A ‘Legacy of Devotion’ series interview
Title Image: Dr Sonny Landau (on the right) with Yigal Yadin and Deborah Sagorsky, circa 1965-1970
There are family traditions, and then there are family traditions. For the Kaye family, supporting the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is not merely a matter of custom – it’s practically a family heirloom, passed down with as much care as any treasured photograph or well-thumbed recipe book.
It all began with Steven Kaye’s maternal grandfather, Dr Arthur “Sonny” Landau, who as a youth was an academic prodigy and grew to become an eminent cardiologist – and the Chair of the South African Friends of the Hebrew University.
With a smile, Steven recalls tales of his grandfather’s near-miss adventures soon after the Six Day War in 1967 – when a trip to Mount Scopus was, let’s say, “as close as was sensible under the circumstances.” Even then, Sonny and Queenie Landau’s commitment to the University was unwavering, if not a little daring.
Dr Landau was made an Honorary Fellow of the Hebrew University in 1980.
The family’s connection was sealed in a rather memorable fashion: when Steven’s father, Isaac Kaye, asked for his daughter Myrna’s hand in marriage, Dr Landau’s only stipulation—delivered with a twinkle, one suspects – was that he becomes involved with the Hebrew University. “It may have been slightly tongue in cheek,” Steven admits, “but he meant it.”
Sixty years on, that promise has blossomed into a legacy.
It’s a legacy that has grown and evolved. In 1994, wanting to put their own stamp on the family’s philanthropy, Isaac and Myrna established the Kaye Innovation Awards. These were born not just of generosity, but from a desire to make a lasting difference.
“My father is a self-made entrepreneur,” Steven explains. “He noticed the University wasn’t making the most of its innovations commercially. The Kaye Awards and Kaye-Einstein scholarships were his way of nudging things along – gently, but firmly.”
Today, with the University boasting an impressive portfolio of patents and increased revenues from royalties, it’s safe to say the nudge worked. Nurturing and retaining talent is important to the Hebrew University’ international standing – for fostering collaborations and for securing coveted European Research Council and other major grants.
Isaac was for many years Chair of the South African Friends of the Hebrew University, later a very active Chair of the British Friends, and now its President. Isaac continues to serve as a University Governor.
Steven himself is now feeling “the inexorable pull” of the University. As his parents step back, he finds himself stepping forward, eager to contribute in new ways – though, as he quips, “I’m moving from observer to participant, but let’s not rush things. One step at a time.”
Humour aside, Steven’s reflections on the University are deeply felt. He speaks of its transformation into a more sophisticated, commercially-minded institution, and of its enduring role as a beacon of pluralism and open debate – even, or especially, in times of national strife.
“The Hebrew University has always stood for an open society, where ideas—sometimes uncomfortable ones—are heard. That’s vital for Israel.”
He’s equally passionate about the University’s place on the global stage, noting its rise in international rankings and its reputation for academic excellence. “It’s a virtuous circle: the more the University can commercialise its ideas, the more they can invest in further research”
As for the family legacy, Steven hopes his children – currently university students themselves – will one day feel the same connection. “It’s a bit premature,” he laughs, “but you never know. Maybe the fourth generation will catch the bug.”
In the end, the Kaye and Landau families’ story is one of entrepreneurship, continuity, and daring hope. Their support has helped shape the Hebrew University’s journey from a bold idea to a world-leading institution. And if Steven’s words are any indication, their story is far from over.
