About Us

About Us

American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit  organization in support of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel’s foremost center of higher education and research.  Forging a meaningful partnership between American Jewry and the people of Israel, AFHU helps to ensure the nation's well being by nurturing Israel’s greatest asset: the intellectual strength of its people.  AFHU's cultural and educational programs attract people from all walks of life, including Hebrew University and Rothberg International School alumni, American scholars and scientists, and the general U.S. public.  These programs, as well as AFHU Missions to Israel and Hebrew University, promote greater understanding of the University’s contributions in fields ranging from technology, medicine and law to agriculture, public policy and Jewish Studies. Join us at an AFHU event near you!

Founded by the American philanthropist, Felix M. Warburg in 1925, AFHU has been a central force in Hebrew University's rise to international prominence. Today, AFHU is part of an international Society of Friends organizations spanning more than 25 countries. Your generous support enables The Hebrew University to:

• Recruit and retain outstanding faculty
• Build teaching and research facilities
• Provide student scholarships
• Advance research
• Further regional and international peace and pluralism

AFHU’s Investment Practices

American Friends of The Hebrew University, a 50l c3 nonprofit organization, has an independent lay-led national board of directors consisting of dedicated professionals, civic and Jewish communal leaders from throughout the United States. Each year, AFHU is audited by the firm of Grant Thornton LLP. Click here to read AFHU Annual Report 2007-2008

Our organization’s governance structure includes Board committees that meet regularly to oversee AFHU’s management, budget, fund-raising campaign, audits, investments, grants and nominations.  AFHU’s Investment Committee meets at a minimum of four times a year to manage the investment of AFHU’s endowment.  The committee also considers asset allocation and analyzes investment managers.  AFHU’s National Board establishes a spending rule applicable to Pooled Endowment Fund 2008. Click here to read AFHU's 2008 Pooled Endowment Fund Annual Report. Our National Headquarters are in New York City and can be reached at 1-800-567-AFHU (2348) or at info@afhu.org.  We also have regional offices throughout the U.S.