WhatsApp founder Jan Koum makes largest-ever donation to Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek hospital

Historic Gift Marks New Era for Jerusalem Hospital

Shaare Zedek Medical Center stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in Jerusalem, evolving from its modest origins in 1902 with just 20 beds on Jaffa Road to a major facility today. The recent announcement of a $200 million donation from the Koum Family Foundation represents the largest single contribution ever made to an Israeli medical center.

This funding will support construction of a new hospitalization tower, reflecting both the donor's confidence in the institution and the capital's expanding medical requirements. The gift surpasses the previous record of $180 million given in 2025 to Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva.

Scale and Timeline of the New Hospitalization Tower

The planned tower will add 800 beds over the next decade, with 400 beds coming online within six years. Designed by Haifa's Mochly-Eldar firm, the 24-story structure will span more than 140,000 square meters and include a rooftop helipad for emergency access.

Approvals are moving through Jerusalem municipal planning channels. The project forms part of a larger $750 million effort, with $300 million already secured from the foundation and additional support expected from the Health Ministry and other donors. Shaare Zedek operates as a voluntary hospital independent of state or health-fund ownership.

Hospital Leadership Highlights Trust and Performance

Prof. Jonathan Halevy, president of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, noted that the foundation's decision followed a decade of prior contributions, including support for a catheterization center. He credited the hospital's 6,000 staff members and consistent delivery on commitments for building this relationship.

Director-general Prof. Ofer Merin described the donation as one of the hospital's most important milestones. Both leaders emphasized that the Koum Family Foundation selected Shaare Zedek after evaluating its track record, and they expressed gratitude that the philanthropist agreed to link his name with the institution, which will be renamed the Koum Shaare Zedek Medical Center.

Background on Donor Jan Koum and His Connection to Israel

Jan Koum, born in Kyiv to a Jewish family and now based between California and Europe, founded WhatsApp before its $19 billion acquisition by Facebook in 2014. His estimated net worth stands at $15.2 billion, and this gift marks his largest to any cause worldwide.

Though he has not yet visited the campus in person, Koum has worked closely with foundation head Yana Kalika and hospital officials over the past year. His prior philanthropy has supported Jewish, educational, and pro-Israel initiatives globally, and this contribution aligns with that pattern while focusing on practical healthcare infrastructure in Jerusalem.

Meeting Jerusalem's Future Healthcare Demands

Jerusalem's population is projected to reach 1.5 million by 2035, up from one million today. Halevy stressed that expanded facilities remain essential even with advances in telemedicine and home care, particularly to reduce crowding in existing wards and double emergency department capacity.

The tower will also enlarge internal medicine, orthopedic, and intensive care units. Officials anticipate sufficient staffing through immigrant physicians and expanded nursing education programs at academic colleges. The investment is intended primarily to serve Jerusalem residents and all Israelis, though medical tourism could increase as well.

Broader Context for Voluntary Hospitals in Israel

Unlike newer facilities funded entirely by the state, Shaare Zedek relies on private philanthropy alongside government support. This model has allowed flexibility in development while contributing to the capital's medical landscape opposite Mount Herzl.

The donation underscores ongoing private-sector involvement in Israeli healthcare at a time when population growth and specialized needs continue to rise. Hospital leaders view the project as a long-term asset for both local patients and the wider medical community.