IEEE Israel Section Marks 70 Years of Excellence
On October 5, 2024, the IEEE Israel Section gathered its leaders, past chairs, and members at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tel Aviv to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 70 years of technical leadership, community building, and innovation.
From its early days as the first Institute of Radio Engineers (I.R.E.) branch in the Eastern Hemisphere to its current role as a powerhouse in IEEE Region 8, the Israel Section continues to shape the future of engineering in Israel and beyond.
From Radio Engineers to Global IEEE Powerhouse
Established on October 5, 1954, the Israel Section began as an I.R.E. section – making it the first such section in the Eastern Hemisphere. This early foundation placed Israeli engineers at the forefront of global radio, communications, and electrical engineering trends.
When I.R.E. merged with the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) to create the IEEE, the Israel Section naturally transitioned as well, becoming the first IEEE section in Region 8 (covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa). Over the decades, it has served as a bridge between Israeli academia, industry, and international engineering communities.
A Growing Ecosystem of Chapters and Groups
Today, the IEEE Israel Section is home to 25 professional technical groups, including chapters and affinity groups that span fields such as communications, signal processing, power and energy, biomedical engineering, and more. This breadth reflects both the maturation of Israel’s high‑tech ecosystem and the section’s effort to support engineers at all career stages.
These groups host technical talks, workshops, webinars, and student‑oriented events, creating local touchpoints for hands‑on learning and collaboration. For members, this means easy access to niche expertise while staying connected to IEEE’s global knowledge base via conferences, journals, and standards.
Recognition of Milestones and Excellence
The 70‑year celebration was also an opportunity to highlight IEEE Israel’s prestigious achievements in science and engineering.
One of the most significant honors is the 2021 IEEE Medal of Honor awarded to Professor Jacob Ziv, recognizing his groundbreaking work in information theory and data compression – a contribution that continues to underpin modern communication systems.
In addition, the section has been recognized with three IEEE Milestones, awarded in 2004, 2006, and 2024, commemorating key technological advances developed in Israel. Each milestone represents not only technical rigor but also the real‑world impact of Israeli engineering on global technologies.
Honoring Leadership and Dedication
A special moment of the anniversary gala was the honorary plaque presented to Section Chair Shmuel Auster by IEEE President Tom Coughlin. The plaque, presented on behalf of the IEEE Board of Directors, recognized Auster’s outstanding leadership and long‑standing commitment to the Israel Section’s growth and outreach.
This acknowledgment underscored the vital role played by volunteers, committee members, and past chairs across generations. Their contributions – often behind the scenes – have helped the section maintain continuity, foster professional networks, and adapt to the evolving needs of Israeli technologists.
More Than a Anniversary: Building the Future
Beyond celebrating the past, the 70‑year milestone serves as a launching point for the Section’s next chapter. Plans include:
- Expanding student and young‑professional programs to nurture future leaders.
- Strengthening ties between industry, academia, and hospitals for real‑world problem‑solving.
- Hosting more international IEEE‑branded events and conferences in Israel, attracting experts and scholars from across Region 8 and the globe.
The IEEE Israel Section sees its anniversary not as a finish line but as a platform to deepen impact, foster innovation, and ensure that Israeli engineers continue to lead at the cutting edge of technology.
Learn More About the 70‑Year Celebration
For an in‑depth recap and photos from the October 5, 2024 event, visit the official Region 8 article about the 70‑year celebration at:
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