February 23, 2026 – In 2026, the Ruth Rappaport Foundation dedicated its prestigious Ruth Rappaport Lifetime Achievement Award to the field of education, emphasizing creativity, equal opportunity, and innovation. Professor Dina Ben-Yehuda was selected for her rare synthesis of scientific excellence and visionary educational leadership, which has fundamentally helped reshape the landscape of medical training in Israel.

As Head of Hematology at Hadassah Medical Center and during her tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), Professor Ben Yehuda spearheaded transformative reforms in medical education. Her work has focused on adapting medical training to a rapidly evolving scientific world, ensuring that the next generation of physicians is equipped with both deep clinical compassion and cutting-edge research capabilities.

“Professor Dina Ben-Yehuda embodies the very spirit of academic excellence and public responsibility that define the Hebrew University,” said HU Rector Prof. Oron Shagrir. “Her visionary leadership has not only advanced medical science at the highest international level, but has also reimagined how we educate future physicians, integrating innovation, compassion, and a deep commitment to equality. This recognition by the Ruth Rappaport Foundation is a tribute to her transformative impact on Israeli medicine and on generations of students.”

Under her leadership, the Faculty of Medicine at HU introduced pioneering tracks in computational medicine, integrating big data and artificial intelligence into medical training. She established physician-scientist programs designed to create elite pathways for outstanding researchers, bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and bedside care. In parallel, she led comprehensive curricular reforms to strengthen accessibility, encourage knowledge-sharing, and reinforce the foundations of Israel’s public healthcare system.