BGU & YOU | Spring 2025

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The Ben-Gurion Awards 2024

In a year marked by profound loss and extraordinary resilience, the 2024 Ben-Gurion Award ceremony honored individuals and organizations embodying David Ben-Gurion’s vision, inspiring hope, recovery, and transformation. One of the most moving stories celebrated was that of Osnat Peri , Chair of Kibbutz Nir Oz and a survivor of the October 7 massacre. Osnat’s unwavering dedication to rebuilding her shattered community after losing her husband, Chaim Peri, in an

act of heroism, Osnat's relentless efforts to restore both Nir Oz’s infrastructure and spirit have become a beacon of hope for the Negev and beyond. Equally inspiring were the Friends of Noa Argamani , 12 BGU students who mobilized a global campaign advocating for Noa’s release from Hamas captivity. For 246 days, they tirelessly engaged political, diplomatic, and media platforms. Noa was rescued in an Israeli military operation on June 8, 2024. Her emotional on-stage reunion

with her friends symbolized the triumph of hope, and the power of collective action. The ceremony also recognized other outstanding individuals and organizations: • Dovi Frances , a financial technology innovator, BGU alumnus, supporter and board of governors member. • ICA in Israel , the veteran British organization dedicated to developing Israel’s periphery through education, settlement, science, and research.