About two weeks ago, it was brought to our attention that Tel Aviv University was planning a joint event with the tobacco company Philip Morris; the event was aimed at recruiting students studying towards a degree in Management, to become a part of the company's marketing team.
This event was publicized on the University's website, and was dubbed a "unique opportunity".
In a letter that was sent on behalf of the ICA by its Chairman, Prof. Eliezer Robinson, addressed to the President of the University and the Deans of the Faculties of Medicine, Life Sciences and Management, the ICA requested to cancel this event.
In addition, ICA informed the university that it would be freezing new research grants awarded to researchers from Tel Aviv University.
Ten days later, ICA still hadn't received any response from the university, and it issued a press release.
The university refused to respond to the press or the state-managed TV channel news program, when contacted for its response. In the end, the university informed the reporters in writing that the event was cancelled.
The Israel Cancer Association, an organization which awards research grants to Tel Aviv University research investigators, amounting to over US$150,000 per annum, received no response from the university.
Please find attached the letter addressed to the university, written by ICA Chairman, Prof. Eliezer Robinson, the ad announcing the event on the Tel Aviv University website, and the press release issued by the ICA.