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October News and updates from BGU


ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGE FROM ANDREA FREEDMAN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - BGU CANADA

Dear Friends, As two dates coalesce on the Jewish calendar – Rosh Hashanah and the one-year anniversary of October 7th - we are struggling to perform two impossibly incongruent tasks simultaneously. How does one both celebrate and mourn? How do we appropriately celebrate the Jewish New Year knowing that too many Israeli families are in unbearable pain with empty chairs at their holiday tables? Individually and collectively, how do we think and plan for a bright future, while the trauma of October 7th is ever present and continuously relived?

These existential questions have no real answers, but the wisdom of David Ben-Gurion is helpful in navigating these horrific times. 

Ben-Gurion famously said, “In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles.” Since 1969, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has been instrumental in the miracle of making the desert bloom. As the key institution that will drive rebuilding of the Negev after the devastation of October 7th, every day I am inspired by colleagues in Israel who despite unbearable personal hardships, work tirelessly toward this goal. 

Let me share one example of the indomitable spirit that leads Israelis to dream big and create their own miracles. The surge in global antisemitism, particularly on North American college campuses, has made it increasingly challenging for Jewish students. This has created an urgent need for more undergraduate degree programs in Israel that cater to English-speaking students. And so, the team in Israel is feverishly working on a new Integrated International Undergraduate Degree Program for English Speakers. While plans are not yet finalized, I find it incredible that during a war on multiple fronts, BGU is still thinking about and prioritizing the needs of you and me. 

The BGU team is taking care of students, staff and faculty and ensuring that those most affected have the necessary supports and assistance – financial and psychological. As a Fifth Wave University, they are embracing their responsibilities to care for an entire region, while continuing with groundbreaking research. And still, they make time to serve future North American students.

The remarkable is just an ordinary day at BGU.

Even in our grief, this is worth celebrating and supporting. From my family to yours, may 5785 be a much better year for Israel and the Jewish people. 

Shana Tova,

Andrea Freedman


MONTREAL: COMMEMORATING OCT. 7TH WITH PROF. ILAN TROEN

On Thursday, September 26th, our Montreal Chapter, in partnership with the Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies at Concordia University, commemorated the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023 with special guest, Professor Ilan Troen of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Professor Troen’s daughter, Deborah Z”L and son-in-law, Shlomi Z”L were murdered in their home on Kibbutz Holit. Professor Troen, a historian, presented his most recent book: “Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Who’s Promised Land.”


REMEMBERING OCTOBER 7TH: A SPECIAL WEBINAR
Sunday, October 6th at 12 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. CT and 9 a.m. PT.

Join us for a special webinar event on Sunday, October 6th, as we mark the one year anniversary of October 7th. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) President, Professor Daniel Chamovitz will lead the global live broadcast. Professor Chamovitz will provide insight and understanding of what transpired during the last year in Israel and at BGU.


CONGRATULATIONS A4BGU ON A SUCCESSFUL NYC GALA

A big congratulations goes out to our colleagues south of the Border. On Sunday, September 29th, Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) hosted the inaugural New York Benefit, One Day featuring an unforgettable performance by American singer and rapper, Matisyahu.

The event raised over a million dollars for the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev community, supporting its incredibly resilient students, professors, and researchers.

The event honoured the many contributions of outgoing Board Chair, Gary DeBode. Representing BGU Canada were CEO Andrea Freedman, National President Mitchell Oelbaum and B.C. and Alberta Regional President Adam Korbin. They were in New York for the Annual A4BGU Meeting. Follow the link below to learn about Andrea's key takeaways.


ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGE FROM BGU PRESIDENT,
PROFESSOR DANIEL CHAMOVITZ

As we prepare to enter the Hebrew New Year (5785), I reflect on what was meant to be Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s "victory lap." This year, we were poised to reap the rewards of our strategic plan, a journey five years in the making. But October 7th changed everything. The toll of that day was unimaginable. We lost beloved members of our community—students, faculty, and alumni. We have reservists still on the frontlines, and we continue to await the safe return of our hostages. The weight of these losses is heavy, but so too is our resolve to honor their memory by continuing our work and serving the Negev with the same pioneering spirit that has always defined us.

HELP BGU CANADA MAKE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES MORE ACCESSIBLE TO RESIDENTS OF THE NEGEV

BGU Canada's High Holidays and Sukkot campaign, Healing Children Through Words, continues through the month of October.

Make a $100 donation or greater, and receive a copy of the book, Sounds that Startle by author Lilach Kipnis Z"L. Lilach received her Master's degree in Art Therapy from BGU. She worked with children living in the Gaza Envelope who suffered from anxiety and PTSD. In 2021, she wrote this children's book, based on stories shared by the children she was helping.

On October 7th, Lilach was murdered in Kibbutz Be'eri where she lived with her family.


VIDEO OF THE MONTH
BGU International Presents: Student Life in Be'er Sheva

Join Tamar and Yael (two BGU graduates) for a short tour of Be'er Sheva and with all its Negev charm.


REGIONAL EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
Toronto - Tickets are selling fast for The Way Forward Gala

Renowned Canadian broadcaster Ben Mulroney will moderate a discussion with Ambassador Nikki Haley at the upcoming Toronto event, The Way Forward Gala on December 1st. All proceeds from the event will support mental health services for BGU students, staff, faculty and area residents.


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 Jerusalem Post


The Media Line


BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV MOURNS


It started with David Ben-Gurion's vision,
and continues today as our mission.


Charity Registration No. 106869183 RR 0001

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