Americans for Ben-Gurion University

"Magic dust" to fight climate change? Dr. Avner Gross, Senior Lecturer in Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's Department of Environmental, Geoinformatics and Urban Planning Sciences, and his team are developing a groundbreaking way to supercharge seaweed, helping it absorb CO2 and sink it to the ocean floor for thousands of years.“ The research in the lab attempts to imitate nature, while searching for ways to accelerate different processes and adapt them to the Israeli climate,” Dr. Gross explained to The Times of Israel. The goal is ambitious: “To capture huge quantities of carbon dioxide – ten billion tons a year – in order to curb global warming.” Read more on this climate change revolution at:?https://lnkd.in/eBTyGvst

A4BGU is excited to partner with the Academy for Jewish Religion for the 3rd Annual Conversation on Science and Religion: “Vaccinations, From the Talmud to Today” on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET. Register now at: https://lnkd.in/epfAhGQv Prof. Nadav Davidovitch, a leading epidemiologist from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and Rabbi Jill Haskell, an M.D. turned Rabbi at the West Clarkstown Jewish Center, will explore how Jewish thought and medical science come together to address contemporary health challenges. Don't miss it!

Academic boycotts against Israeli institutions have surged 66% in just six months, threatening global collaboration and academic freedom. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, who is also chairman of the University Presidents’ Committee, emphasized to Times of Israel that "science and academic research should bridge cultural and political gaps, not deepen them." Israeli universities are fighting back—building stronger networks and pushing back against efforts to silence them. Read more on The Times of Israel at:?https://lnkd.in/ehCtgCF2

Let’s take a walk down memory lane as we celebrate #InternationalWomensDay. In 1948, on the eve of Israel’s independence, Ben-Gurion affirmed women’s vital role in nation-building, calling their leadership “a flag of human liberty and equality.” Today, A4BGU honors the trailblazing women who continue to lead, innovate, and inspire. As we celebrate their impact, we also look to the future, building on their contributions. Join us as we support Israel’s next generation of leaders:?a4bgu.org/wayforward.

Purim is just one week away! We invite you to embrace this holiday's spirit of joy, generosity, and… miracles. David Ben-Gurion famously said, “ In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in miracles.” Your gift to the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund fuels Israel’s future, now more important than ever. Make miracles with us by going to?a4bgu.org/thankyou In celebration of Purim, we're now offering a complimentary limited-edition Ben-Gurion party mug?as a token of our appreciation.? Get yours today.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for "Resilience and Hope: The Way Forward in the Aftermath of October 7th," A4BGU's 2025 Houston Annual Benefit. Your support and dedication help fortify Ben-Gurion University of the Negev's status as the anchor institution of the Negev and a powerful engine for growth and innovation. A special thank you to our incredible event chairs and committee for their hard work bringing this meaningful evening to life. We also want to thank our featured speakers, BGU's Prof. Dorit Nitzan and medical student Noa Shuker, for sharing their remarkable stories with our community. Thank you for powerfully highlighting how BGU is empowering students and supporting communities in Israel’s Negev region as they find their way forward despite the ongoing challenges in the aftermath of October 7th. See you next year in Houston!

Meet Elchanan Henshke—a brilliant strategic advisor and alumni of the Yazamut 360° LEADERS program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev who spent several months not in boardrooms but on the front lines, serving as a combat reserve soldier in the Gaza Strip. Over the past year, while advising in the Knesset, Elchanan developed MANAGER, an innovative application designed to help children with attention and concentration challenges manage their time and tasks more effectively. "The idea for MANAGER came from a true understanding of the difficulty and belief in the ability to change. And honestly, I think that is the essence of entrepreneurial value," noted Elchanan, "To deeply understand problems, create and examine solutions, and most importantly, believe in the ability to change the current situation. LEADERS is a program that develops this value excellently. A value that is now more critical than ever in our situation." At Americans for Ben-Gurion University, we are honored to support students like Elchanan—visionary leaders who apply their knowledge, resilience, and dedication to shaping a better future.

As the crisis in Gaza and Israel continues to escalate, A4BGU is bringing back two leading Middle East experts for our next exclusive webinar, "Gaza: What Comes Next?" on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Prof. Guy Ben-Porat and Prof. Yonatan Mendel will provide critical insights on the Israel-Hamas war and what the future may hold for Gaza. Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/eu3puSmV

Help us fuel innovation, education, and global impact at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev by making a donation to the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund today. Bonus: we have a special thank-you gift just for you! Show off your A4BGU pride while supporting the next generation of changemakers. Make an impact & claim your gift now: https://a4bgu.org/thankyou