Rothschild Foundation Donates USD 4.2 Million to Hebrew University for Coronavirus Research

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation (Tel Aviv, Israel) has donated USD 4.2 million to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Jerusalem, Israel) for funding its coronavirus research.

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded in Israel by the Rothschild family. It operates within the framework of the international network of the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations around the world and continues the path of the Rothschild family’s philanthropic heritage for more than 130 years. The Foundation initiates dozens of innovative projects throughout Israel aimed at reducing social gaps and fostering young leadership. The Hebrew University is Israel's leading academic and research institution, serving 23,000 students from 80 countries. Founded in 1918 by visionaries including Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud, HU is ranked among the world's 100 leading universities. To date, Hebrew University faculty and alumni have won eight Nobel Prizes, one Fields Medal and one Abel Prize.

The Hebrew University currently has 60 research teams who are working to find a vaccine, produce faster and cheaper testing methods, and develop targeted treatments for those afflicted by COVID-19. The donation will be used to fund their efforts to fight the coronavirus and control the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since the outbreak of the pandemic, many researchers and laboratories at the Hebrew University have been working tirelessly to develop a scientific solution to the corona challenge. Several of these efforts are already close to market,” said Professor Asher Cohen, Hebrew University President

“We see science as a key tool for enhancing human capabilities, and it is symbolic that Israel, with its world-leading academic institutions and medical centers, would lead also on this front. The Rothschild family stands beside Israel and I am sure that together, we will overcome this crisis,” said Baroness Ariane de Rothschild.

“The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation’s generous donation will shorten the timeline for much needed corona diagnostic kits and treatments. I would like to personally thank all the researchers, lab assistants and students who have mobilized 24/7 to wipe out the virus,” said Professor Reem Sari, Hebrew University Vice President for Research and Development

“My deepest thanks to the nanotechnology researchers at Hebrew University. They’ve been working around the clock to find diverse solutions for this global threat, efforts that will ensure a swift return to our pre-corona lives,” said Professor Uriel Levy, Director of Hebrew University’s Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

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The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem