Tel-Hai Magazine 2023-2024

Arik Dayan Chair of the Strategic Committee

Eli Cohen Director General

Michal Raikin former Chair of the Board of Trustees

Mr. Cohen has been serving as Director General of Tel-Hai for the past 11 years. As a native of Kiryat Shmona, his devo tion to the region and its residents has fueled his determination to assure Tel Hai’s transition into a university and to accomplish its goal to serve as a driving force for regional development. Com manding the daily operations of the col lege, especially during this year of hard ship, has reinforced his belief in the importance of the unique work-culture and exceptional human capital that characterize Tel-Hai and that must be preserved in its transition to university status. “Tel-Hai is becoming a university. Without the dedication and hard work of our administra tive staff and academic faculty, the members of our management, executive committee, board of trustees and the members of this steering com mittee, we would not have been able to accom plish all that has been accomplished. We have also been privileged with the unwavering support of our philanthropic community, who are true partners on this journey; without them, none of this would be possible. And of course, our won derful students, who are the future of our region and represent us with pride wherever they go.”

Mr. Dayan served voluntarily as Chair of the Executive Committee of Tel-Hai for 12 years and has played a central role in driving Tel-Hai forward towards becom ing a university. Over the years, his con tribution and devotion to the college and to the region have been invaluable, and he continues to contribute his knowledge and expertise today as Chair of the Stra tegic Committee for the Establishment of the University. “I have had the honor of witnessing and tak ing an active part in the development of the col lege over the years – its growth in students; the expansion and development of its campuses, and the construction of new and advanced buildings, laboratories, and student dormitories, and there are many further projects yet to come. Prior to the war, Tel-Hai had become finan cially established towards its next step in the process of becoming a university. We are deter mined to continue on this path and realize the vision and national mission of becoming the University of the Galilee.”

Ms. Raikin has devoted her professional career to working closely with local au thorities to foster regional development throughout Israel. In recent years, she has specialized in Israel's northern re gion supporting regional clusters, ad vancing regional initiatives, leadership training programs and promoting cross-sector collaborations. She contin ues to initiate collaborations and part nerships to enhance the development of the Galilee, in which Tel-Hai plays a central role. “We understand the challenges, and know that the college, as the future university, plays a sig nificant role in the growth we aspire to. The university will be the realization of the potential we all recognize; the fulfillment of what we have envisioned. Throughout the upcoming years, we will work hard to ensure that the university will be established here as a groundbreaking home for innovation, progress and research. Tel-Hai serves as a pillar of strength and resilience. The university will reflect the populations of the re gion and will improve the quality of life for all – urban and rural settlements, Jews, Druze, Bedouin, Muslims, Christians, for everyone.”

Tel-Hai is honored to have such a distinguished and dedicated team leading this transition, with each member bringing to the table a unique area of expertise, vast experience and the values that coalesce with Tel-Hai’s vision. The endeavors of the committee have not been deterred by the challenges of the war and it has powered ahead with this vital mission that holds hope for the future of the Galilee, and its rehabilitation and growth in the days after the war.

Tel-Hai Magazaine | 2023-2024 5