Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - Iron Swords: President's Updates

7.6.24

Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you, yet again, that Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has lost another student to the war in Gaza. Staff Sergeant Neria Cohen, a third-year student at the Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, tragically died three days ago. This morning, as I consoled his family, I was reminded yet again of the profound cost of this conflict.

Neria hailed from Givat Shmuel, a modest town outside Tel Aviv, and served as a medic in the reserves. During his duty, he was involved in the heart-wrenching task of retrieving the bodies of hostages Yotam Haim, Samer Tlalka, and Alon Shamriz, who were tragically killed by friendly fire. Neria, in his compassion, reached out to Yotam's mother, Iris, to share his condolences and the painful circumstances of her son's death. Iris, touched by his gesture, two days ago shared Neria's message: "A soldier from my battalion accidentally shot your son. But instead of being angry, you let the anger dissipate. I, unfortunately, evacuated the body of your son from Gaza back to our country for burial, and it was clear to me that as soon as I could, I would come to console you. I felt the need to share in your pain even though we didn't know each other. I wanted to come and strengthen, to show how much we also hurt."

Neria's actions embody the spirit of BGU—compassion, bravery, and community. This week, we also mourned the loss of three BGU alumni who were killed in Gaza and on the Lebanese border. May their names be the last we add to our memorial rocks.

Many of you joined us a little over two weeks ago for our annual International Board of Governors meeting. As our Vice-Chair Steve Breslauer remarked, it was "the best BoG I have attended in over thirty years!" One particularly poignant event was our salute to our students held at the Sde Boker Campus. I encourage you to watch this half-hour video tribute to our students' bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. The evening was a profound opportunity to connect with our students and appreciate the strength of this "TikTok" generation, which I believe is the strongest in Israel's history.

As we navigate these trying times, the legacy of our students' leadership and resilience gives me hope, as I called on them to translate their accomplishments to taking on national leadership. It is time for their generation.

With heartfelt gratitude for your continued support,

Shabbat Shalom,

Danny

10.5.24 Shabbat Shalom, 10 May

Dear Friends,

This week, in the continuing theme of "Strong and Broken," I am excited to highlight a particularly positive development, highlighting the strong, at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. This past Wednesday and Tuesday, we proudly launched 'The Institute,' an ambitious artificial intelligence initiative aimed at propelling Israel to the forefront of AI application in critical sectors like cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, and education.

This initiative, a collaboration between BGU and entrepreneurs Dovi Frances (an alumnus and member of our BoG) and Shalev Hulio, marks a significant milestone not just for our university, but for the entire region. At the launch event held in the Evans Hall of our Sde Boker campus, the Honorable Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, underscored the importance of The Institute, stating, “The reason countries do not boycott us is because of our human capital, the hi-tech and the financial connections that they do not want to lose."

Indeed, despite the political, security, and economic challenges Israel has faced recently, technological progress remains unstoppable. The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are set to transform every facet of our lives. In the redevelopment of the Negev, we've stepped forward to ensure that Israel continues to play a pivotal role in this global revolution, and that this will happen from the south.

The first phase of 'The Institute' will focus on training CEOs of leading companies, helping them grasp the implications of AI and integrate these technologies into their businesses in compliance with evolving global regulations. This training will be spearheaded by a stellar team of mentors from both industry and academia. Moreover, our initiative will feature unique AI study programs at Ben-Gurion University, integrating top STEM students who will gain invaluable knowledge and skills from leading lecturers in the field. This effort is designed to nurture a highly skilled workforce ready to advance AI technology.

Looking ahead, 'The Institute' plans to establish cutting-edge AI research labs equipped with supercomputing infrastructures, fostering collaboration with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and startups. This will not only enhance Israel's standing as a global leader in AI but also contribute significantly to the Negev's development, potentially turning it into Israel's “Silicon Valley."

Our commitment at BGU to address both academic challenges and the pressing issues facing our society remains as strong as ever. In line with David Ben-Gurion's vision and in response to the challenges highlighted since October 7th, we initiated this groundbreaking partnership to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence for the betterment of the Negev, Israel, and indeed the world.

I hope to be able to talk with you about this exciting development in person in a little over a week at the annual Board of Governors meeting. I realize that travel plans have become a little more complicated, but as we come together in the Negev, I'm sure you'll be happy you made the little added effort.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission.

Shabbat Shalom,

Danny Chamovitz

26.4.24

Shabbat Shalom, 26 April

Dear Friends,

I'm sure that you, like me, are appalled by the recent anti-Israel demonstrations across American university campuses. These protests, from Ivy League schools to West Coast institutions, have not only disrupted campus life but have also raised serious safety concerns for Jewish and Israeli students. The vitriolic nature of these demonstrations, often veering into antisemitism, represents a stark departure from western academic values.

At Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, as you well know, we've also encountered dilemmas regarding protests on campus. Our approach has always been to consult with stakeholders from all sides, and our security staff, and to allow rallies under strict guidelines designed to ensure respect and safety for all. These "rules of engagement" are meticulously crafted through dialogue with all parties involved, establishing clear boundaries for free expression while maintaining public order.

This approach has facilitated safe events, reflecting our commitment to democratic values and academic freedom. Despite at times facing significant criticism, our experience reinforces our belief in the importance of upholding a space for diverse viewpoints, managed through thoughtful, democratic processes.

Contrastingly, the response on many U.S. campuses has been markedly different. After initially allowing unchecked disruptions and open anti-semitic acts, many campus leaders have realized that extremism such as presented by those who support Hamas can only be thwarted through heavy-handed security measures, measures that unfortunately tend to exacerbate divisions and stifle the very essence of academic discourse.

The ongoing situation in the U.S. underscores the need for university administrations to adopt a more meditative approach, one that encourages inclusive dialogue and establishes clear, fair guidelines for campus engagement; one that encourages intellectual integrity in understanding the true meaning of liberal values so essential to western higher education, values that are the antithesis of the so-called Gaza liberation encampments.

The lessons from BGU's handling of contentious events could offer a blueprint for American universities grappling with similar challenges. By fostering an environment where all voices can be heard within a framework of respect and safety, universities can better uphold their missions and reinforce their commitment to democratic principles.

Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our community, both at home and abroad. Your ongoing support and engagement are vital as we uphold our values in these challenging times, and serve as a beacon of light against those who aim to defame us.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom, and for the safe return of Noa Argamani and all the hostages.

Danny

14.4.24

Shabbat Shalom, 14 April

Dear friends,

Last week's journey took me and a delegation from BGU to two U.S. universities, Penn and Drexel in Philadelphia. The chilly, wet weather seemed fitting, mirroring the uneasy climate Israeli academics face on U.S. campuses. Despite this, each university extended a warm welcome.

Penn went out of their wat to make us feel welcome, and for some, to spin a story or the situation being much safer for Jews than that shown in the press. The juxtaposition of the armed escorts at the university's insistence did not exactly reassure us that all was well. Conversations with Jewish and Israeli faculty members revealed concerns that contrasted sharply with the official assurances we received. This underscored a palpable tension, urging us to remain alert to any anti-Israel sentiments.

The next day at Drexel, despite the rain, We felt that we could let our guard down. In a meeting with the President, Provost, Vice-President and several researchers, I remarked that for the first time in six months, I found myself engaging solely in academic discourse, momentarily disconnected from the war's shadow. This respite brought both relief and guilt. For those of you unfamiliar, Drexel is a scrappy, up and coming university, quite similar to BGU in outlook and in regional impact. We left with a number of action items to build our relationship.

The difference in our experiences at Penn and Drexel can be traced back to the differences in the responses of their presidents on October 7 and in the aftermath. While the president of Penn vacillated with weak statements, highly qualified, aimed at trying to keep everyone happy, even terrorists, Drexel President John Fry was the first American university president to reach out to me on October 7, and he made a very morally strong public statement condemning Hamas, with no qualifications, from the very beginning. This is not to say that he has not been supportive of increasing humanitarian aide to Gaza, or in reaching out to his Moslem students and making sure that they also feel safe. But his strong moral stand from the beginning has enabled him to navigate these trying times for any leader.

Indeed, leadership must always flow from strong ideological positions, and I hope that I can meet that test also.

Unfortunately, some of you may be aware that a small number of our faculty members signed a petition that, frankly, aligns more with propaganda of the worst kind that we have seen on some Ivy League campuses, than with the principles of academic integrity and freedom of speech we hold dear. This petition unfairly maligns Israel and our IDF soldiers, distorting the reality of a nation defending its existence against a ruthless adversary.

To be unequivocal:

I denounce the actions of those faculty members who, by signing this petition, have tarnished the reputation of BGU and our community.
I reject their portrayal of Israel's defensive actions as genocide, an accusation that is as baseless as it is offensive.
I am appalled by their unfounded accusations of the unthinkable against IDF soldiers, our students, staff, and faculty, who have shown nothing but bravery and sacrifice.

Freedom of expression and critical thinking are pillars of democracy and academia, but they too have limitations. They are not shields for spreading falsehoods or for undermining the cohesion of our university community.

As I wrote several months ago in the Times of Israel, "freedom of speech does not absolve a university president from the responsibility of condemning harmful discourse." I assure you that I will do my best to ensure that we at BGU will continue to embody ethical and academic integrity, set a clear example for students, and teach them to delineate the boundaries between constructive discourse and destructive propaganda.

Despite the rumblings of war, I pray for a quiet shabbat, the immediate return of Noa Argamani and all the hostages, and the safety of our soldiers.

Shabbat Shalom,

Danny

22.3.24

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim, 22 March

Dear Friends,

This week marked a significant shift from my previous message. We had the privilege of welcoming delegations from Stanford, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale to our campus. These visits were more than academic exchanges; they were powerful statements of solidarity. It was important for these academics to affirm their support for Israel and the desire to maintain collaborations with Israeli academics, even in these difficult times.

I spoke with them about the challenges Ben-Gurion University has faced starting at 6:30 AM on October 7. I also recognized the difficulties they encounter on their campuses. The narrative shift from the massacres and hostages to the war in Gaza poses its own set of challenges, which we both need to address. You can find excerpts from my speech here: LinkedIn Post.

Additionally, I had a lovely dinner with President Ron Liebowitz of Brandeis and his wife Jessica. President Liebowitz's visit to Israel was aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of our challenges, so as to enable him more effectively communicate our situation to fellow university presidents at the American Association of Universities upcoming annual meeting.

These interactions remind us that, despite the anti-Israel sentiment, we are bolstered by staunch supporters within academia and beyond, including all of you.

I urge you to join us at the upcoming annual Board of Governors meeting. This year, more than ever, it's vital that we come together in the Negev to show our unwavering support for our students, faculty, and staff. The program we've prepared is a testament to our resilience and achievements, featuring memorials and celebrations alike. At our Honorary Doctorate ceremony, we will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to society and academia, as well as our three affiliated hospitals – Soroka, Barzilai, and Assuta Ashdod – whose critical roles on October 7 and throughout the war have been nothing short of heroic.

For program details and registration, please visit: Program Details. Should you have any questions or need assistance with registration, don't hesitate to contact Aviva Barach at avivabr@bgu.ac.il.

Rest assured, your safety is our utmost priority. We're committed to providing a secure and enriching experience, and I'm confident you'll be pleasantly surprised by the semblance of normalcy here.

Looking forward to welcoming you to the Negev in May.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim!

Danny

16.3.24

Update from BGU President, March 16

Dear Friends,

The past few weeks have further revealed the complexities facing our global Jewish community. Your warm responses to my observations on the challenges in the Diaspora have been a source of strength. Today's message looks at the flip side and touches upon a concerning trend affecting Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and our broader mission.

Since October 7, we've navigated the resurgence of anti-Semitism particularly evident on numerous American campuses. This issue now has been compounded by the global media's focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accusations against Israel, fueling a rise in calls for boycotting Israeli academia.

A case in point, but not an isolated one, is Utrecht University in Holland, which has called for a boycott against BGU, especially targeting our collaboration with the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. Their claims, taken from a public petition signed by hundreds of academics, include:

Ben-Gurion University plays a foundational role in the Israeli occupation of Palestine and violations of Palestinians' rights.
Ben-Gurion University has actively contributed to denying educational opportunities to the Bedouin Palestinian community.
Ben-Gurion University maintains institutional ties and collaborations with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and its military, and prominent Israeli weapon companies.
Ben-Gurion University collaborated with the state of Israel to relocate military bases to the Beer Sheba metropolis, encouraging thousands of career soldiers and their families to enroll in specialized degree programs.
Ben-Gurion University established the Gav-Yam Negev advanced technologies park….[that] houses military industries and is anticipated to become Israel's primary research and development center. This park offers veterans prestigious employment opportunities and encourages soldiers to remain in Beer Sheba following their military service.
In recent years, the university's involvement with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has only increased. Following the inauguration of the first building of the IDF Technology Campus in 2019, the University President remarked “I am looking forward to watching the rest of the army's tech campus grow, and of course to overseeing BGU's collaboration with the military as the units themselves move south."
In the President's 2023 report, he stated "Central to the University's strategy for growth is strengthening our connections with key IDF ... technology units – in intelligence, communications and cybersecurity. Over a decade of planning and collaboration are finally paying off, as the first of several IDF schools and specialized units have relocated to the University's Advanced Technologies Park and the surrounding areas."

They conclude with: "In light of the outlined above, we call for the suspension of the collaboration between Ben-Gurion University and the Faculty of Geoscience at Utrecht University and the closure of the three academic positions at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development."

While perhaps I should be complemented that these petitioners read my presidential reports and my posts, these snippets from a much longer document are more than just troubling. These accusations, while distressingly misrepresentative, illuminate the BDS movement's core agenda: to challenge the legitimacy of Israel as a sovereign state. As these narratives gain traction, defending the integrity of BGU becomes increasingly challenging.

Our approach has been proactive; our Rector Chaim Hames has extended invitations to critics for a firsthand look at BGU's dedication to diversity and progress. Yet, the notion that BDS could paint our university—a beacon of innovation and inclusivity—as a pariah is deeply unsettling. Now, more than ever, your support is indispensable.

Amid these trials, we must remember that not all is negative, and we continue to forge ahead with international academic connections. We're honored to award President Michael Crowe of Arizona State University an honorary doctorate soon. Additionally, Prof. Michal Bar Asher Segal, VP of Global Engagement and I will lead a delegation to the US in April to reinforce our commitment to academic collaboration and progress. I was assured, that as opposed to the fiasco of my visit to Columbia this past December, at these meetings I will also meet with the host presidents.

As we work our way through these troubling, confusing, dangerous times, let us remember that our hearts remain with Noa Argamani, the other hostages, and our brave soldiers. Their safety and return are important above all.

In solidarity and Shabbat Shalom,

Danny Chamovitz

2.3.24

Update from BGU President, March 2

Dear Friends,

As Shabbat draws near, my thoughts increasingly turn towards you, especially those of you in the Diaspora, navigating these deeply troubling and complex times. Our collective focus initially gravitated towards the immediate victims and survivors of the October 7 massacres, the kidnapped, and the brave soldiers summoned to battle. Your concern, I know, has been with us at the university as we strive to maintain a semblance of academic continuity under these extraordinary circumstances. The empathy and concern you've shown for our community, our students, and our families have been profoundly felt and deeply appreciated.

Yet, I am acutely conscious of the turmoil you've been facing abroad. The foundational beliefs many took for granted have been shaken, friendships have been strained or severed post-October 7, and a palpable sense of fear for Jews and Israelis worldwide has been compounded by a feeling of abandonment by those you once considered allies. In my discussions with many of you, a tangible sense of anger has been evident.

The progression of the war has not made things easier. I acknowledge that consuming international news coverage, with its focus on the growing death toll in Gaza, reports on civilian suffering, and the humanitarian crisis, can challenge even the staunchest supporters of Israel. This shift in narrative can lead to tough questions and concerns about the actions being taken. I've sensed this in recent conversations and observed it within my own discussions with my extended American family, where concern for our safety has gradually evolved for some into questioning Israel's military responses.

Let me be clear: I understand these criticisms and the internal conflict they may evoke. Should you find yourselves wrestling with these issues or simply seeking a reminder of why we fight, please know that we are here for you just as you have been for us. The title of one of the last "Band of Brothers" episodes, "Why We Fight," comes to mind. In this episode, the true horror of Nazi atrocities was exposed as the marines liberate a concentration camp, rekindling their resolve. While the outcome of war is ultimately some political agreement, until then, it's crucial we remember not only why we fight but what we are fighting for. Not only "why" and "for what" we fight, but also "why and for what" do we live. What are trying to accomplish?

The best way to deeply explore these questions, will be for all of us to come together, at Ben Gurion University in May, for our Annual Board of Governors meeting. It will be a time for us to come together as a global community, to mourn our losses, and to celebrate our achievements. David Ben-Gurion's words echo strongly within me: "If we will not make a stand in the Negev, we will not stand in Tel Aviv." Let's stand together in the Negev this May. I promise it will be a gathering you won't regret.

Shabbat Shalom,

Danny Chamovitz

17.2.24

Update from BGU President, February 17

Dear Friends,

As we adapt to a new reality of daily life amidst the war and the ongoing hostage crisis, I want to share again two distinctly contrasting emotions.

Firstly, I'm happy to report that the campus atmosphere is again vibrantly "BGU" – albeit with a new normal. The resilience and optimism of our students are evident everywhere. The Zlotowski Student Center buzzes with activity, with students studying in small groups, playing ping-pong or piano, or having a drink and a bite to eat, with the only change being the ever-present memorial for our murdered and fallen. Notably, students carrying M-16s, still in reserve duty, seamlessly blend into this tapestry, attending classes whenever they can. Their majority vote to hold the annual Purim Party is a positive sign of their resilience.

However, on the flip side, I often find myself resonating with Peter Finch's character, Howard Beale, from the iconic film "Network." Like Beale, who famously vented his frustrations in his "I'm mad as Hell" speech (watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGIY5Vyj4YM ), I too am experiencing a deep-seated anger. This frustration stems from our government's failure to provide adequate resources for higher education, necessary to ensure our reservist-students successfully complete their academic year. Moreover, proposed legislation to lengthen army service and increase reserve duty while perpetuating existing inequalities in national service adds to this frustration.

Our students, rightfully upset, demonstrated on campus on Wednesday for additional support and accommodations – a move I wholeheartedly support. At BGU, we've made significant efforts to assist our reservists, including duplicating over 150 courses. Yet, our aim to duplicate all required courses, offering 1st semester classes during 2nd semester, and 2nd semester classes over the summer, so that reservists who missed classes, can take them this year, is hindered by insufficient funding from the government, which hasn't responded to our requests, while coalition funds are being freely distributed.

This situation has led me to echo Beale's sentiment: "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take this anymore!" It's important to clarify that this issue transcends political lines – supporting our reservists should be a national priority. The government's reluctance to adequately fund and address the disparities in national service demands our collective action.

While we channel this anger into constructive action, I am immensely proud of the BGU community's historic response to our emergency campaign. Your unwavering support has been crucial in providing necessary solutions for our reservists, and indeed for all our students and staff. Once we get the needed governmental funding, together with our collective efforts, I am confident we can ensure that no reservist student is left behind.

Thank you for standing with us during these challenging times.

Wishing you a restful Shabbat,

Danny Chamovitz

P.S. While this may be a bit overboard for a university president, in a moment of frustration, I took the liberty of adapting Beale's monologue as I'd like to give it today. Enjoy (Try reading it in cadence of original movie)

“I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a war. So many hostages still in Gaza. Everybody's in the reserves or relocated from their homes. Ten shekels buy what five used to. Small businesses are closing. Interest rates are up. Many politicians continue as if nothing's changed. And the government is playing petty politics as if things have never been better. The most important thing – to stay in power. So what if we lengthen army duty? Increase the amount of miluim? As long as everyone's watching TVs while some local newscaster tells us that today our ministers are robbing the bank, and eating popcorn, as if that's the way it's supposed to be.

We know things are bad – worse than bad. They're crazy. It's like everything everywhere is going crazy, but we still can't give up. We thought we could provide answers for all our reservists, we were told the government would give us resources to double our classes, to provide the solutions those coming back from battle so dearly need. We sit in the campus, and slowly the world we are living in is getting more and more unfair.

Well, I'm not gonna leave you alone. I want you to get MAD! I don't want you to be passive. I don't want you to riot – I don't want you to write to the Knesset, because I wouldn't know what to tell you to write. I don't know what to do about the war and the Hizballah and the Iranians and the Houtis. All I know is that first you've got to get mad. (shouting) You've got to say: 'I'm a reservist, l'azazel! My life has value!'

So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, and yell: 'I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take this anymore!"

30.1.24

Update from BGU President, January 30

Dear Friends,

Last week I spent 48 hours with our Global Development Committee, including representatives from nine countries, as guests of the Jewish Community in Monaco. The contrast between Monaco, Israel, and the rest of the world could not be more evident. The armed forces of Monaco includes 234 officers and soldiers, with 10% being in the military band! Monaco boasts the largest number of Jewish citizens relative to the general population. And the Jewish community does not suffer from antisemitism or anti-Zionist activity.

Our time with the local community included two fabulous talks – one by Prof Sharon Pardo on anti-semitism in Europe in the wake of October 7, and one by Prof Yoni Mendel on Gaza, which he called “Israel's Blind Spot".

It was a great way for us to introduce ourselves to this important and influential community.

The second day was spent on a deep dive into our global campaign for the future of the university. VP for Resource Development Jeff Kaye and Director General Tal Ben Haim updated on the incredible results of the Emergency Response Campaign. All funds raised were immediately utilized for pressing needs. This report will soon be available to all on line.

In my address, titled "BGU in Leading the Rebuilding of the Negev," I reflected on the transformative journey of Ben-Gurion University since I became President in 2019. I spoke about the strategic vision that Rector Chaim Haimes and I developed, which focused on elevating our academic and research standards and outputs to significantly influence the Negev region. I proudly shared that BGU has become the most sought-after university in Israel, distinguished by our high student retention and selective acceptance rates. The ethos of our university strongly aligns with David Ben-Gurion's vision, making us a central force in the development of the Negev.

I also discussed how BGU embodies the concept of a "fifth wave university," integrating education, research, community involvement, and economic development. Our achievements, such as establishing national research centers, highlight our commitment to innovation and societal impact. Looking ahead, I emphasized the importance of merging our academic pursuits with outreach initiatives to further the development of the Negev. My speech underscored BGU's vital role post October 7 in the comprehensive redevelopment plan for the region, leveraging our diverse expertise. Concluding, I called for spreading a message of hope and progress, expressing our shared belief in BGU's pivotal role in constructing a new and dynamic future for Israel.

I've pasted the full transcript below.

These 48 hours were immensely important for developing the roadmap that will guide us going forward. But they were also a strange separation from our somber routine in Israel. Several hours after landing back in Israel, I found myself consoling the families of two of our fallen soldiers. I'm praying that these are the last.

Yours,

Danny

Speech given to the Global Development Committee, January 26, 2024

BGU in leading the rebuilding of the Negev

Let's go back five years to January 1st, 2019. I began my tenure as President, and six months prior, Chaim commenced his tenure as Rector. It is astounding to reflect on our journey over these five years. Together, as President and Rector, we crafted a strategic vision for the university, which we unveiled four years ago to the Board of Governors. Our goal was to intensify our commitment to academic and research excellence, believing that by enhancing our research output and reputation, we would significantly impact the Negev.

When planning this meeting, which took place before October 7th, our intention was not only to share the success of our strategy but also to demonstrate how it influenced the university and led to increased government funding for research in areas we scarcely imagined possible five years ago. This accomplishment reaffirmed our belief that with a clear strategy, shared priorities, and collective commitment, we can achieve remarkable outcomes across all fronts - administrative, academic, student, and supporter communities - all converging towards a unified goal.

I wish to share a compelling statistic, courtesy of Tal a few days ago, which even I was unaware of. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is now the most sought-after university in Israel. Not Technion, Hebrew University, nor Tel Aviv University, but ours. We boast the highest retention rate, with 90% of accepted students choosing to study here. Conversely, we also have the lowest acceptance rate; only 53% of applicants are admitted, compared to an upwards of 75% at other institutions. This exclusivity is a testament to our reputation and our position as the first choice for students across Israel - a point of immense pride for us all.

Reflecting on my five-year tenure, it's been a remarkable journey. We've embraced David Ben-Gurion's vision that the future of Israel will emerge from the Negev, a belief deeply ingrained in our university's ethos. This is exemplified by Ben-Gurion University being the driving force behind this regional development.

I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the Constitution of Ben-Gurion University, available on our website in both English and Hebrew. It outlines our objectives: to be a beacon of science, education, and culture in Israel, especially in the Negev; to foster education, teaching, and research in all knowledge domains; and to contribute to the spiritual, cultural, societal, and economic development of Israel. Toni's remarkable donation, aimed at enhancing BGU's humanities, aligns perfectly with these objectives.

Over the past three months, I've often spoken about being both “strong and Broken". This duality is especially important moving forward from October 7th. We do not have to choose a “this OR that", but rather embrace a “this AND that" strategy. It has become clear that we must continue to emphasize both world-class research and academics on the one hand, and our role to advance the Negev and ensure Israel's future. on the other hand. These goals are not mutually exclusive but are complementary and form the core of our university's strength. If we embrace the two, the sky is the limit!

Consider our achievements: the National Autism Research Center, the National Cybersecurity Center, and soon, the National Sports Center - all based in the Negev and contributing globally. We are a "fifth wave university," a concept introduced by President Michael Crowe of Arizona State University, who will soon receive an honorary doctorate from us. This concept integrates education, research, community involvement, and economic development, emphasizing the strength found in this integration.

From my apartment porch, one can witness the future of Israel unfolding, and our future as a 5th wave university. Just picture this starting from the view to the east to west: The IDF's new computing base, soon to house 7000 soldiers, many of who will study at BGU; our advanced technologies park with over 3000 engineers, the vast majority who are BGU graduates; the DNA bridge leading to Soroka University Medical Center and the Marcus Family Campus, the NIBN Building with is beautiful night illumination, all symbols of progress and potential. And then continuing west and north, our North campus, with its ongoing construction, you can see the cranes of the Helmsley computer science building going up, of the Drahi innovation and classroom building going up. You see the dormitories for 1400 students. What you see is that where once were camels, the future is being built. The transformation from desert to a hub of innovation and learning.

Our challenge now is to find new ways of integrating the “this AND that" in every Faculty, and in every department. That all academic units not only do world class academics, but also outreach for the Negev, To maybe having clinics in all fields, working with the community, as we have done already for over 50 years in our Medical School.

Next week, our Director General and team will meet with the T'Kuma Authority responsible for the Negev's redevelopment, a project backed by hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from Jewish Federations around the world, and an 80-billion-shekel commitment from the Israeli Government. This is not just about building homes in Beri or Nir Oz; it's about a holistic approach to developing the Negev. And this approach must radiate from Beersheva, leveraging BGU's expertise in various fields.

What is needed is a change in the way that we look at the Negev. Government after government has given lip service to the importance of the Negev but done little. The expertise that are needed to build the Negev that we dream of, is in Ben-Gurion University. If we take our expertise, leverage our excellence, engage our students, and then apply this to city planning, to modern agriculture, apply this to tourism, apply for employment, for high tech throughout the Negev, in short, to contribute the expertise of BGU to a master plan, my God! Think of what are we doing for the future of Israel!? Just imagine that!

Every day since October 7th, I arrive on campus with a renewed sense of mission and privilege. Our work at BGU, our impact on Be'er Sheva and the Negev, and our commitment to building a new Israel are more than slogans; they are our reality and our responsibility.

Let's spread this positive message, this 'virus' of hope and progress, to all our friends and beyond. I have no doubt that by doing so, we will achieve our development goals, not out of egotism of erecting edifices, but to create spaces where the magic of a new Israel can unfold.

Thank you very much.