NEGEV CONNECTION
A message from the CEO
Since the atrocities of October 7, 2023, I’ve had the privilege to meet with many Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) students. I am always moved by their strong, resilient spirits. Some are reservists who were injured during the war, while others are supporting their community, and their country, through new inventions and programs on campus. Despite their resilience, it’s clear most are still grappling with some form of perpetual trauma. I am proud that BGU is providing comprehensive counseling and support to all students who need it, with additional academic and financial assistance for returning reservists.
In these defining moments, the University has also risen to the occasion with immediate and significant contributions to Israel’s recovery. To aid the University in its recovery efforts and to solidify its role as the anchor institution of Israel’s South, Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) is committed to the Way Forward – BGU’s landmark global fundraising campaign to raise $1 billion over 10 years.
As the largest and most ambitious campaign in its history, this endeavor will support not only the University but the entire Negev – securing its future as it rebuilds from October 7th and fulfilling founding father David Ben-Gurion’s dream of a desert in bloom.
David Ben-Gurion famously said, “Israel’s future lies in the Negev.” He also said, “The people of Israel will be tested in the Negev.” Yes, the Negev has been tested beyond our deepest fears – and yet, it is through the Negev that the future of the Israel will also emerge.
This was true before October 7th and it is even more true now – with BGU leading the way forward.
To learn more about to how to support the University in the aftermath of October 7th and beyond, please visit www.a4bgu.org/recoveryresilience.
Please also consider making a donation in support of the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund today by mailing a gift in the enclosed envelope or by calling us at 800-962-2248.
Doug Seserman CEO of Americans for Ben-Gurion University
Ben-Gurion University: Resilience in Action
David Ben-Gurion envisioned the future of Israel emerging from a thriving, innovative metropolis in the heart of the Negev. His namesake university continues to embody this legacy even amidst extraordinary challenges. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has long been a beacon of progress, education, and community. Today, as Israel faces the realities of war, BGU again meets adversity with strength, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to the future.
The Oct 7th terror attacks and ongoing war have tested BGU’s students, faculty, and staff like never before. Yet, their response has been extraordinary. Dormitories became shelters, classrooms transformed into daycare facilities, and the campus buzzed with life-saving activity as students and medical teams triaged thousands of soldiers and civilians at the Soroka Medical Center. Throughout this difficult time, BGU proved to be not just an academic institution but a vital hub for community resilience and recovery. This spirit of resilience is deeply connected to the University’s culture of innovation. In its laboratories, researchers are breaking barriers in fields like cancer treatment, neurodegenerative diseases, and mental health—challenges that transcend borders and touch lives worldwide. Teams are harnessing AI to improve healthcare, developing technologies to support mental wellness, and pioneering solutions for food security and environmental sustainability. These endeavors reaffirm BGU’s role as a leader in research with global impact. At BGU, reconstruction is an opportunity to lay a stronger foundation for a brighter future.
The University is an integral part of the Negev, fostering economic growth and educational access while empowering communities across the region. From cultivating entrepreneurship to addressing unique environmental challenges, to nurturing the next generation of leaders committed to shaping a better world, BGU envisions a Negev that not only recovers, but thrives.
Together, we can ensure BGU’s legacy of progress endures, helping the Negev and the world move forward.
GLOBAL CAMPAIGN: BGU AND THE WAY FORWARD
Ben-Gurion University’s Way Forward campaign is a $1 billion fundraising initiative dedicated to rebuilding and strengthening the Negev and securing the future of Israel. As southern Israel’s anchor institution and engine for growth, BGU is central to recovery efforts, from supporting displaced families to fostering groundbreaking innovations that address global challenges. The most impactful way to support this historic campaign is a gift to the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund— the one fund that does it all. The Annual Fund is the primary vehicle through which Americans for Ben-Gurion University provides critical, year-round support to the University, especially in times of crisis.
In this time of ongoing uncertainty, the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund supports BGU in responding to evolving needs such as supporting returning student reservists, expanding mental health services, offering scholarships, and ensuring the continuity of academic life. It also supports foundational programs, such as the Zin Fellows Leadership Program, which educates and empowers leaders from across the United States who are committed to making a difference in Israel’s future. By contributing to the Ben-Gurion Annual Fund today, you will become part of a transformative mission to ensure that BGU remains a force for progress, resilience, and hope—for Israel and the world.
“The future of Israel is in the South. This was already true on October 6th, and as of October 8th, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is leading the way forward,” said Doug Seserman, CEO of A4BGU. “Through this historic campaign, A4BGU is rallying Diaspora supporters around Israel’s essential efforts to rebuild the South, with the University as both the epicenter of the region and the key to its recovery.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Student Reservist Spotlight
At Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), the start of the school year in November brought a renewed sense of excitement and determination. As students fill the campus once again, they carry the weight of ongoing uncertainties, particularly as more than 7,000 students have been called to military reserve duty over the last year and continue to receive their reservist orders. The University has created an array of mental health and academic support programs and services to help these incredible students as they balance academics with military duty. This reality has posed substantial academic and
*Name has been changed to protect the student’s privacy.
personal hardships, yet it highlights the remarkable resilience and adaptability of BGU students.
BGU’s increasing enrollment highlights the Negev’s critical role in shaping Israel’s future, as well as students’ determination to learn and lead. Students like Noam* exemplify this drive to make a difference. A medical student at BGU and a participant in the Yazamut 360° LEADERS program, Noam juggles her academic pursuits with her responsibilities as a paramedic for Magen David Adom (MDA) and her role as a major in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reserves. Her story is not only extraordinary—it’s deeply inspiring.
On October 7th, Noam faced an unimaginable choice when both MDA and the army called for her assistance. She chose to deploy with her battalion to Gaza, where she would spend several harrowing months. Life on the front lines brought innumerable challenges: relentless tension, months without basic comforts like proper showers, and the ever-present unpredictability of conflict. Yet, Noam found moments of solace in the camaraderie of her battalion, even as the only woman in her unit. Together, they developed a unique morning ritual, dedicating a song to a team member as the sun rose—a small act of connection and hope amidst the chaos.
Even in the midst of these grueling experiences, Noam’s commitment to her education and her future as a doctor remained steadfast. Returning to BGU after her service in Gaza, she found the transition between her two worlds—war and academia—both necessary and difficult.
“Since I’ve returned from Gaza, I can only focus for about 50 minutes at a time,” she shared. “It’s tough to find a balance.”
Despite the toll of her experiences, including sleepless nights and vivid memories of the battlefield, Noam has found support in the understanding community at BGU.
BGU’s commitment to supporting student reservists like Noam is evident in its flexibility and dedication to their well-being. For students balancing immense responsibilities and personal sacrifices, the University offers individualized accommodations, enabling them to pursue their dreams while contributing to Israel’s security.
Through it all, Noam exemplifies the spirit of resilience and innovation that defines BGU. Her participation in the Yazamut 360° LEADERS program not only fuels her creativity but connects her with a community of forward-thinking peers who share her drive to make a difference. Noam’s story serves as a testament to the strength and determination of BGU’s students—leaders who, even in the most challenging circumstances, remain committed to shaping a better future.
Your support ensures that students receive the resources and care they need to balance their studies and service during challenging times.
The next generation of leaders
The Zin Fellows Leadership Program kicks off with a new cohort.
Even during a time unlike any other, the longtime Zin Fellows Leadership Program is staying the course, fostering a way forward for Israel through the next generation of leaders.
Zin Fellows are passionate community leaders who are committed to improving the world by advancing David Ben-Gurion’s vision for creating a world-class institution of education and research in Israel’s south. The program runs over two years and coordinates gatherings both in the states and Israel for 15-20 people from across the U.S.
The newest cohort has had two in-person gatherings in the United States, and it’s clear that this year’s program is more important than ever before. The Zin Fellows will meet in March 2025 for the final seminar in Israel.
Zin Fellows have demonstrated leadership abilities in their personal, professional, and communal lives and a strong commitment to Israel. As cultural ambassadors, they are instrumental to Israel’s future.
ANDREA GOREN
Andrea Goren is a New York-based finance executive, assumed the role during A4BGU’s annual meeting in New York, succeeding immediate past chair Gary DeBode. His journey with A4BGU began long before this appointment. Goren has held several senior positions on the board, including treasurer, chairman of the finance committee, executive committee member, and vice chairman. He is also an alumnus of A4BGU’s inaugural cohort of the Zin Fellows Leadership Program, which deepened his understanding of the Negev region and BGU’s vital role within it.
This cohort had a unique experience as the curriculum adapted to account for the horrific events of October 7th with a new focus on Jewish resiliency and a gathering in Israel.
“I visited BGU for the first time when I was 7 years old. It has been part of my life for as long as I remember, and I have been privileged to witness its amazing growth and development over the years. I can think of no better way than to follow in my father and grandfather’s footsteps to support an institution that is not only is a leading global university, but one whose research serves humanity as a whole and whose local community work plays a central role in developing the Negev, and, in so doing, makes Israel safer and stronger.”
-Andrea Goren
Left to right: Louis Reinstein, Dana Ben-Benyamin, Brian Friedman, Sharon Cohan, Alli Medof, Adam Eisenberg, Danny Rosenthal, Mindy Berger, Kevin Fishkind, Jilli Spear, Scott Greiper, Jonathan Langman, Lenore LaVine
Innovation at the Heart of the Negev
In the wake of October 7th, resilience and ingenuity have become more vital than ever in Israel’s recovery. From the heart of the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) continues to lead with breakthroughs that not only address Israel’s urgent needs but also tackle global challenges—from transforming arid landscapes into thriving agricultural hubs to pioneering clean energy solutions and advancing medical breakthroughs. Here, resilience meets ingenuity as researchers explore the possibility of a sustainable and healthier future for all.
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Cultivating Food Security in the Desert
BGU researchers are revolutionizing agriculture by transforming arid landscapes into fertile ground. Decades of expertise in desert-adapted crops and innovative irrigation techniques have led to new farming methods such as brackish water farming and “zero-discharge” aquaculture systems. A standout development is the pioneering of desert viticulture—vineyards thriving in the Negev’s harsh climate, proving the potential for sustainable agricultural in arid regions. These innovations are setting the stage for global solutions to food insecurity.
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Energizing the Future with Clean Technologies
Addressing the global urgency for clean energy, BGU’s interdisciplinary teams are advancing technologies that harness solar power, develop biofuels, and optimize energy systems with AI-driven smart grids. These initiatives are not only reducing dependency on fossil fuels but are also creating sustainable models for urban and rural energy use worldwide. At BGU, every innovation is a step toward a greener, more resilient future.
Combating Memory Loss with Molecular Precision
The Molecular Cognition Lab, led by Professor Shira Knafo, is making strides in Alzheimer’s research. By identifying a harmful interaction between two proteins, her team has developed a peptide capable of disrupting a process linked to neurodegeneration. While still in preclinical trials, this discovery holds promise for slowing or even halting the progression of memory-related diseases, drawing international interest from Emory University’s Brain Health Center and the University of California’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and paving the way for future treatments.
These breakthroughs at BGU are shaping a future where resilience and innovation lead the way. Your support powers this vital work, ensuring the Negev thrives as a beacon of hope for Israel and the world. Join us in fueling transformative solutions—visit a4bgu.org/negevconnection or scan the QR code to make an impact today.
Spotlight on Terri Alpert: Meet the Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) board member planting the seeds of Israel’s recovery through entrepreneurship
After October 7, Terri and Bruce felt an urgent, unshakable desire to get to Israel, driven by a deep need to be to offer support in the face of such a horrific attack.
“We felt very strongly that we needed to show our support by showing up,” she said. As BenGurion University of the Negev’s entrepreneur-inresidence, Ms. Alpert plays a key part in the Yazamut 360° Center for Entrepreneurship’s LEADERS Program as a coach and mentor. Yazamut 360° is the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation at BGU. The program’s goal is to provide students, researchers, and staff with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
She had felt the trauma of October 7th even more deeply after hearing two of her Yazamut 360° students were directly harmed in Hamas’ terror attacks. Noa Argamani, scheduled to be
part of last year’s LEADERS Program, was taken hostage, and Adam Bismut, a graduate of the Yazamut 360° program, was killed while fighting as a Master Sergeant in the reserves. She had been in touch with Adam over email during the war, and remembers him as one of the best CEOs to come through the Yazamut 360° system.
On her own solidarity mission, Ms. Alpert reunited with Israeli friends, colleagues, and mentees and talked about the war, and Americans’ perception of it. “There are a number of us in the U.S. who realized that some of our friends are not our friends,” she said. “All of a sudden, your paradigm for the world has shattered.”
A CAREER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Rebuilding to find a way forward may be challenging, but it’s something Ms. Alpert has experience in, having founded and run several businesses of her own, including Professional Cutlery Direct, an INC 500 company. Her involvement with Yazamut 360° came out of a passion for helping to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Negev.
She started donating to A4BGU in 2006, but it was a tour of the campus in Beer-Sheva in 2019 that cemented her future investment in the Yazamut 360° Program. The tour guide mentioned a brand new Entrepreneurship Center, and she knew she had to be involved. She was already helping students at Brown University’s Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship by mentoring and serving on the board. So, she decided to bring the two schools together.
For the last three years, Brown’s Prime program and BGU’s LEADERS programs have pitched to one another, critiqued one another, and learned from one another. Ms. Alpert also helped coordinate a collaboration between Brown and BGU neuroscience, computer science, and engineering students.
Terri Alpert with Dana Gavish, Head of the Yazamut 360° Program
“Being involved in BGU’s Yazamut 360° program has made my life incredibly meaningful,” she said. “I am so blessed to be in this chapter of my life right now and to take all of these skills that I’ve developed, and use them to help others get further faster.”
Join us in cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs by supporting BGU’s Yazamut 360° program.
A way forward for Israel, through the Negev Though she’s based in Connecticut, Ms. Alpert is embedded in the Yazamut 360° program as a sounding board, providing strategic advice to students. She shares the vision of its founders: to attract researchers with the promise that they won’t have to choose between academics and entrepreneurship.
The goal, she says, is to plant the seeds for a thriving economic ecosystem with entrepreneurship and innovation at its core that tackles solutions for humanity’s biggest problems. Indeed, Ms. Alpert says she finds the entrepreneurial spirit innate in Israelis – a people who have faced incredible uncertainty. “You have to adapt and you have to trust in your strength in your community, and in your ability to pull through,” she said. “Resiliency is part of being an entrepreneur.”
To learn more, please visit a4bgu.org or contact us at info@a4bgu.org.
Terri Alpert (left) and her sister, Lisa Macdougal
(Left to right) Bruce Alpert, Terri Alpert, Hadas Moshe Barat
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