BGU is establishing the Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund in partnership with the fallen soldier’s parents, Stuart and Evelyn (Evie), and Max’s siblings, Paige and Jake through its American Associates. Max died in battle in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge last July.
The Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund will be formally launched today by American Associates Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) Vice President Jessica Sillins at the Times of Israel Gala in New York City. The Steinberg family is one of three “Families of the Fallen” to be recognized this evening. A portion of the gala’s profits will be donated to AABGU for this fund.
Max Steinberg was originally from Woodland Hills, California. He made aliyah, joining the Israel Defense Forces as a lone soldier. He insisted on serving nowhere else but in the elite Golani 13 brigade. Max was 24 when he lost his life defending the land and the people he loved.
The Steinberg endowment will provide scholarships to Golani and other combat reservists at BGU in perpetuity, with first preference going to lone soldiers. The Steinbergs will be part of the decision process to ensure that the receiving students mirror Max’s values and vision.
“We are delighted to know that Max’s legacy will be connected to a university and scholarship program that grants opportunity and promise to the soldiers that have put their lives in harm’s way for the people of Israel,” says Stuart Steinberg. “We know that Max cared deeply for his fellow soldiers and that he would be whole-heartedly supportive of a program that allows soldiers to pursue their passions and create a great future.”
“With their decision to create the Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, the Steinberg family is memorializing Max in a way that will celebrate his life and his choices in perpetuity and will impact a widening circle of young people – an act that is truly worthy of admiration,” says BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi. “Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, but they have turned this personal tragedy into an opportunity to do a greater good.”
During Operation Protective Edge, close to 2,000 BGU students were called to military reserve service, while the University was under continuous threat of rocket attacks and forced to close for more than 50 days. Each and every student who served in reserve duty received a scholarship this fall to ease their economic burden. Recently, BGU was given an award by Israel’s Defense Ministry for its extraordinary services and assistance provided to student-soldiers.
“Max Steinberg made the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever indebted to him,” says Israel’s Los Angeles Consul General David Siegel, “His memory is a blessing for our people and continues to serve as an inspiration for all of Israel. Ben-Gurion University's commitment to awarding scholarships to Israel's most brave defenders is a deeply special way to honor the young men and women who commit their lives to defending the people and State of Israel.”
| 
