Hebrew University receives record $250 million donation from philanthropist John Paulson

Billionaire John Paulson’s gift will fund a new Faculty of Engineering, expand medical research, and support trauma treatment.

American philanthropist and investor John Paulson announced a historic $250 million donation to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at the university’s Board of Governors gala on Saturday evening, marking the largest gift in the institution’s history, the Calcalist reported.

The donation will fund the establishment of a new Faculty of Engineering, expand activities in medicine and biomedicine, and advance research and treatment related to trauma and post-traumatic stress.

In recognition of the gift, the university’s historic Mount Scopus campus will be renamed the Alina and John Paulson Campus, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem.

The contribution follows Paulson’s previous support for the university’s computer science and electrical engineering programs.

Paulson’s donation a 'profound expression of confidence in Israel’s human capital'

“This donation bolsters our ability to recruit world-class faculty, support outstanding students, equip laboratories with cutting-edge technology, and transform bold ideas into life-changing breakthroughs,” said Prof. Tamir Sheafer, president of the Hebrew University.

“This is far more than a historic act of philanthropy. It is a profound expression of confidence in Israel’s human capital.”

Paulson, founder of the hedge fund that bears his name, is known for his philanthropic support of higher education, including a gift of roughly $400 million to Harvard University about a decade ago, which remains the largest donation in the institution’s history.

“I made the choice to shift my philanthropy toward Jewish causes in general, and toward Israel in particular,” he told the Calcalist.

“Israel is currently facing numerous challenges. There is anti-Israel sentiment and a global rise in antisemitism. I decided it was crucial to demonstrate support for Israel, and a fantastic way to do so is by supporting Israel’s leading university.”