Afhu'S MISSION & VALUES
AFHU'S MISSION
American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with offices throughout the United States. AFHU’s mission is to raise funds for, and increase awareness of, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), expanding support for Israel’s leading institution of higher learning and research.
AFHU spearheads programs, events, educational forums, fundraising activities, and missions to Israel in support of the Hebrew University community, which comprises 1,000 faculty and approximately 23,000 students annually. Forging a meaningful partnership between the American people and Israel’s people, AFHU helps to ensure Israel’s continued strength and pre-eminence nationally and internationally.
AFHU-sponsored cultural, educational, and social programming attracts people from all walks of life, including Hebrew University and Rothberg International School alumni, American scholars and scientists, and the general U.S. public. Initiatives promote greater understanding of the University’s contributions to the world in fields ranging from nanotechnology to sustainable agriculture, medicine and the humanities. Founded by American philanthropist Felix M. Warburg in 1925, AFHU has been a central force in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s rise to global prominence. Today, AFHU is part of an international network of Friends organizations spanning more than 25 countries.
Since its inception, American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) has been committed to providing academic, research, and physical resources in support of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and its entire educational community. The Hebrew University, which was founded years before the establishment of Israel, formed the basis for the nation’s strength and has educated successive generations of leaders and innovators.
“Nothing has given me such delight as the proposal to establish a Hebrew University in Jerusalem.” - Albert Einstein, hu founder
AFHU'S values
At AFHU, our values are the foundation of who we are and how we operate. They shape a culture where our people thrive and our shared purpose drives lasting impact.
Pursuit of Excellence: We are intentional in our actions, ensuring that every decision and effort is driven by a clear vision of success. With clarity of purpose, we approach challenges with curiosity and a commitment to learning, continuously seeking new insights and solutions. We embrace adaptability, adjusting to changes and evolving needs, while striving for the highest standards in everything we do to deliver exceptional quality and value.
Commitment and Accountability: We are dedicated to our goals and take full responsibility for delivering on our promises. We hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions and follow through on our commitments with integrity and transparency. By doing so, we foster a culture of reliability, ownership, and continuous progress.
Respect: We treat others with kindness and dignity, valuing their contributions while fostering a collaborative, supportive work environment. We demonstrate care, compassion, and mutual respect, ensuring all voices are heard and appreciated. We prioritize open communication and active listening, working together to achieve shared goals and build positive, inclusive relationships. We are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace where every individual feels empowered to contribute and thrive. We actively create opportunities for all employees to grow and succeed.
Trust: We build trust through ethical actions, transparency, and consistency. By making decisions that align with organizational values, we foster confidence and respect in all relationships. Integrity is at the core of our interactions, ensuring that we consistently demonstrate reliability and dependability, empowering our team and partners to collaborate with confidence.