Afeka College’s Master’s Degree and Honorary Fellow Ceremony 2026

"Strategic Partnership Between Academia and Industry Is Essential"

so stated Boaz Levy, President & CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, at Afeka College’s Master’s Degree and Honorary Fellow Ceremony.

Afeka College celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv—a prominent Israeli educational and cultural landmark—with a festive master’s degree (M.Sc.) graduation ceremony. Hosted by Dror Globerman, a well-known Israeli media personality specializing in high-tech and entrepreneurship, the event honored the Class of 2025 and conferred "Honorary Fellow" titles upon three prominent leaders who have shaped Israeli society.

Prof. Yossi Rosenwaks, President of Afeka, opened the ceremony by addressing the graduates:

"Tonight marks a significant milestone of persistence and professional depth. You chose to push forward and evolve during one of the most challenging periods in our nation's history. You've proven that resilience isn't just about surviving hardship, it’s about the courage to keep building and growing through it."

Honoring Three Visionary Leaders:

The "Honorary Fellow" title was awarded to three individuals who embody professional excellence and a deep commitment to the State of Israel:

Mr. Boaz Levy, President & CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries: An engineer and tech leader with over 30 years in air defense and space. Levy was a key figure behind the development of the "Arrow" and "Barak 8" systems—advanced multi-layered missile defense technologies designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles and aerial threats, ensuring Israel's sky remains protected. Levy has led Israel Aerospace Industries through critical security challenges, strengthening the nation’s resilience.

Mr. Gilles Darmon, Founder and President of 'Latet', one of Israel’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to combating poverty and food insecurity. Since founding the organization in 1996, he has led its growth into a central humanitarian organization in Israel, while advancing public awareness and policy discourse through initiatives such as the Alternative Poverty Report.

Prof. Sarab Abu-Rabia-Queder, VP for Diversity and Inclusion at Ben-Gurion University. A groundbreaking researcher on inequality and integration. Her work promotes higher education access and social growth, serving as an inspiration for women and minority communities.

A Vision for Engineering Excellence

Boaz Levy, speaking on behalf of the honorees, addressed the security and social hurdles facing Israel:

"The reality around us is changing rapidly, and the gap between those who lead technology and those who merely rely on it is widening. In this reality, engineering excellence is not a luxury—it is a necessary condition for independence, security, and national resilience. Technology is Israel's primary growth engine, not only as a source of economic innovation but as the foundation of our ability to defend ourselves, maintain a qualitative edge, and ensure a better future for the next generation."

Levy called for a fundamental shift in the relationship between the lab and the field "Academia is where ideas are woven before they become products. We must strengthen the bond between academia and industry-not as a cliché, but as a true strategic alliance. Personally, I see it as a mission to open doors to the next generation, creating joint research paths that turn classroom knowledge into real-world impact."