Dear Weizmann Alumni,
During the nighttime hours of June 15th, the tranquility of the Weizmann Institute campus was shattered by two devastating direct hits from ballistic missiles launched by Iran, as part of a broad-based attack on Israel’s civilian infrastructure. This unprecedented act of aggression targeting the country’s world-renowned research institution caused devastation to scientific and academic facilities as well as student housing. The attack purposefully
focused on Israel’s strongest asset: the life-affirming work of exceptional scientists who devote themselves to ensuring a better future for humanity.
Buildings and infrastructure were severely damaged. Scientific work, some of it in progress for many years, was ruined. Essential research equipment was destroyed. While thankfully there were no casualties, an entire faculty and student body were shaken to their core.
Initial estimates of the damage suggest that recovery will take years and will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. While we plan to start rebuilding as soon as possible, and will be seeking long-term support to do so, there are immediate needs that must be met now to ensure that the Weizmann Institute can continue to stand as it always has, as a beacon of science, progress, and hope.
“Miracles do happen, but you have to work hard for them.” - Chaim Weizmann, 1941
The Weizmann Institute needs your help now, to ensure that we can rebuild and continue to fulfill our vital mission. Your tax-deductible gift to the Institute’s Emergency Recovery Fund, at this pivotal moment, will make a real and immediate impact.
Rebuilding critical infrastructure: Five research buildings were significantly damaged in the missile strike, with some harm to other facilities as well. The laboratories of 40 research groups engaged in science that heals, empowers, and transforms—from cancer research and the life sciences to other urgent frontiers of discovery—must be relocated to temporary sites on or near the campus as soon as possible, and core equipment must be purchased to enable researchers to resume their work. We anticipate this arrangement will last up to five years, during which time buildings will be reconstructed and repaired.
While the missile strike caused damage across the campus and many facilities were affected, those most devastated by the attack include the following:
- The Ullman Building of Life Sciences, the headquarters of the Moross Integrated Cancer Center (MICC). The MICC is recognized as one of the world’s premier sites for research into cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This building also housed a substantial number of the core facilities central to the Institute’s biological research, supporting studies in life sciences across the campus and, more broadly, in all of Israel.
- The Wolfson Building for Biological Research, whose glassed-in bridge to the Ullman Building has symbolized the interdependence between the immunology and cancer research communities in advancing pioneering approaches.
- The Elaine and Bram Goldsmith Building for Mathematics and Computer Science, including labs where researchers are using AI machine learning to create new strategies for treating, preventing, and diagnosing disease while supporting more personalized and effective clinical care.
- The Sussman Family Building for Environmental Sciences, home to the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, known for its many breakthroughs in climate science, hydrology, atmospheric chemistry, and astronomy.
- The André Deloro Building for Advanced and Intelligent Materials, which had been near the final stages of its construction and was due to open this summer. Designed to hold four floors of specialized labs and clean rooms, this building will now need a full renovation before it can become operational.
Replacing scientific equipment: In individual laboratories as well as in the life sciences core facilities, valuable scientific equipment was destroyed due to the impact of the missile blasts and subsequent fires. This cutting-edge machinery, at an accumulated worth of tens of millions of dollars, is essential for the life-saving research conducted on campus. Procurement of such equipment takes months, and the Institute must start the purchase process immediately.
Supporting students: The Weizmann Institute’s international student dorms were damaged, and the students and their families were moved to temporary housing. They will require semi-permanent housing while the dorms are reconstructed. They will also need to be provided with housing assistance and emergency stipends.
While Israel’s enemies may be able to cause physical damage to the Weizmann campus, they cannot and will not break our spirit. The Weizmann Institute has built its reputation over the past 90 years by investing in the brightest minds who unleash ingenious research for the future of humanity. We remain committed to advancing bold science that strengthens Israel and improves lives worldwide.
In the spirit of Chaim Weizmann’s enduring vision, please stand with us at this historic and critical moment. Every contribution will help us rebuild, heal, and continue to create a brighter future for all through science. Thank you.