The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Tel Aviv University—which trains the highest number of doctors in Israel each year—is on the verge of a significant transformation. Jewish-American philanthropists Jonathan and Mindy Gray will donate $125 million (approximately 450 million shekels) for immediate use.
This is the largest gift in the university’s history and one of the largest ever made to an academic institution in Israel.
“400 Certified Doctors a Year Instead of 300”
The donation will expand training programs in medicine and healthcare fields, double enrollment among Arab students and new immigrants, and support the construction of new dormitories with 600 beds. These facilities will enable students from remote areas, the geographic periphery, and the Haredi and Ethiopian communities to pursue studies—according to Daniel Edelson of Ynet.
The expected outcome: a rise in the number of certified doctors from 300 to 400 annually.
Training the Next Generation of Health Professionals
Jonathan and Mindy Gray, American Jews with deep ties to business and investment, explained that their decision stemmed from a deep sense of responsibility following the October 7 massacre.
“We were looking for a way to create meaningful change in Israel,” they said. “Supporting an institution that trains the next generation of healthcare professionals is our way of contributing to the national healing process.”
A New Name, A New Vision
Following the donation, the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University will be renamed in honor of the Gray family. University President Professor Ariel Porat welcomed the gift:
“This is a major leap forward. Beyond its impact on training doctors, it will also strengthen medical research, expand collaboration with hospitals, and help meet Israel’s growing social needs.”
The Faculty’s Dean, Professor Karen Avraham, added that the donation will also fund new laboratories, upgrade facilities, and increase support for students from diverse backgrounds—at a time when the healthcare system is facing serious challenges as a result of the war.
