Canadian-Israeli philanthropist and President of the World Jewish Congress, Israel Sylvan Adams, visited Beersheba on Monday, emphasizing major philanthropic efforts to enhance healthcare, higher education, and civilian resilience in southern Israel.
This visit followed recent large donations announced by Adams, including $100 million for Soroka University Medical Center to aid rehabilitation, fortify facilities, and support long-term growth after damages from recent conflicts with Iran.
Adams has also committed $100 million to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, announced soon after the October 7 attacks, to help rebuild and strengthen Israel’s south. These donations are among the largest private philanthropic contributions to the Negev, reflecting confidence in the region’s recovery and its future as a key area of Israel’s resilience, innovation, and social unity. During his visit, Adams met with Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich and visited major civic, cultural, and strategic projects advancing the city’s development as the Negev’s capital.
Adams also made his first visit to Soroka Medical Center since announcing his donation. During the tour, he received briefings on the hospital’s operations in both routine and emergency situations, as well as its response to recent security challenges, including an Iranian missile strike that caused significant damage to critical infrastructure and medical services.
“Visiting Soroka and witnessing firsthand the strength, professionalism, and dedication gives me belief that we will succeed in creating the best hospital in the country, and eventually, the entire Middle East,” Adams said. “Soroka is a pivotal asset for the Negev and for all of Israel. I’m lucky to be able to invest in this important rebuilding and expansion project, which is the pillar of the South’s health-care and an anchor of my vision to see a million new immigrants to Israel.”
As president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, Adams is leading a national effort to attract one million new immigrants to Israel, positioning his philanthropic work within a larger plan to bolster the country’s social, economic, and civic sectors.
With Soroka Medical Center Director General Prof. Shlomi Codish, Adams visited the inpatient wing that was hit directly by a missile. This attack on a key medical facility proved the fragility of civilian infrastructure and the need to strengthen healthcare services, especially in the Negev.
During the visit, Adams reviewed Soroka’s strategic development plans, which include opening a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation building, and a Clinical Research facility, along with constructing a new inpatient tower.
“Sylvan Adams’s partnership with Soroka and the Negev, combined with his generous donation, marks a major milestone in the hospital’s renewal,” said Codish. “It demonstrates strong confidence in and support for a vision that is transforming healthcare in the Negev, aiming to develop a world-class medical center in the region for the benefit of southern Israel’s residents and the nation.”
Simultaneously, Adams visited Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, met with university leaders, and toured the Sylvan Adams Sports Center, highlighting the university’s role as a hub for research, education, and regional growth amidst national challenges.