

MESSAGE FROM ANDREA FREEDMAN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - BGU CANADA
Dear Friends -
On November 3, university students across Israel will return to the classroom, including over 19,000 students at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Yet, this annual ritual feels anything but ordinary.
This morning, as I sat down to write, a friend sent me a clip from the site of the Nova massacre. It showed a large group of

Israelis gathered after Simchat Torah, singing, dancing, mourning, and praying together. The sight of them swaying with Israeli flags, singing “Acheinu” for the redemption of the captives, was profoundly moving.
Though “Acheinu” was likely written in the 12th century, it feels as though it was penned specifically for October 7, 2023. “Our brothers and sisters the whole house of Israel, who are in distress and captivity who wander over sea and over land — may God have mercy on them, and bring them from distress to comfort, from darkness to light, from slavery to redemption, now, swiftly, and soon. And let us say: Amen.”
As a new academic year begins at BGU, some students are walking the campus for the first time, while others are entering their final semesters. Faculty will continue their groundbreaking, award-winning research. There will be exams, celebrations, and the turning of pages as books are read and papers are written.
But the reality in Israel today is anything but normal.
A glance at the BGU Mourns page tells a heartbreaking story of continuing loss and the enduring pain that follows.
On behalf of BGU Canada, I wish strength, continued resilience and courage to the students, faculty, and administrators as they embark on this academic year. May the prayer of “Acheinu” be realized and the two recent BGU graduates—Avinatan Or and Sasha (Alexander) Trufanov—along with the 99 other Israelis held captive by Hamas be released and returned to their loved ones.
Shabbat Shalom,
Andrea
SYLVAN ADAMS & PROFESSOR DANIEL CHAMOVITZ NAMED AMONG JERUSALEM POST'S TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL JEWS OF 2024

Congratulations to Canadian-Israeli Philanthropist Sylvan Adams, and BGU President, Professor Daniel Chamovitz, for being named among Jerusalem Post's 50 most influential Jews of 2024. Mr. Adams is recognized for his philanthropic work, including a $100-million gift to BGU and his investment in sporting and healthcare facilities across the country. Professor Chamovitz is recognized for using his senior position to support university students grappling with the trauma of October 7th.
VIDEO: REMEMBERING OCTOBER 7THBGU
commemorates the one year anniversary of Oct. 7
On October 6th, 2024, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) held a special international webinar to commemorate the one year anniversary of October 7th. Click below to watch the full event.
REGIONAL EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
Toronto - Tickets are selling fast for The Way Forward Gala
In exactly one month, BGU Canada will hold its annual event, THE WAY FORWARD GALA featuring Ambassador Nikki Haley. It promises to be an enticing conversation with moderator Ben Mulroney that will include a post US elections analysis, a look at Ambassador Haley's strong support for Israel and more. Watch the video and use the link below to get your tickets today.
Vancouver - Help Israeli paramedics earn a degree

Help BGU Canada – BC and Alberta Chapter to 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.
BGU IN THE NEWS

The role of mothers during exposure to traumatic events
eurekalert.org

BGU develops fast fact checking via news sources, not people
nocamels.com
Online reviews by women are more positive than mens, new study finds
The Jerusalem Post

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.


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