BGU&U | SPRING 2026

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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