MESSAGE FROM ANDREA FREEDMAN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - BGU CANADA
Dear Friends -
During these challenging times, it can be difficult to look ahead with optimism, but that is precisely what Ben-Gurion University Canada (BGU Canada) is doing.
As we enter a new year, we are excited to share our new 5-year strategic plan, focused on advancing our fundraising mission for the university. It’s an honor to be part of BGU’s ambitious USD$1 billion Global Development Campaign! BGU Canada has committed to raising nearly 20% of the campaign’s total—a truly remarkable contribution, especially given our size.
How will we do this? One gift at a time, thanks to you—our incredibly generous donors.
As part of our strategic plan, we have defined our "North Stars"—our guiding principles. I would like to share two of them with you:
- A deep commitment to supporting our Jewish homeland and the Zionist dream. We believe it’s vital to proudly affirm our dedication to Zionism, and as an organization, we refuse to yield to those who seek to undermine it.
- Support and promote understanding of BGU as a “Fifth Wave” university through fundraising, with an emphasis on what BGU can do for the Negev. “Fifth Wave” universities are responsive to student needs, focused on accessibility, and deeply embedded in their regions. They strive to create positive social change by integrating world-class knowledge with innovative technology and research, while prioritizing serving the local community. By positioning itself as a “Fifth Wave” university, BGU is embracing its historic mandate to develop the Negev and ensure that all populations, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to opportunities.
If you would like to learn more about the Global Development Campaign, our North Stars, or the essential Negev rebuild, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or 514-833-3856.
I’m truly excited to work with you to help secure Israel’s future and may 2025 be a better year for Israel and the Jewish people.
Andrea
CONGRATULATIONS TO BGU CANADA TORONTO ON RAISING
OVER $2,000,000 FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES AT BGU
Last month's THE WAY FORWARD GALA featuring Ambassador Nikki Haley held in Toronto was a massive success. BGU Canada's Toronto board raised over $2,000,000 for psychological services for students, staff, faculty and residents of the Negev. The gala was attended by over 1,000 people.
During the event, a $6.5 million donation was announced, made by our good friend and supporter, Harry Lebovic. Following the event, we were fortunate to receive several additional gifts, and we are grateful to all the donors for their support. Every dollar matters as we work toward rebuilding the Negev.
In addition to the insightful and informative conversation between Ambassador Haley and moderator, Ben Mulroney, the evening included testimonials by Jacqui Vital, the mother of Adi Vital-Kaploun who was murdered in her home on October 7th, and another testimonial from Eitan Halley, a BGU alumnus who survived the Nova Festival massacre.
You can view the photos and watch the highlights by clicking on the buttons below.
VIDEO: REMEMBERING OCTOBER 7TH
Remembering Adi Vital Kaploun z"l
Adi Vital-Kaploun z"l was a loving mother, devoted wife and a beloved daughter and friend. In this video, featured at THE WAY FORWARD GALA in Toronto on December 1st, 2024, Adi's parents share her story.
MONTREAL - SAVE THE DATE
We are thrilled to announce that THE WAY FORWARD MONTREAL MAIN EVENT will be held on Tuesday June 10th, 2025 and will feature renowned journalist, author and public intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy.
Sponsorship opportunity information will be released on Wednesday, January 15th. Stay tuned for those details.
We look forward to seeing you in June!
Help BGU Canada send paramedics to university. By giving to the Heartbeat of Education Campaign – Supporting Israeli Paramedics’ Academic Journey you can transform the lives of Israeli paramedics through education. This campaign aims to raise funds for scholarships that will send these essential workers to university, enabling them to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Medical Services.
Stay tuned for events in Ottawa and Winnipeg in May, 2025.
BGU IN THE NEWS
Despite war, 600 students from 64 countries come to Ben-Gurion University
One might expect that during times of conflict, students seeking to study abroad would remove Israel from their list of preferred destinations. However, approximately 600 students from 64 countries chose to continue or begin their academic journey at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), located in southern Israel. This region includes areas near the Gaza Strip, which experienced devastating attacks on October 7, 2023, during the Israel-Hamas war.
Congratulations to the recipients of the Ben-Gurion Awards for 2023-24 and 2024-25
News release
ChatGPT-4 outperforms others in medical AI model comparison
Medical Press
Stem cell transplants offer new hope for saving the world's corals
Technology Network Cell Science
Post-stroke patients have trouble following instructions, study finds
Medical Press
BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV MOURNS
The entire BGU community is stricken by grief and mourning at the loss of our students, staff and faculty who were murdered and killed in the line of duty during the Iron Swords war.
Let's Get Social…
Supporting the Vision
Our Negev. Our Legacy.
It started with David Ben-Gurion's vision,
and continues today as our mission.
