Transformational $260 Million Gift To Bar-Ilan University Catalyzes The Future Of Israeli Academia
“The future of Israel is built on the vision, passion, and commitment of those who see what’s possible. In this pivotal moment, investing in Israel’s core strengths is how we impact tomorrow today.”
In one of the largest bequests ever granted to an Israeli academic institution, a $260 Million dollar gift has been made to Bar-Ilan University through its American Friends. Marking a historic milestone for higher education in Israel, this monumental gift catalyzes the future of Israel’s social empowerment and technological resilience through science and innovation.
The anonymous donor, a North American Jew and Columbia University graduate who served during World War II, believed passionately in the power of science to strengthen Israel. With its excellence as a research institution anchored in timeless values, Bar-Ilan University was entrusted by this generous donor to be the ideal partner to realize his vision of advancing Israel’s technological resilience and innovative spirit.
During his visits to Israel, the donor recognized the significant impact Bar-Ilan University has made locally and globally thanks to its science-based infrastructure and deep connections to all sectors of Israeli society. An individual of broad academic education, he firmly believed that Israel’s future would be energized and propelled by its technological prowess, breakthrough innovation, and scientific distinction.
Professor Arie Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University, announced this landmark donation at Bar-Ilan’s Annual Board of Trustees meeting. “We have a significant undertaking ahead of us. Today, more than ever, Israel’s security, society, and economy require science-based technological resilience. This gift is the beginning of our future, setting the stage for visionary partners across the globe to spearhead our mission of solidifying Israel’s excellence in the scientific world.”
With college campuses throughout the world embroiled in uncertainty, this unprecedented donation will enable Bar-Ilan University’s recruitment of dozens of scientists specializing in Deep Tech research fields while investing in essential infrastructure. The university will focus on areas such as energy, environment, cryptography, bio-convergence, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing.
Moreover, this blast of hope in our challenging world trailblazes a path for all to follow. “The future of Israel is built on the vision, passion, and commitment of those who see what’s possible,” says Jessica Feldan, CEO of the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University. “In this pivotal moment, investing in Israel’s core strengths is how we impact tomorrow today.”
The resonant words of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the legendary Jewish leader and profound partner in the Bar-Ilan dream, capture the magnitude of this $260 Million gift and the moment of opportunity facing us all. “Where what you want to do meets what needs to be done, that’s where one’s purpose in life is found.”
Bar-Ilan University stands at the crossroads of Israel’s future, exactly where what you want to do meets what needs to be done.