Jonathan Gray, president of Blackstone, contributes 125 million dollars to the university of Tel Aviv to expand its Faculty of Medicine.
Historical donation strengthens medicine in Israel
Tel Aviv University received a donation from 125 million dollars of Jonathan GrayPresident and Director of Operations of Blackstoneand his wife Mindy Grayaccording to the American media The New York Times. The contribution, channeled through the Gray Family Foundation, is destined to the Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences of the University and represents the greatest donation in the history of the institution. The announcement was made on May 6, 2025, and the Faculty will be called Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Mindy and Jonathan Gray In recognition of the contribution.
The Israeli medium Israel Hayomin its edition in Hebrew, he stressed that this donation will increase the registration of medical students in a 25%addressing the shortage of doctors in Israel. The university plans to increase the number of places for students in medical programs and health professions, as well as improve research infrastructure. Arutz Shevaanother medium in Hebrew, said that the contribution will also finance scholarships for International students who do not speak Hebrew, allowing them to graduate in one of the main universities of Israel.
The donation comes at a critical moment for the Israeli health system, which faces a deficit of medical professionals. According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)Israel has a rate of 3.1 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, below the average of developed countries. The University of Tel Aviv, under the leadership of its president Prof. Ariel Poratseeks to reverse this trend through the formation of more specialists. The Site in English The Jewish Press He reported that funds will also go to modernize laboratories and research centers, strengthening the university’s ability to lead medical advances.
Jonathan Gray55, is a prominent figure in the global financial sector. As president of Blackstoneone of the world’s largest investment firms, has led multimillionaire transactions. His interest in philanthropy intensified after knowing Prof. Ariel Porat In 2024, according to The New York Times. The gray couple has previously supported educational and health causes in the United States, including donations to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Already programs against cancer.
Impact of donation on medical education
- Squares Increase: 25% increase in the enrollment of medical students and health professions.
- International Scholarships: Financing for non -opening students, expanding global access to Tau.
- Infrastructure: Modernization of laboratories and medical research centers.
- Response to scarcity: Direct contribution to the training of more doctors for Israel.
Investment context in Israeli education
Gray donation adds to a series of significant contributions to Israeli educational institutions. In October 2024, the philanthropist David Magerman announced an investment of 1 million dollars Over five years for the University of Tel Aviv, he reported The Daily Pennsylvanian. This contribution focused on facilitating access from international students. Israel national Newsin its English version, he stressed that these investments reflect the confidence of the Jewish diaspora in the educational system of Israel, especially in times of geopolitical challenges.
The medium in Hebrew Makoreshon He informed that Gray’s donation not only has an academic impact, but also symbolic, demonstrating the support of global financial leaders to Israel. The publication highlighted the role of Blackstone In the country, which includes the acquisition of a majority participation in the Israeli software company Priority Software by 800 million dollars In 2024, according to The Business Times. This operation marked the largest investment of the firm in Israel since the opening of its offices in Tel Aviv in 2021.
The University of Tel Aviv has consolidated its reputation as a center of academic excellence. In August 2024, a team of his professors won the prestigious Statistics Rousseeuw Awardendowed with 1 million dollarsfor their work in methodologies to detect errors in large data sets, according to The Times of Israel. The Donation of the Gray reinforces this trajectory, positioning the university as a reference in medical training and research.
The announcement of the donation generated positive reactions in Israel and in the international Jewish community. Ran rahavan Israeli businessman, praised the contribution in a post in X, describing the Gray as a “powerful example of Zionist philanthropy.” In addition, GlobalRabbi He stressed in X that the donation will inspire other philanthropists to support Israel at a crucial moment. These reactions reflect the impact of the initiative on strengthening ties between Israel and its global allies.
Panorama of philanthropy in Israel
The Gray donation is part of a broader context of philanthropic support to Israel. In recent years, figures like Bill Ackmanfounder of Pershing Square Capital Managementhave redirected funds to Israeli institutions in response to concerns about anti -Semitism in American universities, according to The Jerusalem Post. Ackman, who withdrew donations to Harvard After the events of October 7, 2023, he has advocated strengthening the educational institutions of Israel.
For its part, Blackstone He has maintained a commitment to Israel beyond this donation. In May 2024, its executive director, Stephen Schwarzmanannounced its support for the re -election campaign of Donald Trumpciting concerns about increasing anti -Semitism, according to Bloomberg. Schwarzman has also promoted donations to Proisraeli organizations among firm’s employees, according to Middle East Eye. These actions underline the role of Blackstone as a relevant actor in supporting Israel.
The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Tel Aviv, now backed by this historic donation, prepares to lead the training of the next generation of doctors in Israel. With an investment focused on global education, research and access, the institution seeks not only to meet national needs, but also consolidate its international prestige. The Gray initiative marks a milestone in educational philanthropy and reinforces the commitment of the diaspora with the future of Israel.
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