Philanthropist John Paulson Donates $250 Million to Hebrew University

Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba

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Hebrew · 12 newsrooms covering

Philanthropist John Paulson has announced a historic $250 million donation to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the largest ever for the institution. The funds will establish a new engineering faculty, expand medical research, and support trauma studies. This gift brings the total Paulson family contribution to nearly $300 million, and the university's historic campus will be named in his and his wife's honor. The donation aims to bolster Israel's scientific and technological leadership.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Philanthropist John Paulson donated $250 million to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The donation is the largest ever received by the university.
Funds will establish a new engineering faculty and expand medical and trauma research.
The historic Mount Scopus campus will be renamed the Alina and John Paulson Campus.
The Paulson family's total contribution to the university now exceeds $296 million.

Philanthropist John Paulson Donates $250 Million to Hebrew University — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

American philanthropist and investor John Paulson announced a historic donation of $250 million to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Saturday. The contribution, the largest ever received by the university, will support key strategic goals including the establishment of a new engineering faculty, expansion in medicine and biomedical fields, and advancing research and treatment for trauma and post-trauma.

This significant gift builds upon previous support from the Paulson Family Foundation for the university's engineering and computer science infrastructure, including buildings named after him. The foundation had previously donated $46 million, bringing the total family investment to approximately $296 million. In recognition of this latest donation, the university's historic campus will be named the "Alina and John Paulson Campus, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem."

Paulson, founder and chairman of the Paulson Family Foundation, expressed admiration for Israel's scientific and technological achievements despite its small population, highlighting the Hebrew University's role in educating generations of students since its founding in 1925, based on Albert Einstein's vision. He noted the university's exceptional faculty, students, and alumni contribute to its high research output.

Professor Tamir Shapira, President of the Hebrew University, stated that the donation will enhance the university's ability to recruit top faculty, support outstanding students, equip laboratories with cutting-edge technology, and transform bold ideas into life-changing breakthroughs. He described the gift as a profound expression of confidence in Israel's human capital and a partnership in building a shared future.

The funds will be crucial for launching the new engineering faculty, fostering innovation by connecting engineering, computer science, medicine, and life sciences. A substantial portion will also advance medical research and education, supporting an AI-based medical training model and strengthening research infrastructure to position the university as a leader in shaping the future of medicine. The donation will also fund trauma and post-trauma rehabilitation research and establish a new think tank to bridge academic expertise with urgent public needs.