Dear Friends,
Next week, Jews around the world will mark Chanukah – the festival of lights. Menorahs will be lit in the shadow of the tragedies of October 7th and everything that has happened since, including a desperate yearning for the hostages to be freed from captivity.
Even in the face of such darkness, the spirit of the Jewish people shines brightly with resilience, strength, and hope.
At Ben-Gurion University Canada (BGU Canada), we are committed to standing strong, healing, and building a brighter future for Israel and the Jewish people. But to do so, the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) family needs your help to support mental health initiatives. A gift to BGU helps the university assist traumatized Negev communities. For example, the BGU Community Clinic provides ongoing mental health services to devastated residents of Ofakim.
With your help, BGU will remain a beacon of hope, resilience, and knowledge, strengthening Israel’s southern frontier.
On a personal note, I woke up earlier this week to the news that my childhood synagogue had been firebombed overnight, for the second time since October 7th. This morning, it was announced that a Jewish school was shot at in Toronto for the 3rd time. This is the sad and scary reality in which we now all live. I learned a long time ago that you can either wring your hands in consternation or roll up your sleeves and get to work, but you cannot do both at the same time.
Now more than ever, be the Shamash – the candle that gives light. Please give generously – of your time and Tzedakah. There are many worthy cause and as a proud Zionist, BGU is at the top of my list because as BGU goes, the Negev goes and as the Negev goes, Israel goes.
Chag Chanukah Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!
Andrea Freedman
CEO, BGU Canada
PS – in case you missed it, please take a minute to click on the links below and watch as Nova survivor Eitan Halley and Jacqui Rivers Vital share their stories.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Canada Post workers are back at work after a weeks-long strike, but please be aware that mail delivery may be delayed due to a backlog. To ensure your gift is received in the 2024 tax year, we recommend you avoid sending it by mail. Instead, you can call us toll-free at 1-833-809-3848 or click the "DONATE NOW" button above.
The deadline to make a donation and receive a 2024 receipt is December 31st.
If your stock portfolio did well this year, mazal tov! You can shield your capital gains from tax by donating appreciated marketable securities and receive a charitable receipt for the full value of the securities. Contact Sam Cordes, Chief Operating Officer by phone at 416-665-8054 ext. 23 or email at [email protected].
Supporting the Vision
Our Negev. Our Legacy.
It started with David Ben-Gurion's vision,
and continues today as our mission.
