The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has announced a $4 million matching pledge from Susan and Henry Samueli in support of the university’s Center for Jewish Studies. 

The largest gift in support of Jewish studies at UCI will help increase programming focused on K-12 education about the Holocaust, bolster partnerships with universities in Israel; and provide funding for two endowed chairs, one in the study of contemporary antisemitism and one in Israeli studies.

“Combating antisemitism requires a community effort, and we hope this matching gift will inspire others to join us,” said Susan Samueli.

Longtime supporters of UCI, the 2015 signatories of the Giving Pledge committed $200 million in 2017 to create the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences. In addition, the couple has made donations to support the Henry Samueli School of Engineering, the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, and the Susan & Henry Samueli Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building.

“Expanding Jewish studies on campus falls under a campus-wide priority of ‘growth that makes a difference,’ facilitating interdisciplinary, problem-based scholarship and teaching,” said UCI chancellor Howard Gillman. “Susan and Henry Samueli’s deep generosity will catalyze community support for Jewish studies at UCI and help UCI become a model for tolerance and appreciation of cultural and religious pluralism.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/smolaw11)