Ben-Gurion University Canada

10/23/2026

That’s a wrap on the 56th Board of Governors Gathering! 🇨🇦🇮🇱

Our 30-member Canadian delegation closed the week in Beer-Sheva with the launch of the Young Family School for the Human Experience, a conversation with Tamar Zandberg, and a night under the stars with Balkan Beat Box and BGU students.

A special moment: Montreal’s Gail Palevski and Jeff Kaye led the donor recognition ceremony honouring this year’s inscribed donors. Pictured: Elliot Kohn beside his name on the BGU Legacy Wall. 💛

Thank you, Ben-Gurion University, for an unforgettable week. Until next year!

10/22/2026

Relive the 56th Board of Governors Gathering at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev 🇨🇦🇮🇱

Five days of groundbreaking research, inspiring students, meaningful tributes and unforgettable moments, from Sde Boker to Beer-Sheva. Our Canadian delegation was proud to be part of it.

Watch the full recap: youtube.com/watch?v=3UIBO1WhX4U&list=PLYoDM-Ov0aNs&index=3

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev56th Board of Governors Meeting

10/20/2026

At a time when Jewish Canadians feel the weight of the world’s noise, Day 3 of the BGU Board of Governors began with a sunrise ride through the Negev, a reminder of exactly where our roots are and why we stand so firmly behind them.

From Toronto to the Zin Valley, the bond between Canada’s Jewish community and Israel isn’t distant; it’s lived, ridden, and shared. 🇨🇦🇮🇱🚴‍♀️

10/20/2026

The first full day of BGU’s 2026 Board of Governors gathering brought together university leadership, supporters, students, and guests to celebrate the University’s achievements and explore its role in shaping Israel’s future.

The day opened with the dedication of the Ernest Scheller, Jr. Gate of Innovation, symbolizing BGU’s continued growth and commitment to innovation.

President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz addressed the opening plenary, followed by a moving conversation with released hostage and author Eli Sharabi. Lunch and campus tours offered opportunities to engage directly with the next generation of BGU students and experience their innovative work firsthand. The afternoon’s BGU Radio event, "Rise of the Machines", explored artificial intelligence and the future it is shaping, featuring honorary doctorate recipient Prof. Regina Barzilay.

The day concluded with "One Night in the Kibbutz" at Kibbutz Revivim, celebrating the pioneering spirit, heritage, and communal values that continue to inspire BGU.

Throughout the day, a central message emerged: BGU’s roots, resilience, and enduring commitment to the Negev provide the foundation for its future impact on Israel and the world.

10/18/2026

The 56th global gathering of BGU is particularly meaningful this year after the scheduled May meetings were postponed due to the Iranian missile attacks. Amazingly, this is BGU’s largest ever gathering and we are proud to have over 30 Canadian participants from across the country. Some are veteran BGUers and others are here for the first time. We are united in our Zionism and collective belief that Israel’s future lies in the Negev. Tonight, the meetings officially opened with a delicious dinner under the stars at the Sylvan Adams Sde Boker Campus. Sitting outside in the Negev with BGU’s global community, the future is bright, and it is limitless.
Andrea Freedman David Berson Simon Bensimon Shimmy Wenner

10/16/2026

Today, on the 140th anniversary of David Ben-Gurion’s birth, we honour Israel’s founding Prime Minister, whose vision helped turn the dream of a Jewish homeland into reality.

His belief in the Negev as Israel’s future lives on through Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, where education, research, and innovation continue to shape Israel and the world.

💙 Help carry his vision forward. Make a gift today to support student scholarships at BGU and empower the next generation of leaders and
innovators.

🔗 Donate today: https://bengurion.ca/general-donations

10/15/2026

Three colleagues, three different flights, one destination! 🇮🇱💙

BGU Canada CEO Andrea Freedman and Regional Executive Directors Simon Bensimon and David Berson reunite at Ben-Gurion Airport on their way to BGU’s 56th Board of Governors!

10/15/2026

Next stop: ISRAEL! 🇮🇱✈️

David Berson our Executive Director for BC & Alberta, is on his way from Vancouver to Israel for Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s Board of Governors meetings!

From Canada to the Negev, we're excited to reconnect, celebrate BGU's achievements, and

experience the incredible innovation happening on campus.

Lehitraot! See you at BGU!