows them to focus on their studies in a time of academic and financial uncertainty and also send a clear message that people care and value their studies

Roi Ben David, awardee is 37, married with one child and was born and raised in Kfar Masarik in northern Israel. He is currently in his third year of biology doctoral studies at the Haifa university. His research focuses on genomics of wheat and plant diseases. His research will be presented in upcoming science conventions in Holland and Australia. Roi too spoke of the hardships and uncertainty that are the constant companions of a research student in Israel and how this scholarship provides not only a financial boost, but also a motivational one.

Pictured above: Hagai Meirom, Roi Ben David (awardee), Leah Golan, Elisheva Flamm - Oren, Yehuda Dominitz, Elinor Halperin (awardee)