The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has officially launched the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICAMH), a landmark initiative established in response to the escalating mental-health and addiction crisis in Israel and around the world. Founded in collaboration with the Israel Center on Addiction (ICA), the centre aims to become a leading hub for research, innovation and treatment in this critical field.
The establishment of the center was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Azrieli Foundation. The event was attended by Danna, Naomi and Sharon Azrieli, as well as the Foundation’s Board of Directors and their families.
Danna Azrieli, Chairwoman and Acting CEO of the Azrieli Group and co-Chair of the Azrieli Foundation Israel, “In the two difficult years since October 7, marked by war and its aftermath, trauma and post-traumatic stress have become a painful reality for so many in Israel. Our investment in ICAMH reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening and professionalizing the mental-health field, so that anyone affected by trauma can access professional, compassionate support”.
“One of ICAMH’s main priorities is to break down the barriers of stigma and shame that still surround mental health challenges in Israel,” says Dr. Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation. “Mental health is not something to be hidden in the shadows. We are proud to publicly champion this project, which will help to change those perceptions and allow more people to receive the help they need.”
“In the wake of October 7th we must recognize more than ever that trauma, addiction and suffering no longer remain on the margins—they reach into every family, every community, and demand a unified response,” said Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of the Hebrew University. “The launch of ICAMH marks a crucial step toward integrating scientific excellence with clinical impact. This collaboration will help us develop innovative tools and strategies to confront one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.”
The ICAMH represents a unique collaboration between the Hebrew University, the Israel Center on Addiction, the Hadassah Medical Center, and health-maintenance organizations (HMOs). By uniting academic research, clinical expertise and healthcare-delivery systems, the centre establishes an integrated framework to meet the complex challenges of mental health and addiction.
The institute will support multidisciplinary research across neuroscience, medicine, psychology, data science, cognitive science, public health, education and social work. It will not only advance scientific knowledge but also provide evidence-based clinical services to individuals and families affected by addiction and mental-health challenges. Its mission is to drive innovative basic and applied research, promote evidence-based and personalized treatment methods, and train the next generation of researchers and clinicians who can transform care in Israel and contribute to global scientific progress.
The launch event, held last week at the Hebrew University, was attended by Prof. Tamir Sheafer; Mr. Moshe Bar-Siman-Tov, Director General of the Ministry of Health; Prof. Yoram Weiss, Director General of Hadassah Medical Center; Prof. Mario Mikulincer, Academic Director of ICAMH; Prof. Asher Cohen, Former President of the Hebrew University; Prof. Ariel Kor and Prof. Shauli Lev-Ran, Co-Founders of ICA, and Ms. Inbal Dor Karbel, Director General of ICA .
“The establishment of ICAMH is not only an academic achievement; it is a moral imperative,” said Prof. Mario Mikulincer, Academic Director of ICAMH. “For too long mental health and addiction have been treated as private struggles rather than public priorities. ICAMH stands for a new paradigm—one that places mental health at the very centre of healthcare and views every person through their dignity and potential for healing, growth and thriving.”
The new centre reflects the Hebrew University’s commitment to bridging science and society, advancing mental health as a public priority, and ensuring that research translates into real-world impact for individuals, families and communities throughout Israel.
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge convention and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, cultivating leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research and the commercialization of technologies through Yissum, its tech transfer company. Hebrew University’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with major international awards, including ten Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 88th globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2025), Hebrew University marks a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.