The Ruth Rappaport Foundation has announced Professor Dina Ben Yehuda, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as the recipient of the 2026 Ruth Rappaport Lifetime Achievement Award for Groundbreaking Women.
This year, the Foundation dedicated its prestigious prize to the field of education, emphasizing creativity, equal opportunity, and innovation. Professor Ben Yehuda was selected for her rare synthesis of scientific excellence and visionary educational leadership, which has fundamentally helped reshape the landscape of medical training in Israel.
As Head of Hematology at Hadassah Medical Center and during her tenure as Dean at the Hebrew University, Professor Ben Yehuda spearheaded transformative reforms in medical education. Her work has focused on adapting medical training to a rapidly evolving scientific world, ensuring that the next generation of physicians is equipped with both deep clinical compassion and cutting-edge research capabilities.
“Professor Dina Ben Yehuda embodies the very spirit of academic excellence and public responsibility that define the Hebrew University,” said Rector Prof. Oron Shagrir. “Her visionary leadership has not only advanced medical science at the highest international level, but has also reimagined how we educate future physicians, integrating innovation, compassion, and a deep commitment to equality. This recognition by the Ruth Rappaport Foundation is a tribute to her transformative impact on Israeli medicine and on generations of students.”
Under her leadership, the Faculty of Medicine introduced pioneering tracks in computational medicine, integrating big data and artificial intelligence into medical training. She established physician-scientist programs designed to create elite pathways for outstanding researchers, bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and bedside care. In parallel, she led comprehensive curricular reforms aimed at strengthening accessibility, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and reinforcing the foundations of Israel’s public healthcare system.
The official award ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art