News & Events
News
17 January 2024
A new home for the RTICC
When we started basic research, we didn’t know where it would lead. Now, we are committed to making this center a world leader in cancer research.
Uniting Forces for Breakthrough Cancer Research
The Technion announced a significant collaboration between two prominent philanthropic foundations to advance its Human Health Initiative. This effort will lead to the construction of the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Human Health Building, which will house the Bruce and Ruth Rappaport Cancer Research Center.
Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan praised the partnership between the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Foundation and the Bruce and Ruth Rappaport Foundation as a milestone in the university’s history. The contributions, described as some of the largest ever received by the Technion, underscore the foundations' long-standing commitment to supporting innovative research. The building will focus on cancer research and human health, leveraging the Technion’s extensive expertise and close connections with hospitals, particularly Rambam Healthcare Campus.
"The generosity and vision of the donors will propel the Technion into its second century, allowing us to improve millions of lives," Prof. Sivan said, reflecting on the significance of the donations.
The cornerstone-laying ceremony, which took place at the Technion’s Board of Governors meeting, brought together key figures, including philanthropists Mrs.Irith Rappaport and Andi and Larry Wolfe; Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan; Dean of the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine Prof. Ami Aronheim; Nobel Laureate and Distinguished Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the RTICC; Prof. Amir Orian, head of the RTICC; members of the Technion senior administration and Board of Governors; faculty members; and representatives of Technion Societies around the world.
Nobel Laureate Prof. Aaron Ciechanover shared an inspiring quote which was often mentioned by Bruce Rappaport: "Without flour, there is no Torah, but without Torah, there is no flour," signifying the vital relationship between resources and knowledge. Reflecting on the impact of the Cancer Research Center, Prof. Ciechanover remarked, “When we started basic research, we didn’t know where it would lead. Now, we are committed to making this center a world leader in cancer research.”
Prof. Ami Aronheim, Dean of the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This event symbolizes the merging of the Technion’s engineering strength and its strong ties to the affiliated hospitals. Together, we aim to become a leading player in cancer research, a hub for innovation that will drive the development of life-saving treatments. Your generosity has turned this vision into reality.”
Ruth and Bruce Rappaport's philanthropic contributions to the Technion have shaped its future for decades. Their enduring legacy, carried on by their daughters Mrs. Irith Rappaport and Dr. Vered Drenger, continues to fuel advancements in medicine and research. At the ceremony, Irith Rappaport dedicated the event to her late sister, emphasizing the ongoing need for cancer research and the hope that the new center will push boundaries in finding innovative treatments.
Dan and Betty Kahn, revered as key supporters of the Technion, have left an indelible mark on the institution. Their foundation previously funded the D. Dan and Betty Kahn School of Mechanical Engineering, and their commitment continues through their daughter Andrea (Andi) and her husband Larry Wolfe. Together, they have expanded the foundation's support of innovative medical research, notably through initiatives like the Wolfe Center for Translational Medicine and Engineering. The Kahn family’s philanthropic efforts have played a pivotal role in strengthening the Technion's ties with healthcare and research institutions, both in Israel and globally.
The event marks not only a major advancement in Technion’s medical research capabilities but also a continuation of a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
