Honorary Doctorate Recipients 2025

Bar-Ilan University will award honorary doctorates in 2025 to individuals and an organization who have made a significant positive impact in the fields of society, culture, science, diplomacy, and philanthropy in Israel and around the world.

Ambassador Michael Herzog former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. and Brigadier General (res.), is recognized for his lifelong service to the State of Israel—both in the IDF and as an advisor to prime ministers. His leadership during complex diplomatic challenges, deep research-based understanding of Middle Eastern dynamics, and unwavering commitment to Israel’s interests have made a lasting impact on the Jewish people at home and abroad.

Michael Jesselson will be awarded the degree in gratitude and recognition of his lifelong dedication to higher education, Jewish values, and decades of inspiring community leadership on behalf of the university and the broader academic world.

Rita Jahan-Farouz, beloved singer and artist, is honored for her outstanding contribution to Israeli art and culture, to Hebrew music, and to Jewish musical traditions. For four decades, her extraordinary talent has given voice to Israel’s social tapestry, weaving together distant worlds and traditions with humility, emotional depth, and hope.

NATAL – The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center will be recognized for raising awareness of the "invisible wounds" of trauma, developing tools and knowledge to support citizens and soldiers coping with the harsh realities of life in Israel. In the wake of October 7, NATAL’s work has been more vital than ever, as its staff and volunteers work tirelessly to heal individuals and communities and strengthen the resilience of Israeli society.

Rebecca Boukhris will receive the award in honor of the Adelis Foundation, for its exceptional contributions to the advancement of sports, culture, education, academic excellence, and medical innovation in Israel and beyond. Her special partnership with Bar-Ilan University and her deep investment in individuals, organizations, and peripheral communities reflect a profound commitment to Israel’s future and that of the Jewish people.

Prof. Patrick Cramer will be honored for his extraordinary achievements in life sciences, including mapping large transcription complexes, advancing our understanding of the human genome, developing fundamental RNA metabolism analysis methods, and fostering international scientific collaboration as President of the Max Planck Society. Bar-Ilan salutes his faithful support and commitment to Israel and its academic community.

The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (22 Iyar 5785) at Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, in the presence of University President Prof. Arie Zaban and Rector Prof. Amnon Albeck.