Zvi Ben-Avraham[TB13.1] is a pioneering geophysicist whose visionary work has fundamentally transformed our understanding of the structure and evolution of Earth’s oceans, marginal seas, and tectonic boundaries. Over five decades of scientific discovery, his groundbreaking studies on oceanic tectonics, transform faults, rift zones, and the crustal development of the Mediterranean and Dead Sea regions have become cornerstones of modern marine geology. His creative ideas—such as continental growth through the accretion of oceanic plateaus—have reshaped the way we think about lithospheric evolution. Zvi is also an extraordinary leader and mentor. He has guided more than 70 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now direct major research programs worldwide. His vision led to the founding of the Charney School of Marine Sciences at the University of Haifa, the Mediterranean Research Center of Israel, the Minerva Dead Sea Research Center in Tel Aviv University, and the International Continental Drilling Program on the Dead Sea—the most ambitious Earth science project ever undertaken in Israel. His scholarly record is remarkable: nearly 300 publications in leading journals such as Nature, Science, Geology, and the Journal of Geophysical Research; 10 books authored or edited; and an h-index of 66. His research has set benchmarks in seismic imaging, basin analysis, plate interaction, and the global evolution of oceanic lithosphere. Equally notable is Zvi’s commitment to collaboration across borders and disciplines. He has fostered enduring partnerships among Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian scientists and initiated wide-ranging international collaborations in Africa, Europe, and beyond. His efforts demonstrate that scientific leadership can also be a force for dialogue and unity. Zvi’s many honors—including the Israel Prize, the Humboldt Research Award, and election to multiple academies, including, of course, the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities—reflect his lasting influence and unique impact. Through his excellence, integrity, and collaborative spirit, Zvi Ben-Avraham exemplifies the values of AGU. His legacy inspires generations of scientists worldwide. —Alon Ziv, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel