American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) presented the 2025 Scopus Award to philanthropists Ali and Lew Sanders at The Breakers in Palm Beach on Jan. 16, commemorating 100 years of excellence at Israel’s premier institute of higher learning and research: the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Event proceeds will provide funding for the recently established Center for Computational Medicine, which holds the promise to revolutionize health care by harnessing the power of big data and AI to replace the traditional one-size-fits-all treatment with personalized, data-driven treatments for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. A portion of the funds raised will also go toward counseling services, financial relief and scholarship assistance for students returning to Hebrew University following military service.

The Sanders are renowned philanthropists who have made significant contributions to many causes, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Rockefeller University and Weill Cornell Medical College.
They have also generously supported the Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expediting early-stage drug discovery into innovative treatments and therapies for patients.
Lew Sanders is the founder, CEO and co-CIO of Sanders Capital, a value-oriented investment manager serving institutional and high-net-worth clients.
“Ali and Lew Sanders have been extremely generous and supportive of Hebrew University, contributing to student and research initiatives in these challenging times,” said Joshua Rednik, AFHU chief executive officer. “Their unwavering support, along with the support of those attending this event, will advance the future of medicine and provide critical assistance to our students.”
“We are here tonight to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hebrew University,” said Ali and Lew Sanders. “The university plays a pivotal role in Israel, translating knowledge to competitive advantage, research to relevance and excellence in many dimensions to strength of character—attributes that are the foundation for the lasting success of its students and society at large. We are honored to receive the Scopus Award and are excited about the opportunity to help make a difference.”
As part of the evening’s entertainment, the event featured Israeli stars who have competed on “X Factor Israel,” showcasing their remarkable talents and spirit.
About American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU): American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit organization based in the United States. AFHU is headquartered in New York and has seven regional offices working in close partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. AFHU provides supporters, Hebrew University alumni and the public with stimulating programs and events, and organizes missions to Israel. For the past century, the organization’s activities have supported scholarly and scientific achievement at HU, created scholarships, funded new facilities and assisted the University’s efforts to recruit outstanding new faculty. For more information, click here. Follow us on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter X | Instagram | YouTube.