Academic Excellence, Social Impact and National Leadership: Ariel University Awards 2026 Honorary Doctorates to Efrat and Hanoch Daum, Avigdor Kahalani, Adi Altschuler, Prof. Yonina Eldar, Prof. Avraham Gover and Grandmaster Boris Gelfand
The seven recipients embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership, and commitment to Israeli society.
Ariel University held its annual Honorary Doctorate ceremony this morning, Wednesday, on the university campus. The ceremony was attended by Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman; Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov; representatives of the Board of Trustees; members of the academic faculty; and public figures.
This year, Honorary Doctorates were awarded to seven prominent individuals from the fields of science, security, education, public service and culture. In recognition of outstanding achievements, values-based leadership, and long-standing contributions to the resilience of the State of Israel and the advancement of human knowledge.
Recipients of Ariel University’s 2026 Honorary Doctorates:
Prof. Yonina Eldar: One of the world’s leading researchers in the fields of signal processing, computer vision and artificial intelligence, and recipient of the Israel Prize in 2025. Prof. Eldar was recognized for her development of the field of sub-Nyquist sampling, a scientific breakthrough with applications in medical imaging, radar systems and smart sensors, and for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Israeli scientists and researchers.
Adi Altschuler: A leading social entrepreneur and changemaker.
The degree was awarded to her for founding and leading groundbreaking national and international initiatives, including the Krembo Wings youth movement, the civic commemoration initiative Zikaron BaSalon, and the Inclu network of inclusive schools, which have helped promote the values of inclusion, equality and mutual responsibility.
Prof. Avraham Gover: An internationally renowned researcher and physicist in the field of applied physics. The degree was awarded to him for decades of groundbreaking research in laser, electron and radiation technologies, combining basic science with advanced engineering developments that have industrial and defence applications, and positioning Israel at the forefront of global research in his field.
Grandmaster Boris Gelfand: One of the world’s leading chess players, who has represented the State of Israel on the international stage for more than three decades, including his historic challenge for the title of World Chess Champion in 2012. The degree was awarded to him for his extraordinary achievements, which placed Israel at the top of the global chess world making him a symbol of excellence, strategic thinking, and perseverance.
Efrat and Hanoch Daum: Efrat is a social entrepreneur, and Hanoch is a journalist, satirist and bestselling author whose books have dealt extensively with Israeli identity. The degree was awarded to them in recognition of their contribution to strengthening social cohesion and their wide-ranging civic activity, led by the national emergency initiative “Embracing Reservists,” which supported thousands of reservist families and businesses impacted by the war.
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani: One of the outstanding heroes of the State of Israel, recipient of the Medal of Valor and the Medal of Distinguished Service. The degree was awarded to him for his many years of contribution to the security of the state, his exemplary leadership on the battlefield, and his public service as Minister of Internal Security, Chairman of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, and as an author and lecturer on leadership and national responsibility.
Hanoch Daum, who spoke on behalf of the Honorary Doctorate recipients, first turned to his mother, who was seated in the audience, and apologized to her for not having a matriculation certificate. “At least now I am a doctor,” he said with a smile. He then thanked Ariel University for the recognition and addressed the President of the University, saying that he was not surprised by the impressive figures regarding the high proportion of reservists among Ariel University students. He added: “I believe Ariel University is cultivating the next generation of leadership for the State of Israel.”
Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman, and Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov, congratulated the recipients and emphasized their extraordinary contributions.
President of Ariel University, Prof. Ehud Grossman:
“This year’s recipients represent excellence across a range of fields: science, security, society and culture. Each of them has shown that personal achievement gains its greatest significance when it serves society, the State of Israel, and the advancement of humanity. In their own way, this year’s recipients have shaped reality, expanded the boundaries of what is possible, and left a significant mark on Israeli society and on their respective fields.”
Rector of Ariel University, Prof. Albert Pinhasov:
“When looking at this year’s recipients of our Honorary Doctorates, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride. These are individuals whose achievements continue to drive Israel’s growth, innovation, and progress. For academia, the privilege of honoring them is also an opportunity to present the next generation with a model of excellence, leadership and commitment to society.”