#hu100—A global giving day to celebrate Hebrew University‘s 100th anniversary
Giving Day, held on the 100th anniversary of the laying of the HU cornerstones on Mt. Scopus, marks the first time a higher education institution has launched a global fundraising campaign.
HU Students Participate in Giving Day.
Credit: Hadas Parush, Flash 90/Hebrew University
In one 24-hour period, HU alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff from across six continents came together to raise money for another 100 years of knowledge, innovation and excellence.
The Giving Day was the first time such a campaign has been run by a major Israeli educational institution on a global basis as a single event with international components incorporating total goals, ‘matched’ giving, global and local challe
More than one million dollars was raised ($1,120,273 USD) from 580 donors in 16 countries, surpassing the University’s original target of $1million dollars. During the Giving Day, donors were able to designate their dollars for research, scholarships or faculty recruitment, among others areas.
The digital campaign was key to the campaign’s success, featuring messages from high-profile personalities such as The Godfather actor James Caan and Karen Cortell-Reisman, cousin of HU co-founder Albert Einstein.
“This fantastic effort demonstrates what can be achieved when Hebrew University’s community comes together,” shared HU president professor Asher Cohen. “This outpouring of generosity will benefit future generations for years to come.”
The Giving Day was the first time such a campaign has been run by a major Israeli educational institution on a global basis as a single event with international components incorporating total goals, ‘matched’ giving, global and local challenges.
The key theme was continuing the Hebrew U’s “tradition of excellence” towards the next 100 years, hence the campaign hashtag #HU100.
There was even a Hebrew U ‘Ashes Challenge’ between UK and Australia donors.
Brad Joffe, Our Crowd associate director, Michael Dunkel, President AFHU, Robert Simons, Dave Sharma, Kelly & Partners & former Australian Ambassador to Israel
In Sydney, campaign events included an Australian Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) Honours Club meeting and a launch breakfast in the boardroom of law firm, Allen Arthur Robinson. The Allen’s event featured presentations by Our Crowd associate director Brad Joffe and former Australian Ambassador to Israel, Dave Sharma. It was attended by AFHU president Michael Dunkel and former President of AFHU and recent honorary doctorate recipient, Robert Simons – among many others.
Dunkel praised the efforts of the campaign team, including the Australian connection whose work was central to the global effort. “There is huge affection and admiration for the Hebrew University internationally. Its family of alumni and supporters truly stretches around the globe and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to demonstrate it in a practical way.”
