Americans for Ben-Gurion University

A groundbreaking AI-powered app has been developed by @bengurionu to provide immediate psychological support in the critical moments after trauma. americansforbgu.org/anxiety-chatbot This app empowers anyone present at a trauma event to provide psychological first aid in Hebrew, English, or Arabic. “You need to carry out a series of actions,” Dr. Schwartz-Tayri, Head of the AI for Resilience and Social Welfare Lab at BGU, explained to Times of Israel, “but you yourself are overwhelmed by what you are seeing.” The chatbot’s instructions always end with details of appropriate organizations to which a victim can be referred. “One of the failures of treatment today, worldwide, is the lack of a continuum in care, and that can be a game changer,” Schwartz-Tayri said. This #WorldHealthDay, we are in awe of the remarkable work being done at BGU to support global communities in need. Read more from @timesofisrael: americansforbgu.org/anxiety-chatbo…

Dr. Tiffany Schatz, a graduate of @bengurionu (BGU), is now serving on the frontlines of Israel’s healthcare system. Originally from Philadelphia, Dr. Schatz earned her medical degree at BGU before completing her surgical training in the United States. After years of practice abroad, she made aliyah in April 2025 and returned to Beer-Sheva to work as a cardiothoracic surgeon at @SorokaMed, the University’s primary teaching partner. Dr. Schatz doesn't regret returning to Israel and making aliyah last year. “Some people think we are nuts,” she said to the Jewish News Syndicate. “But this is where we are supposed to be. The war is not a reason to reconsider. This is part of the deal. This is our chance to help keep Israel going and be part of its future.” 📸Credit: Soroka Spokesperson/Clalit Health Services 🗞️Originally published on @JNS_org

Happy Passover from A4BGU!

As the ongoing situation surrounding the Iran war continues to impact travel to and from Israel, with increasing airline cancellations and uncertainty, @bengurionu has made the difficult decision to postpone BGU’s Global Gathering previously scheduled for May to Sunday, October 18, through Thursday, October 22. While we're disappointed about the delay, the new timing gives us a chance to gather at the start of the academic year, when the campus is filled with renewed energy and new beginnings. If you have not yet signed up, we hope you will be able to join us in October for what we know will be an incredible time. Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and continued partnership in supporting BGU and Israel. We look forward to seeing you in Israel this fall!

.@bengurionu has launched Israel’s first MBAI certification—combining business leadership with artificial intelligence to prepare leaders for a rapidly evolving world. The first course in the program, 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, is taught by Ms. Rotem Dolev, Senior Partner at @Deloitte Israel in AI and business transformation. Followed by 𝘼𝙄 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙖-𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜, which will also include professional certifications from @nvidia. "We are all facing rapid change...where this is heading is still unclear, but through collaboration with the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and practitioners from the field, we can begin to understand this phenomenon," noted Prof. Yotam Lurie at the courses launch event earlier this month. This program positions BGU and the Glazer Faculty of Management at the forefront of managerial education in the age of artificial intelligence, signaling a clear direction: the future of management starts now.

Because of our generous supporters across the U.S., spaces that inspire, heal, and innovate are coming to life at @bengurionu. a4bgu.org/global-gatheri… Several meaningful spaces will be dedicated during the Global Gathering this May: ✨Alex’s Patio, dedicated in loving memory of Alex Goren z”l ✨The Young Family School for Human Experience, showcasing student ideas, research, and creativity ✨The Ernest Scheller Jr. Gate of Innovation, the official entrance to the North Campus BGU will also honor Caroline Simon z"l, a devoted member of the Faculty of Health Sciences, a generous donor, and a tireless volunteer whose compassion touched countless lives. To learn more about the BGU Global Gathering, visit a4bgu.org/global-gatheri…

In moments of crisis, leadership and compassion matter most. Sager Abu Srehan, a master’s student at @bengurionu and a community leader, stepped forward alongside Israel’s Bedouin community—opening homes, offering support, and standing in solidarity with those impacted by the recent Iranian missile attacks in Dimona and Arad. americansforbgu.org/bedouin-jewish… His message reflects a powerful reminder of shared society and unity in action: “We live together with the Jewish society as brothers, on the same land and under the same sky. We study together, work together, and this country belongs to all of us. The partnership between us as a society, with many examples of cooperation, is what creates the beautiful colors in the mosaic of Israeli society.” Read more on @Jerusalem_Post: americansforbgu.org/bedouin-jewish…

On #WorldWaterDay, A4BGU recognizes the work of researchers at @bengurionu who are developing innovative ways to protect marine ecosystems and restore coral habitats. At BGU’s Eilat Campus, Prof. Nadav Shashar and his team are creating reef structures designed to support coral growth and strengthen biodiversity in underwater environments. Their work is helping scientists better understand how coral reefs respond to environmental change while developing new tools to protect these vital ecosystems. Check out their work in action!

Have you ever tried dieting, lost weight, and then gained it back? americansforbgu.org/yo-yo-dieting You’re not alone. A 10-year study from @bengurionu suggests those efforts can still improve metabolic health and reduce harmful visceral fat, even when weight is regained. Prof. Iris Shai, co-author of the study, explains, “persistent commitment to a healthy dietary change creates cardiometabolic memory in the body.” Read more on @earthdotcom: americansforbgu.org/yo-yo-dieting/

Is artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping our sense of human identity and moral responsibility a4bgu.org/outsourcing-hu… Join the discussion at the 4th Annual Conversation on Science & Religion, Outsourcing Humanity: Ancient Insight for the Age of AI, presented by A4BGU and the Academy for Jewish Religion, Thursday, March 19, 12:00 PM ET. Drawing on centuries of Jewish philosophical thought, this discussion explores how enduring ideas can help guide us through the ethical questions emerging in today’s rapidly evolving technological world. Register today: a4bgu.org/outsourcing-hu…

Israel was woefully unprepared to address the mental health needs of those affected by the October 7th attack and the ensuing war. Thankfully, skilled professionals from @bengurionu's Charlotte B. and Jack J. Spitzer Department of Social Work were on the frontlines providing therapy, support, and interventions to aid the recovery of individuals, families, and communities. This #WorldSocialWorkDay, we are grateful for these agents of change and social justice, rooted in the Negev, spreading hope and wisdom across Israel and the world.

.@bengurionu PhD graduate Dr. Yair Adato is "building a world where human creativity and responsible AI innovation coexist and thrive together." americansforbgu.org/generative-ai/ As CEO and founder of @bria_ai_, he is building enterprise-ready AI infrastructure rooted in licensed data, IP protection, and brand governance — proving that innovation and responsibility can coexist. With more than 50 patents and experience scaling a tech startup into a global unicorn, Dr. Adato bridges academic excellence with real-world impact. “We saw the writing on the wall early – generative AI would either become the next Napster, stealing from creators, or the next Spotify, fairly compensating them. We chose to build the Spotify model." Read the full interview on @pulse2news: americansforbgu.org/generative-ai/

At @bengurionu's medical simulation center, students step into real-world scenarios and learn not only how to manage critical medical situations, but how to care for the person at the center of it all. Meet Daniel and see his lifesaving work in action: americansforbgu.org/video/daniel-a…

On the heels of International Women's Day, @JNS_org spotlights an inspiring woman breaking barriers in space: @MamanPhd, a senior scientist and space researcher at @bengurionu. Meet the first woman and youngest person appointed to lead the Israel Space Agency. americansforbgu.org/bgu-maman

Happy International Women's Day!

As Shabbat begins, we are thinking of the entire BGU community and hoping for calmer, more peaceful days ahead. Shabbat Shalom.