BGU & YOU | Spring 2024

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Nava Rubenzadeh President, Association of Argentinian Friends of BGU Despite Argentina's difficult economic situation, we consider our recent contributions to the Emergency Response Campaign to have been highly successful. Additionally, my home is always open for meetings, with a special focus on "Hasbara". We have an agenda that not only prioritizes our university-related tasks but also focuses on clarifying and defending Israel's right to exist in peace, a fundamental requisite for both Ben-Gurion University and the State of Israel. Antisemitism, usually disguised as anti-Israeli sentiment, is not that prevalent in Argentina’s mainstream national, political, or social spheres. However, it can be observed in certain left wing circles and minority groups, who use it in various protests or mobilizations. This trend is exacerbated by the country's ongoing economic challenges.

Mitchell Oelbaum Interim National President, BGU Canada My personal involvement with Ben-Gurion University began my Bar Mitzvah money to the University. While initially non consensual, it didn’t take long for me to embrace this decision wholeheartedly. My grandparents were early founders of the University and my late father, Ronald, also played significant roles over the years. Philanthropy and the University have always been constants in our family. For over 45 years, BGU has been an integral part of my life. Watching its growth and evolution into a world-class institution has been truly remarkable, and I take great pride in my affiliation with BGU. in 1976 when my parents encouraged me to donate

Ann Berger President, Ben-Gurion University Foundation, UK My late father, a Holocaust survivor, had a profound connection to David Ben-Gurion and Sde Boker. The desert held a special significance for him after the hardships he endured, and he believed in BGU’s ability to make the desert bloom. BGU is more than just a university; it embodies the best of Israel. What sets it apart is not only its academic excellence, but also the enthusiasm of people who live and work there for everything happening on campus. The energy at BGU is palpable, creating a unique sense of excitement. Visiting BGU always feels like coming home.