John Paulson Gives Hebrew University a Record $250 Million
The gift, announced at the university's board gala, will fund a new engineering faculty, biomedical research and trauma-recovery studies.
American investor and philanthropist John Paulson has pledged $250 million to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the largest donation in the university's 101-year history. The gift was announced on 17 October 2026 at the university's annual board of governors gala.
Where the money goes
The university lists four priorities:
- A new Faculty of Engineering, bringing engineering and computer science closer to medicine and the life sciences.
- Expanded medical and biomedical programs.
- Research on trauma and post-trauma recovery.
- A new think tank linking faculty expertise to public needs in Israel and abroad.
The Mount Scopus campus will be renamed the Alina and John Paulson Campus. Reports so far do not say how the $250 million will be split between the priorities or over what period it will be spent.
Quotes
"If there was ever a time to step up and support the country and its institutions, this would be it," Paulson said.
University president Tamir Sheafer called the support an "inspiring beacon" for the global Jewish community.
Context
Paulson's earlier gifts to the university total about $46 million, including $27 million in 2023 and $19 million earlier this year, which brings his lifetime giving to nearly $300 million. His earlier gifts helped fund engineering and computer science buildings. Paulson has said the gift is also meant as a show of international solidarity with Israel. Hebrew University opened in 1925 and counts more than 10,000 patents among its research output, according to the university.
