$260 million mega-gift to university from Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence philanthropist reader earmarked for deep tech research
Bar-Ilan University President Prof. Arie Zaban announced at the annual Board of Trustees meeting, that Bar-Ilan University has received a $260 million donation for investment in science.
The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous but is well known to a small circle of friends including this publication, is a graduate of Columbia University.
The donor believes in the power of science to strengthen Israel’s technological resilience – and chose Bar-Ilan University to realize his vision.
This is the largest gift ever to Bar-Ilan University, and one of the largest donations ever made to an Israeli university.
He chose Bar-Ilan University, as the research institution best able to undertake the great task of expanding science-based technological resilience in Israel.
The Columbia alum’s massive donation to a major academic institution in the Jewish state instead of his Alma Mater fueled opinions that he was deeply disappointed with the anti-Israel and antisemitic protests that have engulfed Columbia University amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Prof. Zaban explained the purpose of the generous gift:
“The donor, a man of broad academic education, believed that the development of Israel’s technological resilience relies primarily on breakthrough science. During his visits to Israel, he recognized the significant impact Bar-Ilan University has made in key areas thanks to its science-based infrastructure and deep connections to all sectors of Israeli society.”
“This gift will be invested in the development of Deep Tech sciences and has the potential to positively influence the future of the State of Israel and all of humanity. This gift will enable us to start implementing our new vision for the future. However, this is just the beginning and I call upon others to partner with us as we create lasting change for our society, economy and the world at large.”
“Bar-Ilan University will recruit dozens of outstanding researchers in Deep Tech science fields such as energy, environment, cryptography, bio-convergence, quantum, AI, and natural language processing.””
“Working with stakeholders and future partners from outside academia such as the hi-tech industry, the public sector and the healthcare system, Bar-Ilan will take the lead in building advanced research laboratories, supporting advanced degree students, and creating state-of-the-art innovation hubs.”
“By developing science-based solutions, our efforts, led by Bar-Ilan researchers, will work toward addressing the challenges to Israel’s technological resilience.”
“We have a mission,” concluded Prof. Zaban in summarizing his remarks to the Board.
“Today, more than ever, Israel needs support and investment in its science and human capital. Our research driven technological resilience is the key to a thriving society and economy.”