A wealthy American donor and Columbia University graduate has donated $260 million to Bar-Ilan University in Israel. Pro-Palestinian protests continue on U.S. campuses. The donor chose Bar-Ilan for its scientific research capabilities.
Key Points
Donor is a Columbia University graduate and World War II veteran.
Bar-Ilan University will use the donation for deep tech research.
Columbia University faced protests demanding divestment from Israel.
Protests at Columbia and Los Angeles City Hall have drawn attention to the Palestinian cause.
Pros
The donation will help advance research in energy, environment, cryptography, and other cutting-edge fields at Bar-Ilan University.
The donor's commitment to Israel's economic and social stability is commendable.
Cons
Pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses continue to create tension and division.