The British Friends of Haifa University has appointed a new chairman.
Gary Hersham, 57, managing director of the Mayfair-based Beauchamp Estates has taken over from Michael Crystal QC, who has stepped down after four years in office.
Mr Hersham, a member of Western Marble Arch Synagogue, said: "I believe strongly in the work of the university and their research programmes in particular will have dramatic consequences for good and for helping mankind.
"I look forward to the challenge of bringing this work to the attention of many more people in the UK and helping to raise urgently needed funds."
Haifa University's president, Aaron Ben-Ze'ev, said: "I am impressed with Gary's deep level of interest and his strong desire to help.
"Gary's energy and commitment and his business acumen will be of great benefit to us."
Mr Hersham said the organisation needs to raise £1 million this year for the university's arts-based cancer therapy research project.