BGU & YOU | Spring 2025

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↓ President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz with Noa Argamani and friends

…even in the most challenging times, the values of resilience, innovation, and unity can light the path forward.

• Orna Banai , a leading Israeli actress and comedian. • Prof. Michal Shapira , BGU professor emerita of life sciences. • Gideon Shani , an artist, retired IDF officer and member of the BGU Executive Committee. • Three Negev-based organizations dedicated to social justice and regional development: AJEEC NISPED (Arab-Jewish Center for Empowerment, Equality, and Cooperation - Negev Institute for

Strategies of Peace and Economic Development; the Ben-Gurion Heritage Institute ; and "Asher Ruach Bo" Pre-Military Academy for at-risk youth. From students to scientists, philanthropists to community leaders, these honorees reflect Ben-Gurion’s vision: to serve as “a beacon of science and knowledge

for the Negev, Israel, and the nations of the world.” Their stories are a powerful reminder that even in the most challenging times, the values of resilience, innovation, and unity can light the path forward.