January 23, 2009

Student blood drive at BGU

Since the cease-fire with Hamas began on Sunday, a semblance of normalcy has returned to Beer-Sheva. On Tuesday, Ben-Gurion University fully resumed classes and the Marcus Family Campus is once again pulsing with activity and enthusiasm.

Yesterday, we convened a teleconference to provide an update and analysis of Operation Cast Lead and its impact on Israel, the Negev and BGU with Brigadier General Nachman Shai and BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi. The conference can be heard as a podcast on our Web site.

Unfortunately, the impact of the missile attacks and cancellation of classes will linger for months to come. The need to fulfill our commitment to BGU to support the security measures and social services that have already been put into place still remains very real.

• The city's alarm system has been fully extended to ensure that warning sirens can be heard in every corner of BGU's three Beer-Sheva campuses.
• An advanced communications system has been purchased and installed to facilitate immediate contact with all members of the University community.
• Additional safety and security personnel have been hired, trained and equipped with tools to manage the speedy movement of people following each siren or in the event of a missile strike.
• On-site shelters and underground tunnels have been enhanced to provide better protection and comfort.
• Parts of dormitories have been adapted for use by local families who do not have shelters or safe rooms and need to relocate.

The costs to extend the semester and provide special classes, tutorials and e-learning opportunities for students still serving in the military need to be met. A full description of what has already been done and what must still be done can be found on the BGU-Negev Emergency Fund page.

For now, our students are out of danger. Beer-Sheva is beginning to revive. And BGU is once again a thriving center for learning and discovery.

However, we now know that BGU has become a strategic target. We must remain vigilant in doing all we can to protect the University community. I will be visiting the University next week and look forward to providing you with a first-hand update when I return.

Thank you for your ongoing support and may this cease-fire be an enduring one.

Most sincerely,

Doron Krakow
Executive Vice President