Tel Aviv University Honors US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Hostage Advocate Einav Zangauker at Ceremony

Tel Aviv University Honors U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Hostage Advocate Einav ZangaukerEinav Zangauker, Jon and Mindy Gray, Prof. Michal Lipson, Prof. Joanna Aizenberg, Enrico Macias, Rachel Shapira and Nina Avidar Weiner receive honorary doctorates; Witkoff awarded the George S. Wise MedalWhen Hamas abducted Matan Zangauker from Kibbutz Nir Oz and took him to Gaza on October 7, 2023, his mother Einav was a private citizen. She went on to become a grassroots leader and a prominent voice for the hostage families, mobilizing tens of thousands to action. Tel Aviv University has now awarded her an honorary doctorate for her extraordinary determination and her tireless campaign for the return of the hostages.Zangauker was among the honorees at the university's annual Honorary Degrees Ceremony at the Smolarz Auditorium, where Tel Aviv University honored leading figures from Israel and around the world for exceptional contributions to society, science, culture, philanthropy and the State of Israel. After Matan's return in October 2025, Zangauker continued advocating on behalf of those who remained in captivity and their families.The George S. Wise MedalU.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff received Tel Aviv University's George S. Wise Medal in recognition of his advocacy on behalf of the hostages held by Hamas following the October 7 attacks and his contribution to diplomatic efforts aimed at securing their return. The university also recognized his commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and conflict resolution, as well as his solidarity with the people of Israel and the families of the hostages. Witkoff was appointed U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East and U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Missions in 2025.PhilanthropyAmerican philanthropists Jon and Mindy Gray, co-founders of the Gray Foundation, received honorary doctorates for their philanthropic leadership in cancer research, education, healthcare and social welfare, and for their commitment to Israel and the Jewish people following October 7. In 2025, the Grays endowed Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences through the largest gift in the university's history.ScienceTwo Israeli scientists at leading U.S. universities were honored for work that has reshaped their fields.Israeli physicist and engineer Prof. Michal Lipson, Eugene Higgins Professor of Electrical Engineering and Professor of Applied Physics at Columbia University, was honored for her groundbreaking contributions to silicon photonics. Her work has transformed the fields of optics and communications technology and helped lay the foundations for faster and more efficient computing. Lipson is a member of both the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, holds more than 45 patents and has authored over 300 scientific publications.Israeli American materials scientist and engineer Prof. Joanna Aizenberg of Harvard University received an honorary doctorate for her pioneering achievements in science, engineering and innovation, particularly her groundbreaking work in biomimicry and advanced materials. Her research, inspired by nature's ingenuity, has transformed the understanding and design of advanced materials and led to technological innovations with wide-ranging applications. Also a member of both national academies, Aizenberg was recognized for her longstanding ties with the Israeli scientific community and her collaborations with Tel Aviv University.CultureInternationally renowned French singer-songwriter Enrico Macias received an honorary doctorate recognizing his career spanning more than six decades, his contribution to world culture and his role in building bridges between cultures and faiths through his distinctive fusion of Andalusian, North African and French musical traditions. The university also recognized his longstanding and outspoken support for Israel.Israeli poet and lyricist Rachel Shapira received an honorary doctorate in recognition of a body of work spanning more than half a century. Hundreds of her songs have become part of the fabric of Israeli cultural life.EducationIsraeli American educator and philanthropist Nina Avidar Weiner, co-founder of the Israel Scholarship Education Foundation (ISEF), received an honorary doctorate for five decades of work advancing equal opportunity and social mobility in Israel through education. Through ISEF, which she established in 1977 together with Edmond and Lily Safra, Weiner helped expand access to higher education for thousands of talented young Israelis from underserved communities and nurture generations of academic and civic leaders.Written In collaboration with Tel Aviv University