American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion’s vision, creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University’s expertise locally and around the globe.
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 some 20,000 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.
A world leader in sustainable development, BGU has been working for a greener world for more than 40 years. The university is leading projects in solar and alternative energy, water and desert studies, global medicine, Israel studies, nano and biotechnologies, and more.
BGU’s strong community outreach to the region’s diverse population, including underprivileged Jewish Ethiopian, European and former Soviet Union 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.