“In a voice as convincing, as urgent as her intelligence—Zafra Lerman calls us to peace and service. Never deterred, she has marshaled the energies of chemists around the world to move toward peace through reasonable discourse, through science. What a remarkable life Zafra has created—stirring people to teach and learn well, to live with each other—this is the good story told in this book.”
Prof. Roald Hoffmann; Nobel Laureate, chemist, and writer
“This is the fascinating story of an extraordinary, sometimes impetuous, always determined woman, who grew up in the turmoil of the newly established Israel, discovered the universality of science, realized that it could be applied to diplomacy, and through it sought to bring peace to the world.”
Prof. Peter Atkins; Chemist, writer, and fellow of Lincoln College at the University of Oxford, UK
“This inspiring memoir shares the wisdom of a rare human being—a human rights champion whose bold leadership, as an innovative physical chemist and educator, reveals myriad ways science and science diplomacy can help achieve and sustain world peace by creating a ‘better world’ that is more humane, peaceful, equitable, kinder, and compassionate, which works for all! Prof. Lerman’s personal stories exude hope and optimism, which unfold in the layers of inspirations that empower her great life purpose and quest.”
Dr. Todd Siler; Artist and author of Think Like a Genius and Breaking the Mind Barrier
“Zafra’s dedication to teaching science through creative mediums has had a transformative effect on her students, helping them to see the connections between science and art and inspiring them to think critically and creatively. In this book, the reader can get a sense of what I experienced and what these teaching methods have accomplished with her students.”
Fred Pienkos; Former student, TV and Film VFX Supervisor, Hollywood, USA
“Zafra Lerman is a force of nature and her brilliance shines through every page. Her writing is as insightful and witty as it is inspiring. Her memoir brings to light the incredible difference one woman’s determination can make to the world—a true must-read!”
Dr. Emma Zajdela; Mathematician, science diplomat, and member of the board of the Malta Conferences Foundation
“Zafra has always been ahead of her time, be it a passionate teacher or a passionate peace and human rights activist. I have been her student in more ways than one and am lucky to call her a friend. In her unique and engaging memoir, we learn how one person can truly make a difference for the greater good. Our world can surely use a lot more Zafras these days.”
Parisa Khosravi; Senior vice president, CNN (Ret.), USA
“In a voice as convincing, as urgent as her intelligence—Zafra Lerman calls us to peace and service. Never deterred, she has marshaled the energies of chemists around the world to move toward peace through reasonable discourse, through science. What a remarkable life Zafra has created—stirring people to teach and learn well, to live with each other—this is the good story told in this book.”
Prof. Roald Hoffmann; Nobel Laureate, chemist, and writer
“This is the fascinating story of an extraordinary, sometimes impetuous, always determined woman, who grew up in the turmoil of the newly established Israel, discovered the universality of science, realized that it could be applied to diplomacy, and through it sought to bring peace to the world.”
Prof. Peter Atkins; Chemist, writer, and fellow of Lincoln College at the University of Oxford, UK
“This inspiring memoir shares the wisdom of a rare human being—a human rights champion whose bold leadership, as an innovative physical chemist and educator, reveals myriad ways science and science diplomacy can help achieve and sustain world peace by creating a ‘better world’ that is more humane, peaceful, equitable, kinder, and compassionate, which works for all! Prof. Lerman’s personal stories exude hope and optimism, which unfold in the layers of inspirations that empower her great life purpose and quest.”
Dr. Todd Siler; Artist and author of Think Like a Genius and Breaking the Mind Barrier
“Zafra’s dedication to teaching science through creative mediums has had a transformative effect on her students, helping them to see the connections between science and art and inspiring them to think critically and creatively. In this book, the reader can get a sense of what I experienced and what these teaching methods have accomplished with her students.”
Fred Pienkos; Former student, TV and Film VFX Supervisor, Hollywood, USA
“Zafra Lerman is a force of nature and her brilliance shines through every page. Her writing is as insightful and witty as it is inspiring. Her memoir brings to light the incredible difference one woman’s determination can make to the world—a true must-read!”
Dr. Emma Zajdela; Mathematician, science diplomat, and member of the board of the Malta Conferences Foundation
“Zafra has always been ahead of her time, be it a passionate teacher or a passionate peace and human rights activist. I have been her student in more ways than one and am lucky to call her a friend. In her unique and engaging memoir, we learn how one person can truly make a difference for the greater good. Our world can surely use a lot more Zafras these days.”
Parisa Khosravi; Senior vice president, CNN (Ret.), USA
Have you ever wondered about the paths that geniuses create for themselves? Join Zafra Lerman as she guides you through the pages of her amazing life. Zafra is what I would call a female Einstein—a Renaissance woman. An American scientist, she not only understands what makes chemicals blend, but also people, introducing Middle Eastern young scientists with Nobel Laureates. She creatively teaches science concepts through dance, art, and music to underprivileged students as well as prisoners throughout the world. She has been helping more than 1,000 teachers to pollinate her love of science principles, educating the masses. Whether solving an algebra problem (never having been taught) at the age of seven, or secretly trekking through dark alleyways at midnight in the Soviet Union to teach forbidden scientific seminars, this is one journey on which you will want to join her. Kol Hakavod (recognition of a job well-done), Zafra! Can’t wait to revel in your next creations.
—Penny S. Tee, Vodcast host of PEACE with Penny
Whenever I read a memoir, I am not aiming to live someone else’s life vicariously. I want to read to draw inspiration for my own life.
The life of chemist, educator, science diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Professor Zafra Lerman is nothing short of fascinating. Now people can finally read all about it in her recently published memoir. In 12 captivating chapters, Zafra grants deep insights into her life starting with her roots.
Zafra was born in the British Mandate of Palestine (now Israel) to a loving family where her curiosity for nature was always nurtured, so it was no surprise that she became a scientist with every fiber of her being. However, it was her love for chemistry and her wish to excite future generations of scientists, independent of their background and education level, that led her to conceive and execute unusual teaching methods that employ the arts, which took the universality of the scientific language to another level.
But Zafra did not stop there. In the 1980s she became the chair of the American Chemical Society's subcommittee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights. She began to advocate for global peace and human rights by helping researchers who faced political persecution. Zafra held this position for a quarter of a century.
But Zafra did not stop there. When she witnessed the horrific events of 9/11, she conceived a scientific conference, the Malta Conference, aimed at uniting scientists from hostile countries with little or no diplomatic relations in the Middle East to foster peace in the scientific community and, ultimately, in the world through the exchange of scientific ideas.
In 2022, the 10th installment of the Malta Conference, Malta X, was held and celebrated with Zafra as president. I myself was incredibly lucky to attend as a newly minted leader of a research group and science communicator. For me, it was the most beautiful conference experience of my life.
Reading Zafra’s memoir two years later not only allowed me to reminisce about the experience of Malta X. It also encouraged me again to look beyond the research of my laboratory and my teaching activities to see the good things scientists can achieve for others when they go out of their comfort zone. Changing perspective is important. It helps to remember that Zafra was out there risking her own life to save people she sometimes barely knew with bravery and precision that makes James Bond look pale in comparison.
Her memoir is filled with these inspiring life stories. They stand as a testimony of resilience, strength, and a life well lived. That’s why Zafra’s memoir is such a good read and I highly recommend everyone to explore her stories whether they are in the sciences or not. I am certain that she will not stop and I cannot wait to hear or read about her future endeavors.
—Prof. Nicole Kilian, Advanced Science News
