Tel Aviv University’s new home for heritage

A prominent building on the Tel Aviv University campus will be transformed into a centre for Jewish learning and research following a gift from Australian philanthropist Eva Selwyn.

The Eva Selwyn Building for Jewish Heritage will occupy 4500 square metres near ANU – Museum of the Jewish People. The current building will undergo a comprehensive renovation to create the centre. The project also includes an endowment and scholarships within the university’s Faculty of Humanities.

The building will bring together scholars and students across disciplines including Jewish history, Bible, Hebrew and Semitic languages, Talmud and rabbinic literature, Jewish philosophy, Israel studies, Zionism and biblical archaeology. Programs will examine Jewish identity and peoplehood, Israel–Diaspora relations, antisemitism, racism, and the relationship between tradition and modernity.

Selwyn, a governor of the university, said the project was “a commitment to preserving our Jewish heritage”.

“At a time when antisemitism is increasing around the world and the Jewish people face unprecedented challenges, investing in Jewish education and heritage has never been more important.

“My hope is that it will stand as a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of students and scholars with the knowledge, understanding and confidence to carry that heritage forward with pride and dignity, whilst strengthening Jewish identity and continuity worldwide.”

Selwyn also thanked Rosie Potaznik, an ambassador and governor of the university, whose encouragement and longstanding commitment she said had helped bring the project about.

The gift continues a family association with the university spanning more than five decades. Selwyn’s late parents, Alan and Ada Selwyn, were supporters of the university, with Alan Selwyn serving as a governor and receiving an honorary fellowship. Their names are attached to the Alan and Ada Selwyn Chair in Clinical Infertility Research and Molecular Medicine, held by Professor Ariel Hourvitz.

Selwyn’s own support for the university has included the Selwyn-Cameron Laboratory for Neuro-Engineering and its artificial retina research, student scholarships, recovery initiatives after October 7, and an auditorium within the Azrieli School of Architecture.

Tel Aviv University president Ariel Porat said the university was deeply grateful.

“This significant donation will enable us to create a world-class home for Jewish learning and scholarship, while strengthening our ability to preserve, explore and pass on the richness of Jewish heritage to future generations.”

Ground will be broken on the project in May 2027, during the university’s board of governors meeting.