JNS Highlights A4BGU’s 2025 Tribute Brunch
JNS Highlights A4BGU’s 2025 Tribute Brunch
December 1, 2025
JNS—The Philadelphia and Delaware chapters of Americans for Ben-Gurion (A4BGU) hosted the 2025 Tribute Brunch, celebrating Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) as “an engine for the economic development of the Negev,” as highlighted by JNS, according to A4BGU interim CEO Ian Benjamin. Mechanical engineering student Ariel Fromowitz reflected on his experience on BGU’s Formula racing team and his journey from Teaneck to making aliyah, noting that while the team finished 12th in France, “we learned a lot,” and the hands-on collaboration at the competition reaffirmed his passion for innovation at BGU.
The event honored philanthropist David Magerman, who recently gave $1 million each to five Israeli universities in support of STEM and Hebrew-language programs, redirecting funds from his alma mater over concerns about campus antisemitism. Speaking about Israel after the Oct. 7 attacks, he urged the community not to remain stuck in fear, saying, “As disastrous as it was, we have seen the resilience of the country … Israel is a country of Jews, helped by God, to be successful.” JNS noted.
A4BGU paid special tribute to Claire Winick, Philadelphia’s director of development, for her 40 years of service. As Connie Katz shared while honoring her, Winick has helped raise $50 million for BGU. Winick reflected on her career by saying, “It’s not all about the check you write. It’s about being an advocate and making people feel valued.”
This year, the Philadelphia and Delaware chapter raised $1.33 million, including $250,000 in new gifts, as part of the “Way Forward” campaign—underscoring the community’s commitment to BGU’s mission.
Fromowitz continues advancing his work in electric and autonomous vehicles, and the event closed with a message of confidence from A4BGU Philadelphia chapter chair Sherrie Savett, who told him, “You won’t come in 12th. You’ll come in first.”
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