(Press-News.org) The Paulson Family Foundation announced an additional $19 million donation to Hebrew University. Together with the foundation's previous donation of $27 million, this brings its total support to $46 million. The donation will be used for expansion of a state-of-the-art research and teaching complex dedicated to STEM disciplines critical to Israel's high-tech future. The combined gifts represent one of the largest donations ever received by the Hebrew University, and represent a significant investment in Israeli higher education and innovation.
Both donations are designated for the expansion of a cutting-edge complex on the Edmond J. Safra Campus in Givat Ram, Jerusalem. The complex will include The Paulson Bar-El Building for Computer Science & Engineering and The John Paulson Building for Electrical Engineering, supporting research and teaching in fields such as electrical engineering, applied physics, and computer science.
"Israel has stunned the world with its technological innovations. These gifts are intended to provide much needed support for educating the next generation of technological leaders in computer science and engineering," said John Paulson, Founder and Chairman of the Paulson Family Foundation.”
There are three principal reasons motivating me to make this increased gift:
HU is the leading institution for higher education in Israel. Founded by Albert Einstein in 1925, Hebrew University has received more Nobel prizes than all other Israeli institutions combined and is the only Israeli recipient of both a Fields Medal and Turing Award (2).
Hebrew University is among the most academically productive institutions in the world and is extremely efficient in educating its students. As an example, its total cost per full time student is only 10% of the cost of comparable US Ivy League Universities.*
As a small country, Israel faces enormous economic challenges. To provide excellent higher education to its citizens, Israeli Universities need outside philanthropic support.
I can think of no more deserving University for philanthropic support than Hebrew University at this time,” said Mr. Paulson.
"As the Hebrew University of Jerusalem enters its second century, we are deeply grateful to John Paulson for this significant support—a true friend of the University," said Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of the Hebrew University. "This extraordinary investment in the future of Israel reflects his deep understanding of the role advanced science and technology play in Israel's economic resilience and global standing. By bringing together teaching laboratories and world-class research infrastructure, we are empowering researchers and students alike to accelerate innovation and strengthen Israel's high-tech leadership".
Prof. Sheafer added, "I extend my deepest gratitude to John Paulson, Honorary Doctor of the Hebrew University, and to the Paulson Family Foundation for their vision, generosity, and enduring partnership in our mission to lead pioneering research in rapidly evolving scientific fields".
Hebrew University President Tamir Shaefer will meet with John Paulson in January in Florida. The meeting highlights the close partnership between the Foundation and the University, as well as the shared commitment to advancing scientific excellence and technological leadership in Israel.
*
Comparative Spending per Student (Latest Fiscal Year)
University
Total Operating
Spending
Full Time
Students
Spending
Per Student
Harvard University
~$6.8 billion
~24,500
~$277,000
Princeton University
~$2.74 billion
~9,100
~$301,000
Yale University
~$5.9 billion (est)
~15,490
~$380,000
Average (3-IVY)
—
—
~$319,000
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
~$714 million (USD equiv.)
~23,500
~$30,400
For Media inquiries:
The Paulson Family Foundation
Michael McKeon
Mmckeon@actumllc.com
(917) 270-8652
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Danae Marx, Director of International Communications
danaemc@savion.huji.ac.il
+972-52-4334557
About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation.
For more information, visit: http://new.huji.ac.il/en
END
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