International Science Olympiad Season is at its Peak

The Israeli Chemistry Team won four Olympic medals — two gold and two silver — at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), held in the United Arab Emirates with the participation of 90 countries.

At the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), held in the UAE, 354 competitors from 90 countries around the world took part.

The Israeli Chemistry Team proudly representing Israel included:

• Itamar Ben Shmuel, from Ramat Gan, an 11th-grade student at HaKfar HaYarok school – Gold Medalist
• Jonathan Gontmakher, from Rishon LeZion, a 12th-grade student at the Krieger Real Gymnasium – Gold Medalist
• Omer Zachary Ben-Ami, from Tel Aviv, a 12th-grade student at Ironi Dalet High School – Silver Medalist
• Yehonadav Marienberg, from Mazkeret Batya, a 10th-grade student at the Har Etzion Yeshiva High School, Alon Shvut – Silver Medalist

The Israeli team was trained at the Schulich Faculty of Chemistry at the Technion, under the leadership of academic director Prof. Zeev Gross and head coach Dr. Reut Shapira. Accompanying the delegation were Prof. Gross, Technion alumnus Dr. Eyal Barnea, and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Zack Patrick Sarcel.

The Ministry of Education and the Maimonides Fund’s Future Scientists Center lead the training of Israel’s science teams for participation in international olympiads.

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan thanked the Technion team that prepared the delegation and said: “At the Technion, we are proud to train the next generation of Israeli scientists. The students competing in the International Chemistry Olympiads undergo screening and preparation in a special program that has been running for years at the Schulich Faculty of Chemistry at the Technion, led by Prof. Zeev Gross. Winning this international competition is a significant achievement.
Jonathan, Itamar, Omer, and Yehonadav — I congratulate you. You reached the competition after much hard work and have proven your excellence. I hope to see you in the future as students at the Technion — fulfilling your potential and bringing us academic pride.”

Academic Director of the Team, Prof. Zeev Gross: “I was deeply moved to see our talented team members standing on the podium with the Israeli flag at an international event. I’ll also add that in times like these, when the global scientific-technological landscape is undergoing major shifts, it is more important than ever to inspire our young generation to excel in the most fundamental science — chemistry.”

Head coach Dr. Reut Shapira told the winning students: “An entire year of intensive and challenging study, during which you were often required to maintain your motivation despite current events in the country and the uncertainty, has reached its peak this week. Your excellence and resilience – Jonathan, Omer, Itamar, and Yehonadav – led to incredible achievements that bring great honor to the State of Israel and global prestige on a level we’ve never known before. You did it in a big way, and I’m extremely proud of you!”

Minister of Education, Yoav Kisch: “Behind every medal stands an Israeli student with a spark in their eyes, curiosity in their heart, and a willingness to work hard – children like Itamar, Jonathan, Omer, and Yehonadav, who dared to dream big and saw it through to the end. Each one of them represents a story of persistence, talent, and educational support that believes in the student every step of the way. The achievement at the Chemistry Olympiad is not just a peak – it’s the result of daily quiet effort, a deep partnership between the Ministry of Education, the Maimonides Fund’s Future Scientists Center, and the Technion, and teams who never stop seeing the child, even when immersed in science. This is how we build an education system that moves forward: not waiting for success, but growing it. With consistency, humility, and deep faith in our children’s abilities.”

Chair of the Maimonides Fund’s Future Scientists Center, Yarom Ariav: “The State of Israel is blessed by the groundbreaking achievements of the members of its National Chemistry Team. Their accomplishments are a testament to their high capabilities, outstanding scientific and creative thinking, perseverance, and uncompromising commitment to excellence. Itamar, Jonathan, Omer, and Yehonadav, together with dozens of other science team members, are a source of inspiration and hope – the future generation of Israeli science, research, and innovation.”

Photo credit: Ministry of Education and the Maimonides Fund’s Future Scientists Center