On the road again

Dear Friends,

As you know, we were unfortunately compelled to postpone our annual gathering from May until October. And so, instead of all of you coming to us, over the past month I have traveled to Montreal, Ottawa, Berlin, Munich, London, Paris, New York, Philadelphia, and the Hamptons.

In every community, I was embraced by our extended BGU family. I also had the opportunity to meet many new friends whom you have introduced to the University. These encounters have given me tremendous strength and a renewed sense of optimism as we look ahead.

What I encountered was a fascinating and remarkably diverse group of supporters. In every room, in every city, I met people who do not necessarily vote for the same political parties, who do not always agree on the decisions of the Israeli government, and who may hold very different views about the correct strategy for Israel's future.

And yet, what was so refreshing, and so encouraging, was the recognition that what separates us is secondary to what unites us.

Our discussions were often complex, but they were grounded in a series of deep and shared convictions: that Ben-Gurion University represents values of which we can all be proud; that BGU provides a powerful answer to the unfounded criticisms directed at Israel and Israeli academia; that the extraordinary science emerging from our University is vital not only to the Negev, but to the world; and that our students, researchers, and graduates are indispensable to the development of the Negev: socially, economically, scientifically, and industrially.

There was also an unambiguous shared understanding that, at a time when some challenge the very legitimacy of Israel, Israel's existence is not a matter for debate.

At the same time, it was clear that the specter of antisemitism, coupled with a particularly virulent form of anti-Zionism, has caused many people to question long-held assumptions and to worry deeply about their personal and communal futures. Yet being with you, I was also reminded of the strength that comes from belonging to the global BGU community. I was asked difficult questions, and we didn't always agree. But the principles and aspirations that unite us consistently outweighed those differences.

I return from these visits more confident than ever in our shared mission, in the strength of our global community, and in the essential role that Ben-Gurion University must play in securing the Israeli future to which we all aspire.

Looking forward to welcoming you in the Negev in October! (if you haven't registered, now's the time)

Shabbat Shalom,
Danny