Jan Koum donates $200 million to Shaare Zedek Medical Center
Updated
Updated · Haaretz · May 8
Jan Koum donates $200 million to Shaare Zedek Medical Center
7 articles · Updated · Haaretz · May 8
The gift to the independent Jerusalem hospital is described as the largest ever made to Israel's healthcare system.
Previous reports said the donation, through the Koum Family Foundation, will fund a 24-storey, 1.5 million-square-foot tower and triple the hospital's footprint.
Shaare Zedek is set to be renamed Koum Shaare Zedek Medical Center, with the government-approved expansion increasing capacity beyond its current 1,000 beds.
Will this record donation transform healthcare for all, or deepen divides within Jerusalem?
As billionaires reshape Israeli hospitals, what is the true price of private mega-philanthropy?
Largest Ever $200M Gift to Israeli Healthcare Transforms Shaare Zedek Medical Center
Overview
In May 2026, Jan Koum made a historic $200 million donation to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, marking the largest philanthropic gift ever to an Israeli healthcare institution. This donation funds the construction of a transformative 24-story medical tower that will nearly double the hospital's bed capacity and include advanced surgical suites, emergency facilities, psychiatric services, protected underground spaces, a rooftop helipad, and on-site housing for medical staff. Koum's philanthropy, shaped by his immigrant background and success with WhatsApp, also includes a $50 million donation to Soroka Medical Center after a 2025 missile attack. Together, these efforts position Koum as a leading figure in private philanthropy driving Israel's healthcare resilience and innovation.