BGU & YOU | Spring 2025

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A Teacher’s Gratitude

A Legacy Illuminated For Keila and Mila Abadi, philanthropy is a family

For Michael Singer, a dedicated American schoolteacher, his visit to BGU was a transformative experience — one that left such an impression that he felt compelled to give back. Though, as a teacher, he was unable to give on the scale of previous generations, he wanted to demonstrate his support. I needed to thank you for the work you and the University do, and the hospitality you showed me that day I visited. That day was one of the most important days of my life. “Jeff, I'm glad you were notified,” he wrote in response to a thank you letter from the University. “As a school teacher, I am not in the position of making the kinds of donations my parents and grandparents have made. However, I needed to thank you for the work you and the University do, and the hospitality you showed me that day I visited. That day was one of the most important days of my life. Thank you and your team again. I pray for you guys.” His modest words serve as a reminder that giving is about the intent, the appreciation, and the belief in something greater than oneself.

footsteps and, with the same dedication and effort, do my part to help in any way I can. So, together with my mother and sister, we decided to make candles as a symbol of hope and peace.” Keila and Mila sold the candles at the event to raise funds, demonstrating the reward and power of acts of giving.

tradition. Their grandmother, Navah Rubenzadeh, President of the Argentinian Friends of BGU, instilled in them a deep commitment to giving. When the Argentinian Friends held an event titled The Free World Against Terrorism, including a Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony, the girls saw an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way. “Since I was young, I have been aware of my grandmother’s philanthropic work and her deep connection with Israel,” Keila shared. “I want to follow in her

Mila and Keila Abadi selling candles