The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has appointed former Intel Vice President and former Hebrew University Vice President and Director General Yishai Fraenkel as its new Vice President for Advancement and External Relations. Fraenkel will lead the University's global engagement with donors, alumni, friends, and strategic partners as it embarks on its second century.

Fraenkel succeeds Ambassador Yossi Gal, who has served with distinction in the role and will continue to support the University as Special Advisor to the President, ensuring continuity in advancing Hebrew University's international relationships and long-term strategic priorities.

Fraenkel brings extensive leadership experience spanning global technology and academia. During his tenure at Intel Corporation, he held senior leadership positions in both Israel and the United States, directing complex multinational engineering initiatives at the forefront of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He later returned to the Hebrew University, where he served two terms as Vice President and Director General. His unique combination of global industry leadership, technological innovation, and deep institutional knowledge positions him to lead the University's international advancement efforts during a pivotal period of growth.

Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, welcomed the appointment.
"Yishai Fraenkel brings a rare combination of global technology leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the Hebrew University," said Sheafer. "His experience as a Vice President at Intel, leading major international engineering initiatives in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, together with his years of leadership as Vice President and Director General of the Hebrew University, gives him an exceptional perspective as we begin our second century. Strengthening our relationships with alumni, donors, and partners around the world is more important than ever, and I am confident that under Yishai's leadership we will build on our remarkable legacy and expand our global impact in research, education, innovation, and service to society."

Sheafer also paid tribute to Fraenkel's predecessor.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Ambassador Yossi Gal for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the years," he said. "Yossi has strengthened the University's ties with our global community and has been an exceptional ambassador for the Hebrew University. I am delighted that he will continue to contribute his wisdom and experience as Special Advisor to the President, ensuring continuity as we embark on this exciting new chapter."

Fraenkel said he is honored to assume the role at a defining moment in the University's history.
"Hebrew University has just celebrated its centennial. Founded before the State of Israel itself, it has grown into one of the world's leading research institutions, driven by curiosity, discovery, and a commitment to humanity," said Fraenkel. "As we begin our second century, I can think of no greater privilege than helping shape the University's future together with our global community of supporters."

Fraenkel emphasized that strengthening relationships with the University's worldwide network of alumni, donors, and partners will be a central priority.
"Our University stands as a cornerstone in the revitalization of Israel following years of profound adversity, and its role in shaping the future is more important than ever," he said. "Together with our global family of supporters, we have an extraordinary opportunity—and responsibility—to build on the University's remarkable legacy."