Unearthing Stories Past & Present Perth

UNEARTHING STORIES PAST & PRESENT

The Role of DNA Forensics in Identifying October 7 Victims

Prof. Gila Kahila Bar-Gal in conversation with Caroline Di Russo.

Join Australian Friends of the Hebrew University, Carmel School and Friends of Israel Western Australia for a fascinating and enlightening evening as Prof. Kahila Bar-Gal explains to Caroline Di Russo how she used her expertise in wildlife forensics and ancient DNA to become a key figure in the extraction of DNA from badly burnt bones to identify hundreds of victims of October 7. 

Professor Gila Kahila Bar-Gal is a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, serving as the head of the Molecular Evolution Laboratory, at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, within the The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Additionally, she holds the position of Director of the National Natural History Collections of the Hebrew University and is certified by the Society of Wildlife Forensic Science (SWFS) as a Wildlife Forensic Scientist. Gila’s research crosses evolution, co-evolution, animal domestication, anthropology, human ecology, conservation genetics, new technologies in research and conservation of cultural heritage and wildlife forensics. Tragically, her unique talents were also utilised after the October 7th massacre, for help in identifying bodies which burned bodies to such an extent that even ancient DNA forensic techniques used to identify remains from millions of years ago were difficult to apply.

Caroline Di Russo practised as a lawyer for about 15 years in national and international law firms. She now owns and runs a online retail business in the preloved luxury goods space which brings together her interest for small business, women’s financial independence and sustainable fashion. Caroline’s background has underpinned her foray into politics and political commentary. She is a host, columnist and contributor to Sky News Australia. She also contributes to The Daily Telegraph, The Australian, the ABC and 2CC Canberra radio.

We will also hear from Josh Errington, participant of the Ancient Israel Program at Macquarie University in collaboration with the Hebrew University. Originally a mechanical engineer from Perth, Josh discovered a passion for archaeology through travelling in and around Israel. Volunteering on various excavation from 2013, he moved to Israel to pursue archaeological study the following year. Josh will detail how he discovered a love for Israel and an appreciation and understanding of the Jewish People’s ancient connection to the land.

Sunday 15 September | 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Venue TBA

TICKETS ARE $5 per person.

Hosted by The Australian Friends of the Hebrew University, Carmel School and Friends of Israel Western Australia