The future is about to get better

Dr. Roey Tzezana

Television, newspapers and even social media present the world as a horrible place in which to live, with horrifying fates awaiting all of humanity. We are assaulted from every side by harsh and pessimistic predictions about the future: from oncoming famines and global hunger, to future scarcity of water and dwindling of energy resources. And yet, year after year and decade after decade, humanity’s situation is improving. At the Evening of Jewish Renaissance, Dr. Roey Tzezana will present data that supports this, and talk about the optimistic and benevolent future that is in store for us.

Tzezana is a Futures Studies researcher with special expertise in foresight, wild cards (black swans) and analysis of emerging and disruptive technologies. He has spoken to hundreds of conference audiences and appeared frequently on Israeli TV and radio to discuss – for a wide range of listeners and viewers – the fascinating study of the future of technology and society. Most recently, he has been lecturing for and providing consultation to entities worldwide, including large companies and firms (such as eBay, Intel, Microsoft, and SanDisk), the Lahav Management School at Tel Aviv University and other educational institutions, and as an invited keynote lecturer at international innovation and global thinking workshops. In Israel, he has consulted about the future for many government ministries, including the prime minister’s office. Tzezana has been a futures researcher on the staff of the Yuval Ne’eman Workshop for Science, Technology & Security and the Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University.

Tzezana has been involved in a wide range of research fields. A TechCast Global interviewer noted that “Dr. Tzezana developed a computer interface for policemen to understand the threats of emerging technologies.” He has a system that is “used to identify political parties that can integrate together to form coalitions and the likelihood of their formation.” He “employs science fiction writers to write stories about trends identified for companies and organizations … that could be a part of their future.”

Tzezana and his family have moved temporarily to Rhode Island while his wife, Galit, earns her doctorate in engineering at Brown University. Their son, Omer, is a student in the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center at the Dwares JCC.

Tzezana and several other presenters will be speaking Saturday evening, Nov. 14, at An Evening of Jewish Renaissance: Redesigned, brought to you by the Judge Marjorie Yashar and Dr. James Yashar Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Dwares JCC. There is no cost to attend. To learn more, contact Jana Brenman at 401-421-4111, ext. 181 or jbrenman@jewishallianceri.org or visit the website: jewishallianceri.org. Some presenters are sponsored by the Jewish Book Council, and their books will be available for sale that evening.