Scottish-born education expert gets leading role at Ben-Gurion University

A Scottish-born expert in special education has been announced as the new vice-president for public affairs and resource development at one of Israel’s biggest universities.

Jeff Kaye, described as a “leader in Israel’s third sector” who made aliyah in 1981, will replace Prof. Steve Rosen at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Kaye spent ten years in special education before entering the philanthropy sector, “securing significant philanthropic contributions, building partnerships and conducting successful negotiations with Israeli government”.

He was director-general for resource development and public affairs at the Jewish Agency for Israel, director-general of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and co-founded the Israel Academy of Philanthropy.

“Jeff has demonstrated his commitment to Israeli society in many different ways, on both the professional and personal levels,” said Ben-Gurion University president Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. “Over the past several weeks I’ve got to know him and learned what an inspiring leader he is.”

Kaye said: “It is a thrill to begin a new chapter of my life at Ben-Gurion University, and I’m deeply honoured to have been asked to take on this challenging role.”