Robert H. Smith "Feeding the Future" with $15 Million Gift to HU

Robert H. Smith "Feeding the Future" with $15 Million Gift to HU

The Robert H. Smith Family Foundation has pledged a $15 million challenge grant to transform The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences in Rehovot, Israel. The gift will be the cornerstone of the university’s and American Friends of Hebrew University’s “Feeding the Future through Sustainable Agriculture” campaign, a $51 million reorganization and expansion plan that will broaden and accelerate Hebrew University’s cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in plant and animal sciences, biochemistry, nutrition and environmental studies.  New buildings, state-of-the-art laboratories and greenhouses will foster collaborations between four academic Institutes addressing major challenges, among these: hunger and malnutrition, natural resource scarcity and the impact of global warming.  

In recognition of the Smith Family Foundation’s generosity, the Faculty will be renamed “The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences.”  In response to this substantive challenge grant, American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU) is launching a $15 million fundraising campaign, seeking support from other American philanthropists and foundations committed to meeting global challenges and advancing pioneering research and new technologies emerging from Israel.

 “Thanks to the incredible friendship, vision, and generosity of Bob Smith and the entire Smith Family, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem will be able to expand its globally important work,” said George Schieren, president of the American Friends of the Hebrew University. “As long-time friends of Hebrew University, the Smith family has been a leader in fostering progress in sustainable agriculture.  Through this new challenge grant, Hebrew University will establish two research institutes—one dedicated to environmental sciences and natural resources, the other a new complex for animal sciences and the Koret School of Veterinary medicine. Four virtual research centers will encourage innovative solutions to problems facing developing nations and industrialized countries alike.”

The Hebrew University’s Faculty of Agriculture, which includes the Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences, is the first and only academic and research facility of its kind in the Middle East and a leader in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Since its establishment in 1942, the Faculty has spurred Israel’s agricultural development and economic strength in agri-business and biotechnology. Innovations include drip irrigation techniques adopted worldwide, plant-derived treatments for malaria, aquaculture and genetically enhanced produce and flowers.

Robert H. Smith of Washington, DC, a visionary philanthropist, is an exceptionally successful real estate developer who spearheaded the creation of Crystal City, Virginia, among other noted real estate projects. Mr. Smith and his family have been involved with Hebrew University and AFHU for decades. A former chairman and current honorary chairman of Hebrew University’s International Board of Governors, he also served as president of the Washington DC chapter of AFHU.

 “The Hebrew University’s Faculty of Agriculture has already played a pivotal role in the development of technologies and techniques benefiting Israel and the entire region,” said Peter Willner, AFHU’s national executive director. “Students from 155 countries, including developing nations, have studied at the Rehovot campus, going on to make a difference in their home countries. Thanks to the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation, this type of interdisciplinary innovation, expert teaching and outreach will not only continue, but will expand in dynamic new ways.”