Bridges of Life

“In 1996, at the initiative of U.S. President Bill Clinton, the Middle East Consortium (MECC) was established: an organization dedicated to fostering cooperation between Israel, the Palestinians and other countries in the Middle East in their multifaceted struggle against cancer.” For nearly two decades, Michael Silbermann led the consortium (MECC), demonstrating that collaboration across political divides can be also a source of hope, vitality, and mutual understanding among peoples in conflict. This compelling autobiography tells the story of one of the last Jewish children born in Arab Acre in the months preceding the outbreak of the Great Palestinian Revolt. Growing up during the turbulent years leading to the establishment of the State of Israel, Michael Silbermann went on to become a founding member of the Technion Faculty of Medicine and later its Dean. He subsequently served as Chief Scientist of Israel’s Ministry of Health, where he established the Middle East Cancer Consortium. Spanning personal, academic, and public milestones, this is the remarkable life story of a scientist, institution-builder, and advocate for regional cooperation.