Dear Friends, Shalom,
Our thoughts, prayers and efforts have focused on the aftermath and the recovery from the terrorist attacks of the “Black Shabbat”, October 7th and the subsequent declaration of war with Hamas. Located in heart of the Negev, the BGU community has been disproportionately affected in unimaginable ways –82 murdered or fallen in action, 5 held hostage, 250 evacuated from their homes and 5,300 students and faculty members called up for reserve duty in the IDF.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to BGU student Noa Argamani who is still held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Our Emergency Resilience Appeal is raising funds for mental health care services, financial support for students, temporary housing for the displaced and other special initiatives. If you haven’t made a gift yet, please give generously.
This month’s e-connect is dedicated to our friends and colleagues at BGU who are living through these very difficult times with strength and resilience. We pay tribute to BGU President, Professor Daniel Chamovitz who, along with his leadership team, has once again pivoted and taken on the challenge with intelligence, dedication and poise. May they return to BGU’s core mission of educating future generations, conducting world-class research and strengthening the Negev and the State of Israel as soon as possible.
This month’s e-Connect welcomes Andrea Freedman, BGU Canada’s new National CEO. Andrea comes to us with a proven track record as a professional leader in the Jewish community with experiences in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa where she served as CEO of the Jewish Federation and Community Foundation for the past 10 years. Andrea will launch her term this Sunday at the “Negev Strong Gala: An Evening of BGUnity” in Toronto along with more than 1,000 friends of BGU Canada.
As we look forward to beginning a new chapter, with a new CEO, we are also bidding farewell to a most loved colleague, Winnipeg Chapter Executive Director, Zach Ostrove, who served BGU Canada for the past 8 years. We wish him well as he embarks on the next phase of his career with the University of Manitoba. Zach, a native Winnipeg, created and nurtured wonderful relationships and was able to help position BGU Canada as a leading Israel based organization in the community; we thank him for his dedication to Ben-Gurion University. Manitoba Regional President, Maury Steindel shares a heartfelt message below about Zach.
Friends, these are difficult times for Israel and the Jewish people; we are all part of the struggle to support Israel financially, emotionally and politically. We encourage you to stay informed, participate in rallies and gatherings and write to your elected officials at all levels of government.
Together we will prevail!
We thank you for your support!
Am Israel Chai!
Special message from Andrea Freedman,
BGU Canada's new CEO
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.
Freedom of speech is not freedom from accountability
My fellow university presidents should quit cowering behind free speech claims and condemn campus hate.
Professor Daniel Chamovitz
The Times of Israel
A message from BGU's Rector, Professor Chaim Hames during a recent visit to Kibbutz Be’eri.
BGU IN THE NEWS
Real-time medical simulation training for soldiers, doctors and paramedics
Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Israel and in response to the deployment of emergency medical teams throughout the country, the Field Medical Simulation Center
at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has shifted into high gear. Students, soldiers, medical staff and even volunteer doctors from abroad are trained through a practical approach to treating trauma patients.
This is #BGUnity
Meet Sharon Toledano, a dedicated faculty member in the Department of Communication at BGU. Alongside her friend Ilan Katani, they initiated "Mom's Laundry" as part of a joint project with the Student Union, The Department of Social Engagement, and
Yazamut 360.
Sharon and Ilan established a mobile laundry equipped with washing machines, a generator, and water tanks, bringing a touch of home to Israeli soldiers in the field.
Traveling across the country, Sharon and Ilan ensure that this invaluable laundry service reaches those who need it.
Manitoba Chapter President, Maury Steindel
pays tribute to Zach Ostrove
It is with a mixture of sadness and pride that I officially acknowledge the departure of our Executive Director, Zach Ostrove, who has served BGU Canada with dedication for the past eight years.
Zach's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the success and growth of BGU Canada in Manitoba, and his contributions extend far beyond the professional realm. As he takes the next step in his career, moving on to a new position as Director of Major Gifts at University of Manitoba Asper School of Business, I want to express our deepest gratitude for his tireless commitment and exemplary service to our organization.
Zach's vision, and passion, have played a pivotal role in our achievements over the past years. We are proud of the milestones reached under his guidance.
I would like to congratulate Zach on his new role with the University of Manitoba. His success as Executive Director is a testament to his skills and dedication, and I am confident that he will bring the same level of excellence to his new role.
Thank you, Zach, for your commitment, leadership, and friendship. We extend our best wishes for your continued success, and we look forward to staying connected as you embark on this exciting new journey.
Warm regards,
Maury Steindel
Manitoba Regional President, BGU Canada
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