Time to Rebuild: Support BGU’s Recovery
Join us in rebuilding BGU after missile damage — your support will help restore our labs, classrooms, and campus
The recent missile impacts in Beer-Sheva, during Operation 'Rising Lion', significantly affected Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), particularly the barrage of missiles that struck Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) on June 19. This missile strike caused extensive damage to the medical center, as well as the BGU Faculty of Health Science (FOHS) facilities located there, and the surrounding area, including the adjacent BGU's Marcus Family Campus. Despite the challenges we’ve been faced with since October 7, 2023, BGU’s commitment to its community has remained steadfast. In the aftermath of Operation Rising Lion, we are more determined than ever to meet the needs of our community and turn our current challenges into advancement opportunities. Rebuilding Funding Needs Our ability to rebuild and mitigate the effects of this attack on intellectual and scientific progress relies heavily on donor support. While the State of Israel's Compensation Fund (Mas Rechush) will provide compensation for some of the repairs, the level of reimbursement will not cover the full cost of replacement materials and equipment. To address these needs, we have identified four emergency funds (detailed information below):
Marcus Family Campus Fund: This fund aims to repair the 30 buildings on the Marcus Family Campus that were damaged by missile shockwaves. The estimated funding needed is at least $1 million to cover the full cost of repairs.
Laboratory Equipment Fund: This fund will support the re-establishment and re- equipping of 9 research labs destroyed in the war, as well as the relocation of other FOHS facilities located at SUMC. The fundraising goal for this fund is $25 million.
Medical Education Fund: This fund is dedicated to relocating essential FOHS teaching facilities located at SUMC, including classrooms and the medical library. The fundraising goal for this fund is $10.6 million.
Sports Arena Fund: This fund will be used to repair and upgrade the basketball/soccer arena at the Sylvan Adams Sports Center, which was severely damaged by a missile. The estimated funding needed is $2-3 million.
Through these funds, we aim to turn adversity into renewal, rebuilding what has been lost and paving the way for a stronger future for the BGU community and the Negev. Your support will make a significant difference in our ability to rebuild and continue our vital work — allowing our students and researchers to pursue their education and research and empowering them for future impact, and enabling the University to fulfill its founding mandate to serve as a catalyst for the Negev’s growth.
Together, we can ensure that Ben-Gurion University of the Negev remains a beacon of education, innovation, and resilience.
