David Magerman Diverts $5 Million to Israeli Universities

David Magerman, a former donor to the University of Pennsylvania, has redirected $5 million in donations to Israeli universities, citing the Ivy League school's failure to confront rising antisemitism on campus following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. He plans to distribute these funds in $1 million increments to institutions like Tel Aviv University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, aiming to support programs for English-speaking students to learn Hebrew and pursue STEM degrees in Israel. Magerman expressed his belief that American universities, particularly liberal institutions, are flawed and incapable of reform, urging other Jewish donors to cease contributions to such schools. His actions reflect a broader trend among donors reassessing their support for U.S. universities amidst rising concerns about antisemitism and campus culture. Magerman's comments highlight a growing dissatisfaction within the Jewish community regarding the perceived ideologies promoted by elite educational institutions.