Helmsley Trust Donates $7m to Build a New Science Center at Hadassah Academic College Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted the Hadassah Academic College a lead gift of $7.1 million to build an Interdisciplinary Science Center at its downtown Jerusalem campus.

The seven-storey 5,350 square meter Center will provide state-of-the-art classroom facilities for anticipated major student growth. The building will also house a gallery for art, photography, and cultural exhibits, and 350-seat auditorium for College and community-wide events.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat expressed deep gratitude upon learning of the commitment of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. The Mayor traveled to the United States on behalf of the city of Jerusalem in order to personally present the case of the importance of expanding Hadassah Academic College. Mayor Barkat stated this week that "the expansion of Hadassah Academic College, now made possible through the great generosity of the Helmsley Trust is a strategically important and deeply meaningful gift to Jerusalem. It strengthens the city by increasing the young population and creates an engine for the growth of the sciences, one of Jerusalem's key economic drivers".

Hadassah College's Chairman of the Board, David Brodet :"The new Center strengthens the College's presence and academic impact in Jerusalem".

Hadassah Academic College President Prof. Nava Ben-Zvi commented, "The new Interdisciplinary Science Center will serve as an enabler for our mission to educate well trained professionals for Israel's science and health based sectors and for attracting young men and women to our city of Jerusalem.

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust supports a diverse range of organizations and institutions with a major focus on health and medical research in addition to programs in human services, education, cultural access,  and conservation.  The Trust is committed to contributing to the development of Israel, both for the country's benefit and for humanity in general.

http://www.hadassah.ac.il/mainen.html

Contact:
Yaniv Rosenberg, Hadassah College P.R
+972-3-6081525
yaniv@rcspr.co.il