Established in 1969 as a vehicle for the social, economic and scientific transformation of the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is a world-renowned institute of research and higher learning with 18,000 students at its campuses in Beer Sheva, Sde Boqer and Eilat in Israel’s southern desert. BGU is a university with a conscience, where the highest academic and scientific standards are integrated with community involvement, and where the pioneering spirit of discovery flourishes, fulfilling the dream of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, to make the desert bloom.
BGU has pioneered research in desert science and green technology, and since its inception has been committed to understanding and sustaining the environment, long before it became fashionable. University researchers are on the frontline of the battle against global warming, desertification and water resource management, and BGU is a world leader in health and medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology, international business and more.
The university’s strong community outreach to the region’s diverse population, including underprivileged Jewish Ethiopian, European and Asian immigrants, is closely associated with the Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer Department of Social Work, named in honor of its Seattle benefactors.
Founded in 1972, AABGU is a partner in the University’s mission to develop the Negev and build a leading research and academic institution in the desert. A nonprofit organization with its national headquarters in New York City and regional offices throughout the United States, the Northwest region plays a vital role in helping BGU fulfill its unique responsibility to develop the bold new vision for the Negev, the focus of the future of Israel and the world.