The gift marks one of the largest ever given to an academic institution.
A Columbia University graduate has reportedly donated $260 million anonymously to Bar Ilan University, one of Israel’s largest universities. New York PostThe donor, a North American Jew and World War II veteran, was said to have been impressed by Bar-Ilan’s focus on science and technology.
The donation sparked speculation that alumni were unhappy with Columbia’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and some saw it as a message to the university in light of recent anti-Israel protests on campus.
“This is an insult to Colombia. This is just the beginning,” said Hank Sheinkopf, a longtime political consultant, pro-Israel activist and rabbi. post.
This announcement Visit e-JewishPhilanthropy.com.
Bar Ilan University President Ali Zaban said the donation will be used to advance “deep tech” science and could have a major impact in Israel and the world. The gift is one of the largest to an academic institution since James Simmons donated $500 million to Stony Brook University last year.
The donation also sparked a guessing game as to who the ultra-wealthy donor was: He was a World War II veteran, so his age is likely around 100.
“The donor, who has extensive academic knowledge, believed that the development of Israel’s technological resilience rests primarily on breakthrough science and technology. During his visit to Israel, he recognized that Bar-Ilan University is making a significant impact in key areas due to its science-based infrastructure and deep connections with all sectors of Israeli society,” Bar-Ilan University President Ali Zaban said in a statement announcing the donation.
