If a society's education is a reflection of its future, then Israel's is bleak

For nearly three years, Israel has been immersed in an ongoing state of crisis, with the Israel-Hamas War, hostages, and the looming threats of Iran and its proxies dominating the national focus. In response to these urgent challenges, donors and institutions have rallied with speed, generosity, and determination, supporting emergency relief, trauma care, rehabilitation, and countless other efforts.

However, prolonged emergencies can narrow our perspective, making it challenging to think beyond immediate concerns. As such, it is crucial to consider what we are building and the investments that will shape Israel's future.

Throughout history, Jewish communities have turned to education as a means of rebuilding and strengthening their societies following periods of destruction and upheaval. This lesson remains relevant today. In the 21st century, education must be intertwined with research, deep science, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Israel's future advancements in fields such as medicine, artificial intelligence, food security, cybersecurity, and climate resilience will result from the cultivation of exceptional talent through years of education, research, and discovery.

Israel has consistently ranked among the world's leading innovation economies, driven by high investment in research and development, a robust concentration of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and collaboration between universities and industry. These achievements are the result of decades of investment in human capital, including universities, researchers, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

However, Israel's universities now face the risk of being asked to shoulder more responsibilities as public resources are stretched thin due to the ongoing crises. The institutions responsible for Israel's future strength must be supported and nurtured to ensure continued success.

Israel's universities have never relied solely on government funding. Their ability to conduct ambitious research, attract and retain exceptional faculty, build world-class laboratories, support students, and compete with the best institutions globally depends on a broader partnership. Philanthropy plays an essential role in this partnership, as universities cultivate scientists, physicians, entrepreneurs, jurists, educators, and citizens who contribute to Israel's resilience as a Jewish and democratic state.

In addition, they serve as essential institutions where rigorous inquiry, open debate, and civic responsibility are fostered, strengthening the foundation of a liberal democracy.

In Israel, universities embody the diverse fabric of Israeli society, with students representing various religious and ethnic backgrounds, including religious and secular Jews, Arab students from east Jerusalem, haredim (ultra-Orthodox), new immigrants, and students from all corners of the country. This environment challenges assumptions, rewards curiosity, and prepares students to lead in a complex society.

The Hebrew University, in particular, has demonstrated the impact of sustained investment in people. Founded before the State of Israel itself, the institution has contributed to shaping the country's intellectual foundations, produced 10 Nobel laureates, pioneered groundbreaking discoveries in various fields, and educated generations of leaders in various sectors.