British Friends of the Hebrew University expresses deepest condolences on the sudden passing of Ms Viviana Kasam, friend and devoted supporter of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. For 14 years, through her association BrainCircle Italia, Viviana organised remarkable academic events across Italy and Europe, advancing neuroscience and brain research. She was a passionate advocate for ELSC, establishing The Goren-Khazzam Chair in Brain Sciences, held by Dr Naomi Habib. Viviana was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by The Hebrew University this past June as part of the Board of Governors events.
Her presence and energy will certainly be missed, and we all send our deepest condolences to her family, honoring her memory as a distinguished lady and true friend.
Ms Viviana Goren Kasam began her career in the media, working as a journalist and in television, where she received numerous prizes and was titled Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana by the president of Italy.
Vivinana’s greatest inspiration is her father, Avram Goldsetin Goren z”l, who was extremely committed to his Jewish heritage, instilling in his daughter the value of tzedakah (charity) and a love for Jewish culture. Along with his wife, Stella z”l, Avram supported a variety of educational institutions in Israel and Jewish centers all over the world.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, Viviana is recognized and adored as a prominent member of the Italian Jewish community. She promotes awareness and advocates for Jewish causes on the national scale, including keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. Working with the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and with the support of the Italian Prime Minister, she has produced high-profile events marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. She has also been the driving force behind numerous concerts featuring music written in concentration camps and similarly dire situations.
The Hebrew University, and in particular the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), is ever thankful for Viviana’s friendship and support over the last decade and a half. Together with Nobel Laureate Rita Levi Montalcini, Viviana founded Brain Circle Italia and continues to serve as its president. Within this context, Viviana developed Emotions, an itinerant program combining brain sciences and art, that is taking place across seven cities. In addition, Viviana generously created the Goren-Khazzam Lectureship in Brain Sciences and supports students of brain science and public health.
Viviana served on the University’s Board of Governors and on the European Council for a decade. Her dedication to the Hebrew University was formally recognized when she was inscribed on the Wall of Benefactors in 2018 and named an Honorary Fellow in 2019.