Transformative gift of $260 million to Bar-Ilan University is one of the largest bequests ever to an Israeli university
The donor believed in the power of science to strengthen Israel’s technological resilience – and chose Bar-Ilan University to realize his vision
Bar-Ilan University President Prof. Arie Zaban announced today, at the annual Board of Trustees meeting, that Bar-Ilan University has received a $260 million donation for investment in science. This is the largest bequest ever to Bar-Ilan University, and one of the largest donations ever made to an Israeli university.
The donor, who wished to remain anonymous, is a North American Jew and graduate of Columbia University who was active in World War II. He saw Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people and was committed to its economic and social stability. He chose Bar-Ilan University as the research institution best able to undertake the great task of expanding science-based technological resilience in Israel.
Prof. Zaban explained the purpose of the generous gift: "The donor, a man of broad academic education, believed that the development of Israel's technological resilience relies primarily on breakthrough science. During his visits to Israel, he recognized the significant impact Bar-Ilan University has made in key areas thanks to its science-based infrastructure and deep connections to all sectors of Israeli society.
This gift will be invested in the development of Deep Tech sciences and has the potential to positively influence the future of Israel and humanity. This gift will enable us to start implementing our new vision for the future. However, this is just the beginning and I call upon others to partner with us as we create lasting change for our society, economy and the world at large.”
Bar-Ilan University will recruit dozens of outstanding researchers in Deep Tech science fields such as energy, environment, cryptography, bio-convergence, quantum, AI, and natural language processing.
Working with stakeholders and future partners from outside academia such as the hi-tech industry, the public sector and the healthcare system, Bar-Ilan will take the lead in building advanced research laboratories, supporting advanced degree students, and creating state-of-the-art innovation hubs. By developing science-based solutions, our efforts, led by Bar-Ilan researchers, will work toward addressing the challenges to Israel's technological resilience.
“We have a mission," concluded Prof. Zaban in summarizing his remarks to the Board. "Today, more than ever, Israel needs support and investment in its science and human capital. Our research driven technological resilience is the key to a thriving society and economy.”