John Paulson Donates $250 Million to Hebrew University, Largest Gift Ever

American philanthropist and investor John Paulson announced on Saturday, October 17, a $250 million donation to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This marks the largest donation in the institution's history. The funds are designated for key strategic objectives, including research and treatment, the establishment of a new engineering faculty, expansion of medical and biomedical work, and the study of psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. In recognition of the gift, the university's historic Mount Scopus campus will be named the "Eileen and John Paulson Campus, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem." Paulson, founder and chairman of the Paulson Family Foundation, stated that Israel, despite its small population, has "amazed the world with its scientific and technological achievements." He added that the Hebrew University, as the country's leading institution, has provided high-level education for generations. Founded in 1925 based on Albert Einstein's vision, the university was established on the belief that education, particularly scientific, would be the foundation of modern society. Since its inception, the university has registered over 10,750 patents and received numerous international awards, including ten Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Paulson believes this donation will equip the university with the resources to meet future demand for higher education. Hebrew University President Professor Tamir Sheafer remarked that the university's founding on Mount Scopus over 100 years ago was driven by the idea of building a future through knowledge and discovery in a place known for destruction. He described Paulson's donation as reflecting "deep philanthropic leadership" and a "beacon" for global Jewish communities, highlighting the importance of investing in Israel's academic and scientific infrastructure. Sheafer confirmed that a significant portion of the donation will fund the new engineering faculty and advance medical and biomedical research. Funds will also support trauma recovery and PTSD research, as well as establish a new think tank focused on public and community impact, aiming to connect university expertise with pressing societal needs in Israel and abroad. This donation builds upon previous contributions from the Paulson Family Foundation to the university's engineering and computer science infrastructure, including the Paulson and Bar-El Building for Computer Science and Engineering and the John Paulson Building for Electrical Engineering.