The Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
The Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund
February 15, 2015
Negev Development & Community Programs, Press Releases
American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Americans for Ben-Gurion University) announces the Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund in partnership with the fallen soldier’s parents, Stuart and Evelyn (Evie), and Max’s siblings, Paige and Jake. Max died in battle in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge last July.
The Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund was formally launched on Sunday, February 15 by Americans for Ben-Gurion University Vice President Jessica Sillins at the Times of Israel Gala in New York City. The Steinberg family was one of three “Families of the Fallen” to be recognized that evening.
See a moving tribute video to Max Steinberg >>
“I am deeply touched by Max’s story – his determination to join one of Israel’s elite army units, and his love for Israel is an inspiration to us all. Equally moving is the commitment by his parents and siblings to create a living legacy in his name at Ben-Gurion University,” said Sillins.
Max Steinberg was originally from Woodland Hills, California. He made aliyah, joining the Israel Defense Forces as a “lone soldier” (a young adult who moves to Israel without parents and joins the army). He insisted on serving nowhere else but in the elite Golani 13 brigade. Max was 24 years old when he lost his life defending the land and the people he loved.
The Steinberg endowment will provide scholarships to Golani and other combat reservists at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in perpetuity, with first preference going to lone soldiers. The Steinbergs will be part of the decision process to ensure that the receiving students mirror Max’s values and vision.
“We are delighted to know that Max’s legacy will be connected to a university and scholarship program that grants opportunity and promise to the soldiers that have put their lives in harm’s way for the people of Israel,” said Max’s father, Stuart Steinberg.
“We know that Max cared deeply for his fellow soldiers and that he would be whole-heartedly supportive of a program that allows soldiers to pursue their passions and create a great future.”
Americans for Ben-Gurion University’s Southwest regional director, Philip Gomperts, worked with the Steinberg family and Israel’s Los Angeles Consul General David Siegel to create an appropriate legacy for Max and his fellow soldiers.
“Max made the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever indebted to him,” said Consul General Siegel. “His memory is a blessing for our people and continues to serve as an inspiration for all of Israel. Ben-Gurion University’s commitment to awarding scholarships to Israel’s most brave defenders is a deeply special way to honor the young men and women who commit their lives to defending the people and State of Israel.”
During Operation Protective Edge, more than 2,000 BGU students were called to military service, while the University was under continuous threat of missile attacks and forced to close for more than 50 days. With support from Americans for Ben-Gurion University, each and every one received a scholarship this fall to ease their economic burden.
Recently, BGU was given an award by Israel’s Defense Ministry for its extraordinary services and assistance provided to student-soldiers. “Stuart, Evie, Paige, and Jake, you have put your faith and your hearts in good hands,” Sillins said at the gala.
BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi wrote, “The Steinberg family is memorializing Max in a way that will celebrate his life and his choices in perpetuity and will impact a widening circle of young people – an act that is truly worthy of admiration. Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, but they have turned this personal tragedy into an opportunity to do a greater good.” Read more from Prof. Carmi>>
“It takes $75,000 to provide a scholarship to one undergraduate student annually in perpetuity,” adds Ruth Flinkman-Marandy, an Americans for Ben-Gurion University vice president and the campaign chair for the Southwest Region. “We hope to raise millions of dollars to enable multiple Max Steinberg scholarship recipients each year.”
Contributions to the Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund can be made at www.aabgu.org/maxsteinberg.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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