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(Photo Credit: TAU)

From Hostage Square to the Doctorate: TAU to Award Einav Zangauker an Honorary Doctorate

October 30, 2025 |
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In recognition of her courageous and inspiring struggle for the return of all hostages held in Gaza to Israel

 
Tel Aviv University has announced that it will confer an Honorary Doctorate upon Ms. Einav Zangauker, honoring her courageous and inspiring fight—led over nearly two years together with the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum and the wider public—for the return to Israel of all hostages, living and deceased.

Just weeks ago, on October 13, with the return of 20 living hostages to Israel, Einav was finally reunited with her son, Matan—one of the most emotional days Israel has known in recent years. Yet her struggle did not end there. Like many others, she continues to dedicate her efforts to ensuring the return of all remaining hostages and the recovery of those who were killed in captivity.

A Symbol of Solidarity, Unity, and the Sanctity of Life

Tel Aviv University emphasized that the decision to award the honorary degree also reflects the deep national yearning for the return of all hostages, including Hadar Goldin, the son of Leah and Prof. Simcha Goldin, a faculty member at TAU.

“Einav Zangauker represents the social movement calling for the return of the hostages and has been one of its most prominent leaders,” the University said in its statement. “Since October 7, she has become for many a symbol of social solidarity, the sanctity of life, unity, and parenthood.”

The honorary degree ceremony will take place in May 2026 on the University’s campus during the annual Board of Governors meeting, attended by more than a thousand guests from Israel and abroad.

At the same event, Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, will receive the George S. Wise Medal for his efforts to secure the return of the hostages.