Class of 2025: A Year We’ll Never Forget

28 July 2025

Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

On a warm evening of July 24, friends, families, faculty, and graduates gathered at Tel Aviv University (and tuned in from around the globe) to honor the Class of 2025. They came from over 50 countries. They studied through sirens, adapted to the unexpected, and supported each other through a year that tested everyone. And despite the challenges, they finished stronger than ever.

“Even in absurd moments, life here refuses to stay on the surface,” said MC Orit Coty, Marketing Director of the Lowy International School, opening the ceremony with a smile. “It pushes us to go deeper. And you’ve all embraced that challenge.”

What This Year Taught Us

If there’s one thing the Class of 2025 learned beyond their coursework, it’s how to adapt, show up, and support one another in uncertain times.

Graduates of the Neuroscience MSc with Prof. Dinorah Friedmann-Morvinski, Academic Head of the program (on the left), and Orly Segev, Program Coordinator (second from the left). Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

For some, the academic year began just as the war broke out. Rivka Ohayon, a Neuroscience MSc graduate from Canada who made aliyah just four days before October 7, reflected on what it meant to persevere:

“It’s been intense, but my cohort has been amazing. The program gave me a lot of experience and helped me see what the neuroscience field is like in Israel.”—Rivka Ohayon, Neuroscience MSc

Others reflected on the shift in pace over the year. Neha Nidhi, from India, a graduate of the Sofaer Global MBA, described the contrast between semesters:

“The first semester was so hectic, and then the second was really light and relaxed because we were doing internships. This gave me real work experience in Israel.”—Neha Nidhi, Sofaer Global MBA

Neha Nidhi (in the center) with her classmates. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

In a year marked by disruption, students leaned into learning from professors and one another. They stayed for the conversations, the camaraderie, and the sense of purpose that carried them through.

From Digs to Diplomacy: A Year of Learning in Action

Academic life at TAU is never limited to the classroom alone. Across programs, students gained hands-on experience that brought theory to life, whether by attending Tel Aviv’s CyberTech Expo in the Cyber Politics & Government MA, participating in Earth Day events through the Social and Policy Aspects of Climate Change MA, or developing clean water access projects in the Sustainable Development program.

Others explored sustainable agriculture in Environmental Studies or led classroom instruction in TESOL as part of their teaching practicum.

Prof. Elana Shohamy, Academic Chair of the International MA TESOL program, congratulating Yulia Ioffe who has finished the first year of the recently introduced academic integration track for new olim. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

And for MA in Archaeology and Near Eastern Cultures graduate Mara Cara Melodias from the Philippines, that hands-on learning meant literally rolling up her sleeves at the summer excavation course:

“We wake up at 4 am to dig by 5, work until midday, then have classes until dinner. But honestly, it’s been great. The professors are excellent, and the community is so supportive. I even brought my toddler to the excavation site. She loves it!”—Mara Cara Melodias, MA in Archaeology and Near Eastern Cultures

Meanwhile, MBA students in the Sofaer Global MBA pitched startups, interned with Israeli companies, and some even launched an award-winning AI music venture. “I didn’t come to Israel to build a startup,” said Liu Liu, a member of the team that won a $10,000 award at the Sofaer Pitch Competition. “But here we are now.”

Prof. Jackie Goren (left), Head of the Sofaer Global MBA, with program graduate Liu Liu. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

Conflict Resolution and Security & Diplomacy students discussed theory one day and watched it play out in real life the next. “It was life-changing,” said Micaela Pelenur, an MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediation graduate from Argentina, who is now planning to go into humanitarian aid and strategic communications.

“Being in Israel during a time of war and learning about conflict, it all just integrated perfectly.”—Micaela Pelenur, Conflict Resolution and Mediation MA

Undergraduates in the BA in Management & Liberal Arts wrapped up their final year as the program’s first graduating cohort.

“What’s unique about this degree is how it lets you mix the arts and the business side. It gives you a broad background to go into the world with real perspective.”—Tyla Shur

Moments That Made a Community

And beyond the books, student life was active as ever. There were trips across the country, from the north to the south. Students gathered at the Lowy International School’s Green House for holiday celebrations, paint nights, pizza nights, and community support events. There were career workshops, volunteering outings, and language and dance club meetups. Along the way, they built a community that will stay with them long after graduation.

End of year ceremony 2025. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

Throughout the year, JLIC offered another layer of connection, organizing Shabbat dinners, learning circles, and events like the Healing the Rifts conference that brought students together around shared values and reflection.

A Ceremony to Remember

As each program was announced, the graduates of the Class of 2025 made their way into the auditorium, representing disciplines as diverse as neuroscience, diplomacy, disaster management, and archaeology. The moment was electric, filled with applause, cameras, and proud smiles.

MDM graduating entereing the auditorium. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

Among the audience was Lisa Impey, from Germany, who has decided to continue with the thesis track in the Master’s in Disaster Management alongside an internship.

“It’s amazing to be here. The course, the university, and Israel itself is great.”—Lisa Impey, MDM

MC Orit Coty welcomed the audience with warmth and humor, reminding graduates that they now officially belonged to the local tribe, complete with the right to argue with taxi drivers and never wait quietly in line again.

The evening included a soulful performance by the Dawn Ensemble, opening remarks by TAU VP International Professor Milette Shamir, and a stirring speech by valedictorian Samuel Greenberg, who shared words of wisdom from his grandfathers:

Samuel Greenberg delivers the Valedictorian address to the Class of 2025. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

“One told me to make mistakes. The other said his greatest regret was doing nothing. I took both lessons to heart. Doing something, anything, is better than letting life pass you by.”— Samuel Greenberg, Security & Diplomacy MA

Keynote speaker Professor Merav Roth, a psychoanalyst and expert on trauma, invited graduates to find strength through challenge:

“Every crisis is a door. You just have to be brave enough to open it.”

Professor Merav Roth at the 2025 End of Year ceremony. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

With Hatikvah echoing and caps in the air, the ceremony wrapped up, opening the door to new beginnings.

What Comes Next

For many, plans are already in motion. Shaina Leykin, from the Sofaer Global MBA, summed it up:

“Now it’s career mode. I’m finishing my fellowship, then looking for a job. But first, maybe a short vacation.”—Shaina Leykin, Sofaer Global MBA

Mara Cara Melodias hopes to continue to a PhD after completing her master’s thesis. Rivka Ohayon, who explored sleep and physical performance in defense training, is now eyeing the health tech industry: “I’d love to work with cognitive testing or sleep tech. It’s where neuroscience meets real-world impact.” And for Neha Nidhi, the next destination is Paris, where she is going to spend her exchange semester.

Conflict Resolution MA graduates with Dr. Nimrod Rosler, Academic Head of Program, and Program Director Corey Gil-Shuster. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

This year also saw a graduate give back. Alexandra Seaman, a Conflict Resolution alumna, launched a scholarship fund for future women leaders in peacebuilding:

“Understanding human nature and the mechanisms of conflict is more crucial than ever. I want others to access what I had the privilege to learn.”—Alexandra Seaman, Conflict Resolution MA

Be the Ambassadors of TAU

“There’s a big world out there waiting for you to make a difference,” said MC Orit Coty in her closing message. “And today is just the beginning.”

A joyful finale. Photo credit: Shlomi Mizrahi

To the Class of 2025, thank you for your courage, your curiosity, and your commitment. You’ve left a mark on Tel Aviv University. Now it’s your turn to leave one on the world.