American billionaire and philanthropist John Paulson has donated $250 million to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, marking the largest contribution in the institution’s history.
According to a report by Calcalist, Paulson announced the donation during the university’s Board of Governors gala on Saturday evening.
The funds will support the establishment of a new Faculty of Engineering, strengthen medical and biomedical research, and expand research and treatment programmes for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
As part of the recognition for the donation, the university’s historic Mount Scopus campus in Jerusalem will be renamed the Alina and John Paulson Campus, Mount Scopus.
The contribution builds on Paulson’s previous financial support for the university’s computer science and electrical engineering programmes.
The university’s president, Prof. Tamir Sheafer, said the donation would improve the institution’s capacity to attract leading academics, support outstanding students and equip laboratories with advanced technology.
He added that the funding would help researchers turn innovative ideas into breakthroughs capable of improving lives, describing the gesture as a significant demonstration of confidence in Israel’s human capital.
Paulson, who founded the hedge fund bearing his name, has a history of supporting higher education. About a decade ago, he donated approximately $400 million to Harvard University, a contribution that remains the largest in the institution’s history.
Explaining his decision to direct more of his philanthropic activities towards Jewish causes and Israel, Paulson said the country’s current challenges influenced his choice.
He cited growing anti-Israel sentiment and rising antisemitism globally, adding that supporting the country’s leading university was an effective way to demonstrate his commitment to Israel.