Dear Friends,

I just returned from Israel and am deeply concerned about the profound trauma that permeates all aspects of Israeli society. At the same time, I am in awe of and inspired by the resiliency of the Israeli people.

I think about my colleagues at the Marcus Campus of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), some of whom have children or spouses serving in Gaza. The university is located directly adjacent to Soroka Hospital, where injured soldiers from Gaza are airlifted for treatment. Imagine sitting at your desk, trying to work, and hearing helicopters overhead—not knowing if it is your loved one who has been hurt.

I think about "R", a social work student at BGU and a survivor of the Nova massacre, who requires additional support as she takes a class on Death and Dying. But "R" is determined to graduate with her class so she can help others.

While I was in Israel, Arbel, Agam, Gadi, Yarden, Keith, Naama, Karina, Daniella, Liri, and Ofer were finally released from Hamas captivity, along with five Thai hostages. However, the joy was muted on Shabbat, as Yarden Bibas was freed, but his two small boys, Ariel and Kfir, and his wife, Shiri, remain in captivity.

Unspeakable trauma.

After 15 months of war and horror, it would be completely understandable if the country could not function, let alone think and plan for a better and different future. Remarkably, this is not the case.

At BGU, invaluable and life-altering research continues to offer solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems, and Israelis continue to selflessly give back:

• Coral reefs in our oceans are dying, so BGU researchers have figured out how to create artificial reefs.
• With rampant antisemitism in the world, BGU researchers are using AI to help combat this dangerous and harmful hate.
• Researchers are developing new methods of using 3D printing to save lives in the operating room by literally printing body parts.
• I met with a BGU medical student who has a four-month-old baby and still finds the time to volunteer with underprivileged youth.
• There are special BGU programs and scholarships to support first-generation university students, making a better future accessible to everyone.
• Groundbreaking research is being done in satellite imaging, energy, and in the field of autism.
• Have you ever heard of sports diplomacy? Ask me, and I’ll be happy to share what I learned!

These are just a few examples of what is happening at BGU’s three campuses

Unrelated to my work at BGU, I visited Northern Israel and spent time with the Mayor of Metula. Metula is a closed and evacuated city, with only a handful of residents remaining after 15 months of unrelenting rocket attacks from the terrorist group Hezbollah. Undaunted, the Mayor is determined to rebuild, and rebuild better. Evacuated volunteers I met still find the koach (strength) to come to meetings, working to shape a better future for all.

Let me conclude with a final thought. While at BGU, I toured the Northern Campus (one of the reasons BGU is in the midst of a $1B Global Campaign). The vision for the Northern Campus was explained to me—and wow, what a vision! It is not an exaggeration to say that it will transform the Negev, and indeed, it already is. In addition to state-of-the-art buildings, the grove of trees that will be planted as a permanent tribute to the victims of October 7^th, was repeatedly emphasized.

The symbolism of this is profound.

Through unspeakable tragedy and pain, BGU and Israelis all across the country are valiantly charting a path forward, planning for a bright future, and courageously doing so with broken hearts.

Shabbat Shalom,

Andrea

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.

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.