Gift to The Hebrew University of Jerusalem from the Norton and Elayne Herrick Family Will Foster Pioneering Cancer Research

Gift to The Hebrew University of Jerusalem from the Norton and Elayne Herrick Family Will Foster Pioneering Cancer Research

NEW YORK – American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU) and its Greater New York Region announced that a philanthropic gift made by the Norton and Elayne Herrick Family will support the ongoing research of world renowned cancer researcher, Professor Howard Cedar, at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Medicine.  The newly named Norton and Elayne Herrick Family DNA Methylation Research Laboratory will help to advance cutting-edge genetic research being conducted by Professor Cedar.

For many years, Professor Cedar worked in close coordination with his Hebrew University colleague, emeritus Professor Aharon Razin.  Together, the Israeli scientists revealed the fundamental relationship between chemical modification of DNA and the regulation of gene expression, for which they received the Wolf Prize in Medicine in 2008. Professor Cedar is an M.D. Ph.D. who holds the Safra Distinguished Professor Chair in the Department of Developmental Biology at Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School. He has won numerous international awards for his many achievements in cancer research, among these the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement (1999), and the prestigious Emet Prize for Medicine (2009).  His discoveries have opened entirely new avenues of investigation for medical researchers worldwide.

“We are delighted by the Herrick family’s true generosity and commitment to The Hebrew University,” stated Martin E. Karlinsky, president of American Friends of The Hebrew University.  “By creating this meaningful partnership with the Faculty of Medicine and its foremost scientists, the Herricks are helping to save lives and expand our understanding of how cancer develops at the earliest stages.” 

Norton Herrick is Chairman and CEO of The Herrick Company, Inc., a leading real estate investment firm operating nationwide with offices in Florida, New Jersey and Connecticut. Mr. Herrick was also founder and former Chairman of MediaBay, Inc., a national NASDAQ public company specializing in the publishing and marketing of audio books and radio programs.

Norton and Elayne Herrick, dedicated American Friends who have achieved Guardian status at The Hebrew University, are devoted to Israel and the cause of higher education.   Mr. Herrick is a longtime supporter of diverse humanitarian causes nationally and internationally.  He has served on the Board of Directors for People for the American Way, the Advisory Board of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the Advisory Committee of the National Multi-Housing Council.  Mr. Herrick is also a recipient, along with President Ronald Reagan and Isaac Stern, of the Jerusalem 3000 Award, which was presented to the honorees by Israel’s then Prime Minister, Shimon Peres.

About The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, located on three campuses in Jerusalem and a fourth in Rehovot, is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions.  More than 23,000 students from over 50 countries choose Hebrew University for its seven academic Faculties in the Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Agriculture and Medicine, and to take advantage of extensive opportunities to participate in groundbreaking  research.  Faculty and alumni of The Hebrew University have won seven Nobel Prizes in the last seven years.

In 2007, The Hebrew University’s Institute of Advanced Studies was accepted into a consortium of ten of the world’s leading academic institutions.  The University has consistently been ranked among the top 100 academic and research institutions worldwide in independent surveys.  Forty percent of Israel’s civilian research emerges from The Hebrew University, which has been ranked 12th worldwide in biotechnology patent filings and commercial development by the Milken Institute of Los Angeles.

About American Friends of The Hebrew University
American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit organization based in the United States. AFHU, working in close partnership with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, provides programs, events and conducts fundraising activities in support of The Hebrew University’s internationally recognized community of leading scholars and scientists.  AFHU helps to ensure Israel’s well-being by nurturing the nation’s greatest asset: the intellectual strength of its people.