The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of the Hebrew University and Hadassah has decided to name a newly discovered phage by Sigal Vorzhev in honor of her late life partner, Maj. Gen. Raz Abulafia, who fell in battle during the War of the Iron Swords. The center, which focuses on using phages to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, has been naming newly discovered phages after fallen heroes from the conflict. Sigal, a researcher at the lab, named one phage "KpRaz1" in tribute to Raz, and if it proves effective in treating bacterial infections, it could potentially save lives. This tribute not only honors her partner’s sacrifice but also contributes to advancing medical research with the potential to impact patient care for years to come.
Sigal Vorzhev, life partner of the late Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raz Abulafia, under the guidance of Prof. Ronen Hazan and doctoral student Ortal Yerushalmy from the Faculty of Dentistry, has found a unique way to honor her beloved’s memory. As part of her biotechnology studies at the Israeli Phage Center of the Hebrew University and Hadassah, Sigal is combining her personal loss with cutting-edge scientific work which together with her partner Shira Meuchas-Heilbron aimed at fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The Israeli Phage Therapy Center, is focused on the therapeutic potential of phages—viruses that target and kill bacteria with precision, offering a potential solution to the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance. So far, the center has isolated and characterized hundreds of new phages, making strides toward innovative treatments.
Each newly isolated phage at IPTC is assigned a name, often honoring individuals whom the researchers admire, such as historical figures like Janusz Korczak, respected scientists in the phage research field, or even family members of the team. In 2023, following the outbreak of the War of the Iron Swords, the lab decided to name newly discovered phages after fallen soldiers and civilians as a tribute to their memory. Among those commemorated are Alon Shimriz, Yanai Kaminka, and Arnon Zmora.
Prof. Avraham Zini, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Medicine: "This initiative embodies the intersection of scientific innovation and deep personal tribute. Through Sigal’s and Shira’s work, we not only advance the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria but also ensure that the legacy of fallen heroes continues in a meaningful and life-saving way."
Sigal, who has isolated several phages during her work at the lab, chose to name one of them "KpRaz1" in honor of her late partner, Maj. Gen. Raz Abulafia, who fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip.
Sigal Vorzhev said: "Naming this phage after Raz is my way of honoring his memory—not only as a soldier and a leader but as someone who dedicated his life to protecting others. If KpRaz1 can one day help save lives, it will be a tribute worthy of him.”
This tribute to Raz is not just a symbol of remembrance; it may one day play a role in saving lives. If the KpRaz1 phage is found to match a patient's bacterial infection, it could provide a life-saving treatment, continuing Raz Abulafia's legacy of service in an entirely new and profound way.
Title: KpRaz1 Phage | Credit: Edi Bernstein, Electron Microscopy Unit, Interdepartmental Equipment, Ein Kerem Campus of the Hebrew University.
Funding
The lab is a member in the Kleopatra consortium and received a grant from KLEOPATRA – JPIAMR for this work. https://www.kleopatra-phage.com/
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