BGU & YOU | Spring 2025

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DEC 2024 Toronto Way Forward Gala BGU Canada held the Way Forward Gala in Toronto — a landmark event featuring Ambassador Nikki Haley — to address the urgent mental health needs at Ben Gurion University in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Proceeds supported psychological services for students, staff, faculty, and Negev residents, underscoring the community’s need for emotional resilience and healing.

DEC 2024 English Publication of Sounds that Startle by BGU Alumna Lilach Kipnis z”l BGU Canada partnered with the family of Lilach Kipnis z”l and psychologist Rachel Goodman to publish an English translation of Sounds that Startle , a children’s book by Lilach, a BGU graduate and social worker tragically killed on October 7. Over 3,000 copies were distributed across North

America, including at the 2024 Toronto gala. A special High Holidays campaign expanded access, honoring Lilach’s legacy of resilience, healing, and support for children affected by trauma.

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DEC 2024 Scholarship Ceremony

Ben-Gurion University honored 181 students who served over 230 days in the reserves during the 2023–24 academic year with $1,000 scholarships, recognizing their dedication to national security while pursuing their studies. Generously funded by supporters in France and the US, and in particular by the Nathan, Anne, Kim and Julian Geller Foundation, these awards supplement existing grants for reservists. At a ceremony led by Dean of Students Prof. Orna Almog, Vice President Jeff Kaye praised recipients for their sacrifices: "This is our way of showing how much we value your commitment to both academia and service," he emphasized.

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Reserve duty students joined Vice President Jeff Kaye (seated in the front row) and Dean of Students Prof. Orna Almog (center) for a group photo at the event. Photo: Dani Machlis