The Olympics are supposed to be a global event symbolizing the unity and exuberance of the human spirit. But this year, if you google Israel and Olympics – words that pop up include “death threats”, “nazi salute”, “ban Israel” and many more not fit for publication. None of us can forget the tragedy of the 1972 Munich Olympics when 11 Israeli athletes were taken hostage and then brutally murdered. Nor can we forgive the callousness of the International Olympics Committee who allowed the games to continue for hours and hours as the hostage situation unfolded, and then held only a relatively brief pause before declaring that the “games must go on.”  

Conversely, we remember with pride 1992 when Yael Arad won Israel’s first ever medal and 2004 when Gal Fridman won Israel’s first gold medal. Now, we can add Peter Paltchik and Inbar Lanir to the list of Israeli winners. With heavy hearts, both athletes triumphed and brought joy to a country, desperately in need of a feel-good story.

Just as Israel’s Olympians have an indomitable spirit, so too, does Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) as we valiantly rebuild the Negev. 

This month’s eConnect gives you a few stories of the extraordinary work that takes place every day at BGU and some of our upcoming events, which I hope you will consider supporting.

- AndreaConversely, we remember with pride 1992 when Yael Arad won Israel’s first ever medal and 2004 when Gal Fridman won Israel’s first gold medal. Now, we can add Peter Paltchik and Inbar Lanir to the list of Israeli winners. With heavy hearts, both athletes triumphed and brought joy to a country, desperately in need of a feel-good story.

Just as Israel’s Olympians have an indomitable spirit, so too, does Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) as we valiantly rebuild the Negev. 

This month’s eConnect gives you a few stories of the extraordinary work that takes place every day at BGU and some of our upcoming events, which I hope you will consider supporting.

- Andrea