Temple Israel & Americans for Ben-Gurion University are pleased to present: Remarkable Resilience

Since Ben-Gurion University (BGU) was established, it has been an anchor institution of the Negev and engine for growth in the desert region. On October 7th, BGU, just twenty-five miles from Gaza, was directly and disproportionally affected by Hamas’ terror attacks. Despite the challenges, the BGU community prevails.

In partnership with Americans for Ben-Gurion University, join us for stories of remarkable resilience in the aftermath of October 7th. Hear from Alon Jacobs, an IDF reservist and engineering student who recently returned from combat in Gaza. Former Detroit Shaliach and BGU Vice President for Public Affairs and Resource Development, Jeff Kaye, will share how BGU continues to stand on the front lines with its surrounding community to grieve, heal, and lead critical recovery efforts for Israel.

Advance registration required by June 17th. Questions? Please connect with Helene at hdeutch@temple-israel.org.

RSVP HERE

Supported by The Miriam z”l and Dr. Isaac Barr Israel Education Fund

Alon Jacobs, wounded student-reservist

Alon Jacobs was called up for duty on the morning of October 7th to help secure the kibbutzim that were attacked by Hamas. 

A 25-year-old Hod Hasharon resident, Alon is in his second year studying Industrial Engineering and Management at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Alon served in the IDF Special Forces Egoz Unit for three years between 2016 and 2019 and has served in the reserves for the last four years. He was called up for active duty on the morning of October 7th and spent several days helping to secure the Kibbutzim that were attacked by Hamas. Alon subsequently completed five cycles in Gaza before sustaining injuries. Despite his challenges, he has since resumed his studies at BGU.

Jeff Kaye, Vice-President for Public Affairs and Resource Development

Jeff made aliyah from his native Scotland in 1981 and has since established himself a leader of Israel's nonprofit sector. During the past 25 years, his work focused on securing significant philanthropic contributions, building partnerships, and conducting successful negotiations with Israeli government ministries of finance, defense, housing, education, the Prime Minister's Office, the IDF and others. 

For more than a decade, he served as Director General for Resource Development & Public Affairs at the Jewish Agency for Israel. Before joining Ben-Gurion University, he served as Executive Vice President and Director-General of The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (Keren L'Yedidut). He is the co-founder of The Israel Academy of Philanthropy, which has taught dozens of nonprofit professionals in Israel about capacity building, effective philanthropy, and sustainable development. Jeff has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Strathclyde University. He received his teaching certificate from David Yellin College in Jerusalem, and a diploma in education administration from the Hebrew University of Israel.