Dear Friends –
Today marks the birthday of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion Z"L. As I reflect on Israel’s founding father and first Prime Minister, while not all of Ben-Gurion’s words stand the test of time, many still strongly resonate today.
A few of my favourites, include:
“Anyone who doesn't believe in miracles is not a realist.’
“If we will not stand in the Negev, we will not stand in Tel Aviv.”
“If an expert says it can’t be done, get another expert.”
“Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared.”
“It is in the Negev that the creativity and pioneer vigour of Israel shall be tested.”
“It's not enough to be up to date, you have to be up to tomorrow.”
Two themes stand out for me – never accept an unacceptable status quo and the Negev is critically important to Israel’s future!
The next time you have the opportunity to visit Israel, I strongly encourage you to spend some time at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Visit our campuses in Be’er Sheva, Sde Boker or Eilat, walk in David Ben-Gurion's footsteps and meet our passionate and diverse students, staff and faculty to witness their commitment to the region. Who knows, you may even come across a future Nobel prize winner!
I am proud to work for an incredible Israeli university that bears Ben-Gurion’s name and is working tirelessly to rebuild the Negev after the devastation of 10/7. In honour of Ben-Gurion’s birthday, please consider making a gift to BGU.
Thank you for your continued support, and I wish you a Chag Sukkot Same'ach!
Andrea
Supporting the Vision
It started with David Ben-Gurion's vision,
and continues today as our mission.
