07/09/2025
BGU joins global partners to promote cross-border entrepreneurship grounded in shared Abrahamic values
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has played a leading role in the launch of an innovative international program that brought together 45 university students from across the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States to explore entrepreneurship through the lens of shared Abrahamic values.
The six-week online course, Entrepreneurship through an Abrahamic Lens, was developed in collaboration with the Lieberman Abrahamic Program at the University of Connecticut (UConn), EcoPeace Middle East, Duke University, INTERMID in Bahrain, and the International University of Rabat. Students from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Bahrain, Morocco, the UAE, and the U.S. took part in the program, which emphasized ethical business practices, cross-border teamwork, and cultural and religious heritage as a foundation for entrepreneurial innovation.
Advancing Regional Cooperation Through Education
“Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is proud to have contributed to this exceptional international program, which brings together participants from across the MENA region to explore entrepreneurship through shared cultural and ethical foundations,” said Danielle Aviran, Acceleration and Partnerships Manager at BGU. “Especially in these challenging times, building bridges through education and entrepreneurship is critical for advancing regional stability and economic resilience.”
Throughout the course, students worked in multinational teams, culminating in final project presentations that showcased collaborative strategies for addressing entrepreneurial challenges in the MENA region. The curriculum included case studies of regional ventures, guest lectures from experts in cross-border business, and group discussions focused on the intersection of faith, ethics, and enterprise.
Student and Faculty Perspectives
BGU student Fares Ashraf Serhan described the program as transformative. “Despite the difficult circumstances of the ongoing war, I was deeply impressed by the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among all participants. I learned so much and am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program,” he said.
Partners in the initiative underscored the importance of the collaboration. Daniel Weiner, Vice President for Global Affairs at UConn, stated: “Young entrepreneurial minds demonstrated the potential for regional cooperation and integration. Their joy in being together gives us hope.”
Looking Ahead
Given its success and high demand, the course will be offered again in spring 2026. For Ben-Gurion University, the initiative reflects its ongoing mission to foster innovation, promote regional dialogue, and prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs to build a more resilient and inclusive future.
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