Canadian-Israeli businessman Sylvan Adams has donated $100 million to Ben-Gurion University as part of an effort to rebuild the south, following the devastating Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, university officials announced at a benefit gala in Toronto on Dec. 3.

Adams, a real estate magnate who moved to Israel in 2015, is perhaps best known for his support of cycling in Israel. He established the country’s first cycling institute, created an eponymous commuter bike path in Tel Aviv, and brought the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia competition to Israel in 2018 — at a personal cost of more than $20 million. He also owns the Israel-Premier Tech Cycling Team, and last year won the world championship in cycling for his age group.

The $100 million donation is the largest ever to an Israeli university, which lost 82 members of its community on Oct. 7, including students, staff, faculty and their family members. The funds will focus on six areas: the future of the Negev and Israel, technological advancements, climate change, sustainability, and global health.