Message from Alan Herman, ICRF Executive Director – September 2026

Dear Friends,

As we enter September, I am incredibly proud to share the announcement of ICRF’s newest round of cancer research grants. This year, ICRF is investing $5.35 million in 38 new research grants supporting Israeli scientists pursuing innovative approaches to cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. It is another important milestone in our commitment to funding bold ideas and the scientists who have the potential to transform the future of cancer care.

September is also a powerful reminder of why this work matters. It is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. September 24 is World Cancer Research Day, recognizing the essential role research plays in improving survival and reducing the global burden of cancer.

What makes this especially meaningful for ICRF is that our research portfolio touches all of these areas and so many more. From childhood leukemia and blood cancers to immunotherapy, precision medicine, cancer genomics, and novel approaches to treatment, our researchers are tackling cancer from virtually every direction.

We are also seeing exciting evidence of the impact of this investment in the work of ICRF-funded researchers. As you will see in this month’s newsletter, ICRF researchers, including Professors Aaron Ciechanover, Shai Izraeli, Rony Dahan, and Keren Yizhak, continue to produce important research appearing in leading international peer-reviewed journals. Their work is a powerful reminder that when we invest in exceptional scientists and give them the resources to pursue important questions, their impact can extend far beyond the laboratory.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks at the Chicago Drive Fore Research Golf Classic, in collaboration with the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, and at the Sandy Herzfeld Memorial Golf Outing in Westchester. These events are wonderful opportunities to raise critical funds for research while connecting with friends who share our commitment to making a difference.

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary people who make ICRF what it is. My immense appreciation goes to our researchers, professional team, lay leadership, and, most importantly, to all of you. Your generosity makes this research possible and gives exceptional scientists the opportunity to pursue the bold ideas that can lead to tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

Thank you for being part of this important work with us.

Best,