Ariel University held its annual honorary doctorate ceremony on Wednesday morning at its campus, awarding the 2026 honors to seven prominent figures from science, security, society and culture. The university said the recipients were recognized for outstanding achievements, value-driven leadership and long-term contributions to Israel’s resilience and to human knowledge.
Among this year’s honorees were Prof. Yonina Eldar, a leading researcher in signal processing, computer vision and artificial intelligence and the 2025 Israel Prize laureate, recognized for advancing sub-Nyquist sampling and mentoring the next generation of Israeli scientists. Also honored was social entrepreneur Adi Altschuler, founder of projects including Knafayim Shel Cremsbo, Zikaron BaSalon and the Includo inclusive education network.
The list also included Prof. Abraham Gover, cited for decades of pioneering work in laser, electron and radiation technologies, and chess grandmaster Boris Gelfand, one of Israel’s top international chess players for more than 30 years and a 2012 world championship challenger. The security sector honoree was Brig. Gen. (res.) Avigdor Kahalani, an Israel Prize winner and recipient of the Medal of Valor and Medal of Distinguished Service.
Efrat and Hanoch Daum were awarded honorary doctorates for strengthening social cohesion and for their civic work, led by the emergency initiative Hovekim Miluimnikim, which aided thousands of reserve soldiers’ families and affected businesses during the war. Hanoch Daum, speaking for the honorees, apologized to his mother in the audience for not having a matriculation certificate and joked, “At least now I’m a doctor.” He added that he was not surprised by Ariel University’s high rate of reserve-duty students and said, “I believe Ariel University is nurturing the next leadership of the State of Israel.” University President Prof. Ehud Grossman and Rector Prof. Albert Pinhasov said the honorees embodied excellence and translated personal achievement into public benefit.
