Weizmann events in South Africa

In February, the Weizmann Institute hosted several events in South Africa to acknowledge the significant contribution of David Lopatie and other leading South African philanthropists to the Institute.

Prof. Israel Bar-Joseph, Vice President for Resource Development and Public Affairs, spoke to the participants about the Institute and about major challenges in science. He was joined by Kelly Avidan, Head of the Department of Resource Development; Sheridan Gould, Executive Director of Weizmann UK; and Yael Goren-Wegman, Executive Director of the Israeli Friends of the Weizmann Institute.

The visit was an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of those who have supported the Institute for many years, and celebrate the 90th birthday of long-time friend Ann Susman. Several UK philanthropists with connections to South Africa joined in the festivities, including Sir David and Lady Sieff; Sir Sydney and Lady Lipworth, Jeremy Smouha, and Clifford and Sooozee Gundle.

“Whenever I visit the Weizmann Institute, I am made so welcome that it feels like I have returned home, but now it is just wonderful to be able to welcome the Weizmann Institute to South Africa,” says Mr. Lopatie. “I hope that fellow South Africans will enjoy as rewarding a relationship with the Institute in Israel as I do.”

The wealth management firm Stonehage Fleming graciously hosted two breakfasts, in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Another asset management firm, Investec Wealth and Investment, generously hosted a lunch in Johannesburg and an evening reception in Cape Town. This was a most welcome initiative led by Investec’s Jonathan Bloch, brother-in-law of European Committee Chair Bob Drake, who attended the events with his wife Renée.