BGU&U | SPRING 2026

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."