BGU&U | SPRING 2026

Spring 2026

Cover photo: BGU UK (BGUF) event, London, March 2026 Photo credit: Yoav Picherski Back cover: The Marcus Family Campus, Beer-Sheva Produced by the Department of Publications and Media Relations, Osnat Eitan, Director Division for Public Affairs and Resource Development, Jeff Kaye, Vice President May 2026 | Iyar 5786 Editor: Jeremy Maissel Editorial Staff: Hilla Shenhav, Elana Chipman, Ehud Zion Waldoks, Sagi Felendler Production: Noa Fisherman Photos (unless indicated otherwise): Dani Machlis Design: www.image2u.co.il Cont

4 From the President 5 From the Chair of the Global Development Committee 6 From the Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development 8 A Global Circle of Friends Meets in Paris 42 The Ben-Gurion Awards 2025 44 Seen on Campus: Notable Visitors to BGU this Year 53 In Memoriam 54 BGU Associates Organizations tents Contents 10 The Way Forward: Midpoint Momentum 14 Notable Contributions 18 Asking the Bigger Question: The Young Family School for the Human Experience 20 For the Negev, From the World: News from Our Friends Worldwide 38 Where Leadership Takes Shape: Halutz and Zin Connect a New Generation of Global Leaders to BGU

4

will open soon. It will serve as both a physical and symbolic gateway to the future we are building together. Rising behind the Scheller Gate are several buildings that will shape the next chapter of the University: the external shells of the Helmsley Computer Science Building and the Drahi Innovation and Entrepreneurship Building are complete, and the Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Future Technologies Building is quickly rising. Additional projects are at various stages of planning, including the Cyndi and Max Mintzberg Cultural and Conference Centre, the Civil and Environmental Engineering Building, and a new medical education building. Each of these buildings represents more than concrete and glass. They represent investments in ideas, discovery, and human potential. The North Campus did not appear overnight. It is the result of years of planning and a shared vision with our global BGU community. It also reflects continuity with earlier leadership, particularly my

predecessors, Prof. Rivka Carmi and Prof. Avishay Braverman, who helped lay the foundations for the growth we see today. Our roots continue to guide our path forward. From David Ben Gurion’s vision of a thriving Negev to today’s innovation district and research breakthroughs, we continue to build with the understanding that our efforts today will impact generations to come in the Negev. With your partnership, we are laying the foundations that will allow future students and researchers to pioneer fields we can scarcely imagine today. We are not simply expanding a campus. We are expanding the possibilities of the Negev, of Israel, and of the world. Thank you for standing with us, in these challenging moments, and as we build the future of this university together.

Dear Friends,

At Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, we live and operate in two timeframes at once: responding to the present while continuing to build for the future. As we navigate Israel’s ongoing security challenges, your immediate messages of concern, and readiness to help remind us that we are not alone. Your emergency support has strengthened our students, faculty, and staff at critical moments. For that, I am deeply grateful. When I began my presidency seven years ago, the North Campus was still open ground. Today it has become a landscape of cranes, concrete, glass, and new possibilities. The Student Village has been operating at full capacity for five years, and the Infrastructure Center has been completed. The Ernest Scheller Jr. Gate of Innovation, the new main entrance to the North Campus,

Prof. Daniel Chamovitz President

5

expanding and meeting important milestones. From the beginning, our committee had two interdependent goals: to successfully meet Ben Gurion University’s financial needs, and to expand the number of people and countries connected to BGU. We must accomplish both of these objectives in order to guarantee that BGU will be at the leading edge of education in Israel and the world, and that the University can continue to be a major force in the redevelopment of the Negev. Thanks to the efforts of the Global Development team and the generosity of donors around the world, through contributions large and small, our ten-year Way Forward Campaign is ahead of schedule in reaching its ambitious goal of raising one billion dollars. It’s important to surpass our original goal, because given the reality of recent years, our needs at BGU and in the Negev are greater than anticipated. One of the first programs the Global Development Committee created in 2022 was the Halutz Initiative for Global Leadership, which brings a group of about fifteen highly motivated, young people together for a weeklong

exploration of Ben-Gurion University, the Negev, and Israel. I’m pleased to say that in these challenging times, our fifth Halutz group is our largest group ever and will result in Halutz having over eighty graduates. The Halutzim have helped us strengthen and expand connections to countries that have supported BGU for decades and to countries where BGU did not have a real presence. The Halutzim bring new perspectives, new ideas, and enthusiasm that energize all of us. If you would like to nominate someone for the Halutz program of 2027, please contact your national associates organization. The focus of the Global Development Committee is on the future. We believe that the more we expand our global community, the better we will understand what faces Israel and the more likely we are to discover universal values and new ways forward. We welcome you to join us in any capacity that works for you.

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Global Development team, thank you for your continued engagement with the 2026 Board of Governors and Global Community Gathering. As you know, due to the war in Iran, the gathering has been postponed, and I look forward to seeing everyone in October. Your involvement reflects the depth of your commitment to BGU. Israelis are remarkably resilient, but knowing there is a large global community standing with them, reinforces the belief that our outcome will be positive. We continue to live in a time of uncertainty, suffering, and stress. While we rejoice that all the living hostages are home and the remains of the deceased hostages have been returned, continuing conflict in Israel, violence throughout the world, and the growth in global antisemitism are causes for alarm.

With thanks,

Toni Young Chair, Global Development Committee

Yet, in the face of tremendous challenges, BGU’s Global Development Committee is

6

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to present this year’s issue of BGU & You, a magazine devoted to you, our global community of supporters. Year after year, your commitment and engagement remind us that Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is the result of a partnership built on shared values and expressed through real, measurable impact. As we look forward to the Board of Governors meeting under the theme Our Roots Define the Path Forward , I have been thinking about what those roots demand of us today. In Jewish tradition and in Israeli life, our roots are not mere nostalgia. They are our responsibility. They remind us what we owe to one another, and what we can build together when we act with purpose. During the country’s formative years, Israeli society was shaped by a shared sense of purpose and mutual responsibility, grounded in the belief that building a hopeful future was a collective endeavor. Recent years have underscored the cost of division. In the period before October 7, 2023, Israeli society was strained and fragmented. Then, in the earliest days of the war, as in other moments of national crisis, a renewed sense of unity emerged — echoing earlier moments when collective purpose outweighed difference. It did not erase disagreement, but it reminded us of something deeper. When faced with what truly matters, we can still find our way back to one another.

The challenge now is sustaining that unity in the long-term. Here, too, roots matter. They shape the values that endure: mutual responsibility, civic courage, and the determination to contribute rather than withdraw. I see these values most vividly in young people. They are often described as detached or cynical, yet time and again they step forward with a sense of obligation and initiative that deserves recognition. At BGU, we see students balancing their studies with service, volunteering, entrepreneurship, and leadership in their communities. In our classrooms, laboratories, and programs, they carry forward a legacy of turning challenge into action, the very ethos David Ben-Gurion envisioned for the Negev and for Israel’s future. At the same time, we cannot ignore another difficult reality, the growing distance many feel between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. Even among those who care deeply, relationships can be strained, shaped by politics, media narratives, misunderstanding, and exhaustion. In this environment, Ben-Gurion University offers something essential, a tangible point of connection with Israel, a place where the relationship is not abstract, but lived. When you support BGU, you help

7

"Our roots are not mere nostalgia, they remind us what we can build together when we act with purpose."

educate the next generation of leaders, advance lifesaving research, strengthen the Negev, and build a more inclusive society. You invest in students and faculty whose work represents Israel at its best — curious, resilient, innovative, and committed to the public good. For this reason, I prefer to speak not just of solidarity, but of shared responsibility. This sense of mutual care and accountability has always been at the heart of our people. In our context, it crosses borders. It means staying connected even when it is difficult, listening even when we disagree, and choosing partnership over distance.

Thank you for being part of the BGU family, and for shouldering this shared responsibility with such dedication.

With appreciation and warmest regards,

Jeff Kaye Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development

8

Circle of Friends A Global Circle of Friends Meets in Paris

In November 2025, Paris became the gathering point for an extraordinary circle of friends committed to shaping Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's future. For the past several years, the Global Development Committee (GDC) has met twice annually: once during the Board of

Governors Meeting and once in a host community around the world. From New York to Monte Carlo and Toronto, these gatherings offer more than institutional updates. They create space for honest dialogue, shared purpose, and meaningful partnership, while offering insight into the lived experience of Diaspora Jewish communities.

These meetings extend beyond the Committee's formal membership, welcoming dedicated supporters who wish to engage seriously and thoughtfully with the work of the GDC. This year, around 40 participants from 10 countries, including several alumni of the Halutz Initiative for Global Leadership, gathered in Paris. They engaged with President

9

Prof. Daniel Chamovitz and Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development Jeff Kaye in thoughtful discussions about achievements, challenges, and the road ahead. The program opened on Wednesday evening with BGU France’s sparkling gala, setting both a celebratory and a reflective tone. It was particularly moving when Jeff Kaye honored Danièle Bidermann and her late husband Maurice for their decades of dedication and leadership as the founders of the French Associates of BGU. Thursday was devoted to engagement with the local Jewish community. Participants spent the day in the Marais, the historic Jewish quarter in central Paris, beginning with conversations at the Alliance Israélite Universelle school, where students spoke candidly about generational perspectives and the realities of living within

a protected environment. At the Grande Synagogue de La Victoire, Rabbi Moshe Sebbag reflected on resilience and continuity, emphasizing that the synagogue has always remained open, even during the most difficult periods. A visit to the Museum of Jewish Art and History provided historical and cultural context, offering a grounded look at the development of Jewish life in France over the centuries. On Friday morning, the Global Development Committee convened for its midpoint review, engaging in substantive discussions about strategy, impact, and the next phase of the Way Forward Campaign . That evening, following Shabbat candle lighting, participants gathered for a festive Shabbat dinner graciously hosted by Danièle Bidermann, an occasion marked by warm hospitality and genuine camaraderie.

farewell breakfast, bringing the Paris program to a close before participants departed for home. BGU France is experiencing a renaissance under the leadership of President David Hozé, who recently assumed office, Founding President Danièle Bidermann, Honorary President Eric Danon and incoming Executive Director Patricia Halfon. The gala itself reflected an exceptional spirit of volunteerism: the venue and catering were generously donated, ensuring that funds raised were directed in full to advancing BGU’s mission and supporting the rebuilding of the Negev. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and commitment of BGU France and its supporters, whose dedication plays a vital role in helping the University realize its vision. At the midpoint of the Way Forward Campaign , the message from Paris was unmistakable: partnership fuels progress, and together, we are writing the University's next chapter.

The gathering concluded on Saturday morning with a

10

Midpoint Momentum The Way Forward Midpoint Momentum

11

$1BN

We are here

$600.9M

$500M

Five years into Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s ambitious $1 billion ten-year global campaign, supporters gathered in Paris to take stock, not only of numbers, but of purpose. Launched on October 1, 2020, the campaign has pressed forward through extraordinary circumstances, from a global pandemic to the war and ongoing challenges facing Israel. And as of March 2026, the campaign has raised more than $600 million, placing BGU firmly on track to achieve its historic goal. At the semiannual meeting of the Global Development Committee

(GDC) in November, volunteer leaders and partners from around the world convened for a candid midpoint review that was both celebratory and forward-looking. The figures reflect both depth and breadth: nearly 12,000 donors have participated in the campaign to date, including more than 6,800 new supporters, while 67 major gifts account for 84% of total funds raised, more than $507 million, underscoring the extraordinary commitment of long-standing benefactors. At the same time, more than 8,500 donors have contributed gifts under $1,000, affirming that the campaign’s true strength lies in the collective engagement of

$0

12

Way Forward Campaign October 2020 - March 2026 Total: $600.9M

UK 2.50%

CA 34.80% Canada $209.3M

United Kingdom $15.1M CH 2.00% Switzerland $12.2M

US 41.10% United States $246.9M

IL 17.60% Israel $105.7M

1.80% Others $10.8M

LT 0.20% Latin America $0.9M

its broader base. The challenge ahead is to sustain the loyalty of major supporters while expanding the circle of donors and accelerating the campaign’s momentum in the years to come. Clearly, numbers tell only part of the story. Thanks to gifts secured through the campaign, new construction projects are reshaping campus skylines; breakthrough research initiatives are advancing; and innovative academic programs are taking root. The campaign is not simply a fundraising effort, it is a catalyst for the transformation of an entire region. Campaign leaders agreed that 2026 must be our strongest fundraising year yet, with a bold target of securing $150 million

or more in new commitments. To reach that milestone, we must accelerate gift closures and fully leverage every opportunity to highlight the tangible impact of philanthropic support. The Paris meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to the campaign’s vision. We recommitted to the Way Forward Campaign with renewed clarity around BGU’s ten-year strategic plan, refining the case for support

and sharpening the message: Why BGU? Why now? Especially now, in times of conflict, amid both profound challenges and historic opportunities, the answer resonates with urgency and hope. Leadership must rise up to meet the demands of this next phase. The goal is clear: 100% participation from all global board members in campaign commitments by the end of next year. Emerging associates

The midpoint is not a pause — it is momentum. The impact is visible. The vision is clear.

13

organizations will be supported with strategic guidance and practical advice to help build strong, sustainable boards with realistic expectations, and in some cases, dedicated resources to fuel their growth. Leaders emphasized the importance of cultivating boards, strengthening institutional partnerships, and expanding planned giving. A shared vision also emerged around establishing a unified global standard and brand for leadership giving, ensuring greater symmetry across nations

and reinforcing the idea that every donor is part of one bold, global campaign and one world-class university. Donors everywhere should feel connected to something larger than themselves: a global movement advancing the future of BGU and the Negev. The Paris meeting also highlighted the next generation of engagement, with alumni of the Halutz Initiative for Global Leadership participating alongside veteran volunteers, evidence that the future of BGU’s global support network is already taking shape.

As the campaign enters its second half, the focus is both steady and forward-looking: refine the vision, deepen partnerships, expand participation, and return to the University’s foundational goals while responding to urgent needs in the Negev. The midpoint is not a pause — it is momentum. The impact is visible. The vision is clear. Together, BGU's global community is ensuring that the next five years will be even more ambitious, more unified, and more transformative than the first five.

Notable Contrib 14

Victor and Ruth David supported the Psychological Services Emergency Assistance Fund, helping provide critical mental health support for students and members of the University community during the ongoing national crisis. They also supported the construction of a youth center at Kibbutz Nirim, in partnership with BGU’s Jusidman Science Center for Youth. The Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation made a gift to help rebuild classrooms for BGU’s medical school. This contribution will support the restoration of essential learning spaces for the next generation of medical students. The Adriana Kotler Memorial Fund supported presidential recruitment initiatives. This support helps attract outstanding academic talent to the University and strengthens its future growth and academic excellence.

The Shawna Goodman and Todd Sone Family Foundation of Canada and Israel made an impactful donation to support undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and health sciences, with priority given to those facing exceptional circumstances, including students with families and those from the Negev who have experienced repeated interruptions to their studies in the past three years. The Josef und Luise Kraft Stiftung , a German philanthropic foundation dedicated to supporting the well-being of older individuals, provided support to the Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging. The Center advances evidence-based research on aging, focusing on health, well-being, and quality of life for aging populations. Following the damage sustained during Operation Rising Lion (June 2025), the Jacqueline Ann

Ayrton Multi-Sports Arena will be renovated to restore and enhance its role as a central hub for sports, wellness, and student life. With the generous support of Sylvan and Margaret Adams, the Wynn Family Charitable Foundation, A4BGU, and BGU Canada , the upgraded facility will serve BGU students and the broader university community, expanding opportunities for recreation, health, and campus engagement. construction of two new lecture halls in the Drahi Innovation and Entrepreneurship Building on the North Campus. His contribution will help create modern learning spaces that will support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The Schulich Foundation supported the naming of the Stein Faculty of Computer and Information Science. This Harry Lebovic made a gift to provided support for the

15

utions

transformational commitment strengthens BGU's ability to advance cutting-edge research and educate the next generation of leaders in computer science and AI. Adam Korbin , BGU Canada Regional President for Vancouver, BC, and Alberta, made a gift to support the expansion of BGU Radio through the Yazamut 360° Entrepreneurship Center. His contribution will help strengthen student-driven media and entrepreneurship initiatives. The Al Roadburg Foundation provided funding for the equipment required to rebuild Prof. Michael Danilenko's leukemia research laboratory after the damage sustained during Operation Rising Lion.

course at BGU’s Eilat Campus. The program, led by Prof. Nadav Shashar, provided hands-on exposure to marine research and strengthened academic connections between Mexico and Israel. The Dr. Stephen Fichman and Susan Cohene Fund made a gift to support medical student scholarships and establish an annual ophthalmology lecture. The commitment, to be realized over the next 20 years, will also enable the naming of two essential learning spaces in the Rachel and Max Javit Medical Simulation and Classroom Building.

This support will enable the continuation of vital research advancing the understanding and treatment of leukemia. Marcelo Steuer demonstrated steadfast commitment through his continued support of the Duet Center. His contribution will help expand the Center’s early childhood development research, training, and community programs focused on personalized care for young children. Teddy Goldberg enabled outstanding students from Mexican universities to participate in a for-credit coral restoration

Notable Contributio Notable Contributions 16

The Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation provided generous support for the Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School. Structured as a matching initiative, their contribution was matched by the Guzik Foundation and 600 additional donors, amplifying its impact. Together, these gifts advance the School's mission to educate the next generation of physicians who will serve the Negev and its communities. Laurence and Elie Ohayon have made a meaningful contribution to the Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer Department of Social Work in memory of their father, Abraham Ben David Ohayon z”l, to strengthen social workers and nurture the next generation of leaders committed to improving communities in Beer-Sheva and the broader Negev region. Ibrahim Nasasra supported the University's diversity and inclusion initiatives by funding doctoral fellowships for Bedouin women. This contribution strengthens BGU’s commitment to expanding academic opportunities and representation for the Bedouin community.

Caroline Simon z"l , a longtime member of the BGU community, and her husband Arnold z"l were dedicated friends and supporters of the University. Through the Caroline & Arnold Simon Health Sciences Endowment Fund their legacy continues to strengthen health sciences education and research while advancing healthcare in the Negev. Daniel and Igal Jusidman support the Jusidman Science Center for Youth, which promotes science education for children in the region through enrichment programs, research opportunities, and advanced learning initiatives. Their contribution will help expand the Center’s activities and increase opportunities for Negev youth. The Alex and Eva Berkovic Charitable Trust generously contributed to Prof. Ilan Dinstein’s autism research at the Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research. The Centre is Israel’s leading hub for interdisciplinary autism research, uniting scientists, clinicians, and data experts to improve diagnosis, intervention, and long-term outcomes.

In honor of his birthday, BGU France President David Hozé invited his friends to support Ben-Gurion University in lieu of personal gifts. Their collective generosity funded a research project led by Prof. Angel Porgador and Prof. Mark Schvartzman. Their joint project, Mechanostimulatory Platform for Improved CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy, integrates immunotherapy and nanoscale technologies to boost CAR T-cell effectiveness. UJA-Federation of New York provided emergency support by funding a restorative retreat for its Benin program students affected by the war. The program offered emotional, social, and academic support, helping students rebuild resilience and return to their studies with renewed confidence. The Bona Terra Foundation provided funding for the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research through BGU's National Institute for Climate and Environmental Policy. The gift advances the project “Academic– Civil Society Dialogue Circle for Promoting Science-Based Climate Policy in Israel."

17

ons

Following damage caused by the June 2025 Iranian missile strike, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust supported BGU’s recovery efforts. Their gift will fund the construction of a floor in the Drahi Innovation and Entrepreneurship Building on the North Campus, providing vital academic and innovation spaces for students and researchers, and replacing facilities that were damaged. Ashot Ashkelon Industries renewed their commitment to the University through support for BGR — the Formula Student racing car team. Their contribution strengthens the team’s technical capabilities and enables participation in international competitions. Eitan Dvir provided generous support to the Robotics Team at the Jusidman Science Center for Youth. His contribution expands hands-on learning, advanced technological development, and competitive robotics, helping participants build skills in science, engineering, and teamwork while fostering future leaders in technology and innovation. Douglas and Judi Krupp carry on their family’s legacy, with a generous gift given in the summer of 2025, following the Iranian missile attacks on Beer-Sheva, demonstrating the importance of multi-generational support to BGU.

Perla Steren believes in the future, and her generosity will establish the Moises N. Steren Memorial Brain Science and Cognition Endowment Fund in memory of her late husband of blessed memory. The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation supported BGU’s recovery and resilience efforts following damage caused by the June 2025 Iranian missile strike. Their contribution will help create new facilities and classrooms in the Drahi Innovation and Entrepreneurship Building, enabling the University to replace spaces that were damaged. Lloyd and Vicki Goldman pledged their support to BGU through the Way Forward Campaign . Their commitment will help advance key University priorities and future initiatives. The Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundations supported the Visions & Voices program of the Community Action Department. The initiative engages students in meaningful community work, fostering leadership, civic responsibility, and social impact while strengthening ties between the University and communities across the Negev.

A generous donation has been made to name the study rooms on the 4th and 5th floors at the Zalman Aranne Central Library as a son’s tribute to Berdie and Irwin Cohen z”l of Winnipeg, Canada. A portion of the gift will also support Ethiopian students, helping ensure that their campus experience is productive and conducive to learning. Eric z”l and Sheila Samson established the Eric Samson - Bertie Lubner Scholarship Fund for South African students studying at the Medical School for International Health. The Sheba Foundation , led by Steve H. Lavin , supported BGU’s recovery and resilience efforts following October 7, the Iron Swords War, and Operation Rising Lion. The gift provides emergency financial support for student reservists and displaced members of the University community, long term psychological support, and assistance to neighboring Negev communities.

Asking the Bigger Question Asking the Bigger Question The Young Family School for the Human Experience

18

Ben-Gurion University is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, health sciences, cybersecurity, and desert research. The Young Family School does not stand apart from that tradition; it strengthens it. Its purpose is to bring humanistic inquiry into meaningful dialogue with the disciplines shaping tomorrow’s world. As Young explains, “I’m not against science or AI. Not at all. But we’re at a crossroads. Either we remain in control and use these tools wisely, or we risk losing sight of what makes us human.” The School creates a University wide framework ensuring that students in every field can engage seriously with subjects such as ethical reasoning, historical perspective, cultural literacy, and critical reflection. Courses will explore democratic resilience, moral decision-making, identity, narrative, and the human consequences of technological progress. An honors track will provide formal recognition for students who pursue deeper interdisciplinary study, equipping

This year, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev will officially launch one of its most forward-looking academic initiatives: the Young Family School for the Human Experience. At a moment when

artificial intelligence, biomedical innovation, and advanced engineering are transforming society at unprecedented speed, BGU is asking a deeper question — not only what we can build, but why we build it. The School’s central inquiry is both timeless and urgent: What does it mean to be human in the twenty-first century? For Toni Young, whose gift made the School possible, that question had been building for years. “I kept asking myself: What does it mean to be human? How do we treat one another? How do we honor the rich legacy that has been created for thousands of years?”

“Scientific excellence is essential, but it is humanistic understanding that gives knowledge meaning.” Prof. Amit Schejter

19

Toni Young in conversation with Prof. Amit Schejter and Nicole Krauss at a Board of Governors event on May 13, 2025

future physicians, engineers, and entrepreneurs with intellectual breadth alongside technical mastery. Importantly, the initiative reframes an old debate. “It was more about what does it mean to be human; not ‘the humanities.’ That’s a different question,” Young notes. The distinction is subtle but significant. The School is not simply expanding traditional humanities offerings; it is positioning humanistic thinking as essential infrastructure for leadership in a rapidly changing world. The School will also serve as a hub for public intellectual life at BGU, hosting an annual conference, and campus-wide conversations that bring together leading scholars, writers, and scientists. Success, ultimately, will be measured in integration rather than isolation. “If scientists become interested in the human questions, and humanists become interested in the scientific ones, then we’ll know we’ve

succeeded,” Young says. That convergence, between

inquiry and application, between knowledge and wisdom, lies at the heart of BGU’s evolving vision. As the University advances its Way Forward Campaign and deepens its global partnerships, the launch of the Young Family School signals a powerful commitment: to educate scholars who are also citizens, innovators who are also listeners, and leaders who understand both the promise and the responsibility of progress. In a world of accelerating change, BGU is ensuring that the next generation will not only solve complex problems, but ask the right questions.

“Literature and the humanities teach us how to live with uncertainty, imagination, and empathy.” Nicole Krauss

20

For the Negev, From the World News from Our Friends Worldwide For the Negev, From the World

A4BGU

21

US

MAR 2025 Stories of Resilience and Rebuilding with BGU Professor Ilan Troen A4BGU hosted four programs across Chicagoland in March, featuring Prof. Emeritus Ilan Troen as part of an American tour promoting his award-winning book, Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Promised Land? Partnering with four local community organizations, A4BGU reached a wide cross-section of audiences, with each event drawing strong attendance and thoughtful discussion.

e

Left to right: A4BGU Director of Development Ari Steinberg, JUF Assistant VP, International and Public Affairs Steve Dishler, Prof. Ilan Troen and Deputy Counsel General of Israel to the Midwest Delphine Gamburg

US

MAR 2025 Zin 7 Gathering, Israel The Zin Fellows Leadership Program meeting in Israel focused on the future, highlighting the Negev’s central role in Israel’s development and Ben-Gurion University’s impact. Cohort 7 explored BGU’s research and regional work through campus visits and meetings with faculty and students. The capstone experience prepared Fellows to return as ambassadors and emerging leaders within their communities and A4BGU.

Left to right: Jilli Spear, Dr. Adi Portugez, Prof. Paula Kabalo, Brian Friedman, Sharon Cohan (front), Louis Reinstein, Mindy Berger (front), Scott Greiper, Jonathan Langman, Alli Medof (back), Kevin Fishkind, Adam Eisenberg, and Daniel Rosenthal

22

CA

APR 2025 Pre-Screening of the Movie October 8 On April 1, BGU Canada's Toronto region hosted a sold-out pre screening of the documentary October 8 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, drawing more than 500 attendees. As the only Jewish charity invited to offer evening addressing the rise of antisemitism following Hamas’s October 7 attack. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman moderated a discussion with director Wendy Sachs after the screening. an advance screening, the organization convened an

Elliotte Friedman interviews director Wendy Sachs. Photo: Liora Kogan

US

MAY 2025 Remarkable Resilience: A Virtual Event A4BGU presented Remarkable Resilience , a virtual event highlighting BGU’s role in Israel following October 7. Hosted by Tel Aviv-based journalist

and i24NEWS anchor Natasha Raquel Kirtchuk, the program featured stories from BGU’s three campuses. It drew 1,400 registrants, more than 250 sponsors, and 40 community partners.

CA

MAY 2025 The Latest in Autism Research at BGU

BGU Canada's Vancouver region welcomed Profs. Ilan Dinstein and Idan Menashe of the Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research. At a well-attended parlor meeting, they shared insights from their latest research. The visit also included a symposium for more than 50 local researchers hosted by the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute.

Profs. Ilan Dinstein and Idan Menashe addressing a parlor meeting in Vancouver. Photo: David Berson

23

Left to right: Roni Armon, Maury Steindel, Dr. Oren Wacht, Diandra Etkin, Andrea Freedman, Yaffit David. Photo: Helen Nirenberg

CA

MAY 2025

Heartbeat of Education Campaign BGU Canada launched the

Heartbeat of Education campaign in Vancouver to fund scholarships enabling paramedics and other healthcare workers to pursue university degrees in emergency medicine. The campaign then expanded to Ottawa and Winnipeg, raising more than $300,000 in total. Interactive events in each city featured Dr. Oren Wacht, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at BGU, who spoke about the importance of emergency medicine training during times of crisis.

Heartbeat of Education in Winnipeg At the Winnipeg community event, speakers included Dr. Oren Wacht and Roni Armon, PhD candidate in emergency medicine at the University of Manitoba and a graduate of BGU’s master’s program in Disaster and Emergency Medicine Management.

IL

JUN 2025 First Cohort of the Delta Galil Program Graduates A festive ceremony marked the completion of the inaugural cohort of the Delta Galil Program, Ben-Gurion University’s flagship initiative supporting students from the Ethiopian community. The event was attended by Hila Ephrati Halper, Corporate Communications and Community Relations Director at Delta Galil and BGU Board of Governors member, seen here with Yamit Shannon-Mizrahi (left), Director, Global Partnership Development and Donor Relations.

24

CA

JUN 2025 Montreal Main Event On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, The Way Forward – Montreal Main Event brought together 370 guests for a memorable evening featuring renowned French philosopher and author Bernard-Henri Lévy and special guest, BGU Rector Prof. Chaim Hames. The gathering raised $600,000 in support of the First for a Degree , Aliyah to Academia , and other priority programs. Community leader Gail Adelson Marcovitz led a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Lévy about his book, Israel Alone , a timely exploration of Israel’s place in the world. Special thanks to friend and donor Roslyn Margles for her generosity and leadership in making this evening possible.

Valentine Mauchard Dumont speaking on Radio Judaica

BE

JUL 2025 BGU on Radio Judaica Alongside sustained fundraising efforts following last year’s Iranian missile strike, Belgians for BGU advanced academic collaboration between Université Libre de Bruxelles and BGU while addressing boycotts and antisemitism. The associates organization also established a regular BGU presence on Radio Judaica , featuring leaders including President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz and Prof. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal, VP for Global Engagement, and co-presidents of Belgians for BGU Valentine Mauchard Dumont and Philippe Mauchard.

Roslyn Margles and Bernard-Henri Lévy. Photo: Howard Kay

BeBGU

CA

JUL 2025 An Emotional Evening with the Parents of Adi Vital Kaploun z”l BGU Canada BC & Alberta region hosted a moving Vancouver parlor meeting with Jacqui and Yaron Vital, parents of murdered BGU alumna Adi Vital Kaploun z”l, at the home of Regional President Adam Korbin. They shared Adi’s story — her life in the south, her studies at BGU, and her courage in the face of evil.

Adam Korbin introducing Jacqui and Yaron Vital at the Vancouver event. Photo: David Berson

25

US

JUL 2025

Nili Margalit: Hostage, Survivor, Hero A4BGU brought hostage survivor Nili Margalit to Colorado for a powerful three-day series of programs reaching hundreds of community members. A nurse trained at Ben-Gurion University and a lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Margalit shared her story of captivity and resilience in conversation with BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. Her visit included community gatherings in Snowmass, Aspen, and Vail, followed by a special appearance before 100 guests at the Jewish Center of the Hamptons.

Left to right: A4BGU Director of Development Jilli Spear, A4BGU National Board Member Melinda Goldrich and Nili Margalit. Photo: Dale Mitchell/ Summit Photo & Film

IL Israeli Friends

JUL 2025 Minrav Group Excellence Scholarship Ceremony

A scholarship ceremony honored outstanding students from the Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, with the participation of the management of Minrav Construction Company. The company has supported the Department and its students for the second consecutive year.

26

Left to right: Adam Korbin, Jeff Kaye, Andrea Freedman. Photo: David Berson

CA

AUG 2025 Vancouver Garden Party

BGU Canada BC & Alberta region hosted a garden party in Vancouver addressing the immense challenges faced by BGU and Israel since October 7. Jeff Kaye, BGU Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development, and Andrea Freedman, CEO of BGU Canada, addressed guests at the home of long-time friend and donor Regina Boxer.

At the Ottawa event: Left to right: Simon Bensimon, Sid Milech, Julie Kantor, Agnes Laing, Dr. Oren Tsur, Linda Slotin, Eva Stelzer, Andrea Freedman, Susannah Dalfen. Photo: Andrew Kilzell

Prof. Daniel Chamovitz addressing a group of Montreal supporters at the Laurentians, Quebec.

CA

AUG 2025 Prof. Daniel Chamovitz Visits Quebec’s Laurentians BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz joined Nili Margalit for invitation-only gatherings in Montreal and the Laurentians. A highlight was a unique Kabbalat Shabbat on Lake Manitou, where over 100 participants gathered on connected boats. The following day, more than 80 attendees joined a forest hike, followed by Kiddush and a conversation with Margalit.

27

CA

SEP 2025 Dr. Oren Tsur Engages BGU Canada Audiences Dr. Oren Tsur of BGU’s Institute for Applied AI Research engaged audiences across Canada with a series of events in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. In Toronto, he led a Lawyers’ Lunch & Learn, examining how AI can detect and counter online hate and disinformation. In Ottawa, at

the home of Susannah Dalfen and Jonathan Malino, he led a discussion on media bias, including analysis of BBC coverage since October 7. The tour concluded in Montreal, where Dr. Tsur met donors and community leaders, highlighting the role of AI in tracking antisemitism and anti-Israel activity across digital platforms.

BGU

Canada

At the Montreal event: Left to right: Jack Altman, Simmy Mendelson, Peggi Cohen Rabinovitch, Gail Palevsky, Dr. Oren Tsur, Simon Bensimon, Richard Levy. Photo: Simon Bensimon

28

CA

SEP 2025 An Evening with BGU Prof. A. Mark Clarfield, MD On September 10, BGU Canada's Toronto region hosted Prof. A. Mark Clarfield at an evening attended by nearly 100 guests at the home of Richard and Jennifer

Goldhar. The former head of BGU’s Medical School for International Health discussed the impact of the June 2025 Iranian missile strikes, sharing insights from Soroka University Medical Center.

Left to right: David Dulberg, Mitchell Oelbaum, Sam Cordes, Ronda Goldberg, Eric Beutel, Shimmy Wenner, Joy Kaufman, Prof. A. Mark Clarfield, Naomi Oelbaum, John Rose, Susan Rose, Elliot Kohn, Andrea Freedman, Gary Fine, Judi Shostack, Richard Goldhar. Photo: Liora Kogan

CA

SEP 2025 BGU Desert Open Golf Tournament

On September 14, the Toronto Region hosted the inaugural BGU Desert Open at Lebovic Golf Course, welcoming 72 golfers. A kosher dinner, emceed by Elliotte Friedman, followed. The event raised over $70,000, including nearly $17,000 from a silent auction, in support of the BGU Emergency Campaign. The tournament will return on June 12, 2026.

Left to right: Sam Cordes, Naomi Oelbaum, Eric Beutel, Shimmy Wenner, David Dulberg, Harry Lebovic. Photo: Liora Kogan

29

IL

OCT 2025 Gruss Foundation Celebrates “First Generation to Academy” Graduation A moving ceremony was held for dozens of students from the Pinchas Sapir Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences who received scholarships through the First Generation to Academy program, supported by the Joseph S. and Caroline Gruss Foundation. The event was attended by Naomi Fink, the foundation’s CEO and Board of Governors member.

US

OCT 2025 Frontline Conversations and the Way Forward Baltimore-area leaders and supporters gathered at Chizuk Amuno Congregation to reflect on Israel’s challenges and BGU’s role in shaping its future. In partnership with the American Jewish Medical

Association, Vice President Jeff Kaye joined Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg in a conversation on the University’s response efforts, and leadership in emergency medicine and trauma care.

US

OCT 2025 A4BGU Annual Meeting, NYC Board members gathered in New York City for A4BGU’s Annual Meeting, a three-day program combining learning, discussion, and strategic planning. Highlights included a Faculty & Student Showcase featuring BGU scholars, alongside updates from University and A4BGU leadership. The sessions focused on priorities and next steps in addressing the evolving needs of the University and the Negev region.

30

Lloyd Goldman, Chair of the Board of Governors, announcing the Goldman Family Foundation's $2 million matching gift donation, accompanied by his sisters, Katja Goldman Sonnenfeldt and Dorian Goldman Israelow. Photo: Preston Rescigno

US

OCT 2025 Remarkable Resilience and the Way Forward : A4BGU NYC Benefit More than 300 guests gathered at the Ziegfeld Ballroom for A4BGU’s New York City Benefit, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School. The Goldman family announced a $2 million matching grant supporting medical education and recovery efforts. The program featured President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, BGU alumnus and former hostage Sasha Troufanov, and student Noa Shuker, and concluded with a performance by Emmy Award winning comedian Alex Edelman.

US

OCT 2025 Rooted in the Negev:

A Taste of Israel’s Future A4BGU brought DC-area supporters together for an intimate evening hosted by Maury Epner and Deborah Fox, and attended by Jeff Kaye, VP for Public Affairs and Resource Development. A curated Negev wine tasting, led by Steve Kerbel, connected regional winemaking with BGU’s research and innovation. The evening has since inspired similar events across the region.

Prof. Daniel Chamovitz in conversation with former hostage and BGU alumnus Sasha Troufanov. Photo: Preston Rescigno

BGU

Germany

31

FR

NOV 2025 BGU France Hosts “Miracle of the Negev” Gala in Paris Around 250 guests gathered at Salons Hoche in Paris for BGU France’s “Miracle of the Negev” gala in support of the University. Speakers included Prof. Daniel Chamovitz and Dr. Shimrit Maman, with moderation by Michaël Darmon. Eric Danon, former French Ambassador to Israel, delivered the keynote address, while a “reconstruction bricks” initiative supported campus renewal projects.

BGU France Executive Director Patricia Halfon, President David Hozé, and Founding President Danièle Bidermann with supporters and guests holding symbolic bricks. Photo: Alain Atria

BGU

France

DE

NOV 2025 Laying the Groundwork for BGU Germany Nearly 200 guests gathered at Berlin’s James-Simon-Galerie for an event marking progress toward establishing BGU Germany, organized by Richard Markus. Speakers included Ellen Marcus, Jeff Kaye, and Dr. Shimrit Maman. The event introduced the University to a German audience and advanced plans for a future association of friends.

Jeff Kaye, Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development (left), with Richard Markus, founding president of BGU Germany, and new member of the Board of Governors, at the Berlin event. Photo: Michael Setzpfand

CA

NOV 2025 An Ottawa Evening with Dr. Aviad Moreno

Some 120 guests gathered at Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Ottawa for a dinner with Dr. Aviad Moreno, of the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism, who spoke about the history of Moroccan Jewry and its migrations. Similar programs were held in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto.

Left to right: Sid Milech, Eva Stelzer, Dr. Aviad Moreno. Photo: Eva Stelzer

32

Asociación

Argentina de Amigos

AR

NOV 2025

BGU Celebrated at 2025 Buenos Aires Gala The Argentine Association of Friends of BGU held their annual gala at Buenos Aires’ historic Teatro Colón. The event recognized local leaders reflecting David Ben-Gurion’s values. The Argentine Ben-Gurion Prize was awarded to writer and physician Marcos Aguinis.

Nava Rubenzadeh awards the Argentine 2025 Ben-Gurion Prize to the writer and physician Marcos Aguinis. Photo: Gustavo Gavotti / RS

US

NOV 2025

Tribute Brunch On November 16, A4BGU’s Philadelphia and Delaware chapters hosted their Tribute Brunch, honoring David Magerman and Governor Matt Meyer. More than 170 guests gathered at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. The program featured Sam Katz in conversation with Ariel Fromowitz, and recognized Claire Winick for 40 years of service.

From top left clockwise: Ariel Fromowitz, Ian Benjamin, Richard A. Levine, Daniel Erlbaum, Dr. Neil Hockstein, Dr. Carolyn Glazer-Hockstein, Connie Katz, Sam Katz, David Magerman, Claire Winick, Sherrie R. Savett. Photo: Christopher Brown Photography

33

Left to right, top row: Mitchell Oelbaum, Sam Cordes, Susan Rose, Elliot Kohn, Ralph Shepherd, David Ehrlich, John Rose, Gary Fine, Shimmy Wenner, Matthew Grossman, Ronda Goldberg, Joseph Deaton, Joy Kaufman, Richard Goldhar, Tamara Fine. Bottom row: Judi Shostack, David Dulberg, Naomi Oelbaum, Eric Beutel, Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, Andrea Freedman, Jeff Kaye. Photo: Liora Kogan

CA

NOV 2025

BGU Strong Gala More than 1,200 supporters gathered in Toronto for the annual BGU Strong Gala, raising over $3.3 million to support academic continuity, research, and infrastructure. The evening featured remarks from former hostage Emily Damari, Emmanuel Acho, and Nuseir Yassin (Nas Daily), highlighting resilience, empathy, and global partnership in strengthening the University and the Negev.

IL

DEC 2025 Hanukkah Celebration with Ethiopian Community Students During Hanukkah, 60 students in the Delta Galil Program gathered for a candle-lighting ceremony. Shimon “Yasu” Solomon, Israel’s Ambassador to Angola and a BGU alumnus, shared the story of his journey from Ethiopia to Israel, and spoke about the program’s transformative impact on students from the Ethiopian community.