David Ben-Gurion dreamed of creating a Hebrew Oxford in the Negev as a modern Hebrew Yavneh.

Home to the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism, Heksherim – the Research Institute for Jewish and Israeli Literature and Culture, and the Goldstein-Goren Department of Jewish Thought, BGU is uniquely positioned to promote the interdisciplinary study of Israel, Jewish culture and thought.

Ben-Gurion University is leading the way in the academic exploration of the founding and development of the State of Israel, the re-birth of the Hebrew language, and the connection between culture and community in Jewish and Israeli society.

“I went to a cultural event on campus and immediately fell in love with it. So I started teaching there.”
– Etgar Keret, acclaimed Israeli writer and teacher in BGU’s creative writing program

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Israel Studies, Culture & Jewish Thought News

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BGU’s Prof. Bar-Asher Siegal Reflects on Pope Francis’ Legacy

April 24, 2025

Tags: Current events, Israel Studies, Culture & Jewish Thought

The Jerusalem Post – “The last pope [Pope Francis] was exceptional in many ways. First and foremost, he was the
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Prof. Schejter’s Journey Through US Campuses and Communities

April 4, 2025

Tags: Israel Studies, Culture & Jewish Thought, Social Sciences & Humanities

After spending a year and a half researching, writing, and lecturing across the United States, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s
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BGU Professor Finds First Evidence of Ancient Battle

April 3, 2025

Tags: Israel Studies, Culture & Jewish Thought, Social Sciences & Humanities

New York Post – Archaeologists, including Dr. Assaf Kleiman, a senior member of the Megiddo Expedition staff and senior lecturer
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