Scholarships Awarded to Ben-Gurion University Students from Gaza Border Communities

In a remarkable show of support, the Russian Jewish Congress and the Center for Jewish Impact recently awarded scholarships totaling NIS 430,000 to Ben-Gurion University students residing in Gaza border communities.

Some of these students were directly affected by the events of October 7, and like other residents of the communities and cities near Gaza that were attacked, they continue to face significant challenges in their daily lives and studies. Alona Kushnir, responsible for Russian-speaking donor relations at Ben-Gurion University, spearheaded an initiative to alleviate some of their hardships. in coordination with Jeff Kaye, Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development.

Funding for the scholarships was raised thanks to the dedicated efforts of Yuri Kanner, President of the Russian Jewish Congress and Vice President of the World Jewish Congress, and Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact.

"We've raised over 400,000 shekels for our students living within 7 kilometers of the Gaza border fence who were affected by the October 7 attacks," Alona Kushnir explains. "Each of them has a deeply personal and poignant story. We hope these scholarships will help them better navigate the complex challenges that still lie ahead."

A ceremony honoring the donors and students was held on June 18 at Ben-Gurion University, attended by University Rector Prof. Chaim Hames, Dean of Students Prof. Orna Almog, donor representatives, and other invited guests.