December 8, 2025 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has launched the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICAMH), a groundbreaking initiative established in response to the escalating mental health and addiction crisis in Israel and worldwide.  

Founded in collaboration with the Israel Center on Addiction (ICA), the Center aims to become a leading hub for research, innovation, and treatment in this critical field. The new Center reflects the Hebrew University’s commitment to bridging science and society, advancing mental health as a public priority, and ensuring that research translates into real-world impact for individuals, families, and communities throughout Israel. 

The ICAMH represents a unique collaboration among the Hebrew University, the Israel Center on Addiction, the Hadassah Medical Center, and health-maintenance organizations (HMOs). By uniting academic research, clinical expertise, and healthcare-delivery systems, the Center establishes an integrated framework to meet the complex challenges of mental health and addiction. 

“In the wake of October 7th, we must recognize more than ever that trauma, addiction, and suffering no longer remain on the margins—they reach into every family, every community, and demand a unified response,” said Prof. Tamir Sheafer, Hebrew University President. “The launch of ICAMH marks a crucial step toward integrating scientific excellence with clinical impact. This collaboration will help us develop innovative tools and strategies to confront one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.” 

The Center will support multidisciplinary research across neuroscience, medicine, psychology, data science, cognitive science, public health, education, and social work. It will not only advance scientific knowledge but also provide evidence-based clinical services to individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges.  

Its mission is to drive innovative basic and applied research, promote evidence-based and personalized treatment methods, and train the next generation of researchers and clinicians who can transform care in Israel and contribute to global scientific progress. 

The Center was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Azrieli Foundation. The event at Hebrew University was attended by Danna, Naomi, and Sharon Azrieli, as well as the Foundation’s Board of Directors and their families. Others present included President Prof. Sheafer; Mr. Moshe Bar-Siman-Tov, Director General of the Ministry of Health; Prof. Yoram Weiss, Director General of Hadassah Medical Center; Prof. Mario Mikulincer, Academic Director of ICAMH; Prof. Asher Cohen, Former President of HU; Prof. Ariel Kor and Prof. Shauli Lev-Ran, Co-Founders of ICA, and Ms. Inbal Dor Karbel, Director General of ICA. 

“The establishment of ICAMH is not only an academic achievement, it is a moral imperative,” said Prof Mikulincer. “For too long, mental health and addiction have been treated as private struggles rather than public priorities. ICAMH stands for a new paradigm—one that places mental health at the very center of healthcare and views every person through their dignity and potential for healing, growth, and thriving.” 

“One of ICAMH’s main priorities is to break down the barriers of stigma and shame that still surround mental health challenges in Israel,” says Dr. Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation. “Mental health is not something to be hidden in the shadows. We are proud to publicly champion this project, which will help to change those perceptions and allow more people to receive the help they need.”