"Who are the Marcuses?" 

Text: Undine Kugler | Event Management

On November 16, 2025, around 180 guests accepted the joint invitation of the Sukkat Shalom synagogue community, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), the German-Israeli Association (DIG) and the Verein Berliner Kaufleute und Industrieller (VBKI) to a special event on Berlin's Museum Island. For the VBKI, this was an occasion of historical and personal significance - not least because the initiator Richard Markus, deputy chairman of the Sukkat Shalom synagogue community, is a member of the VBKI and the association was founded in 1879 by Jewish merchants, among others.

The focus of the afternoon was the screening of the award-winning documentary "Who are the Marcuses? - A Single Gift Can Change The World", which tells the extraordinary life story of Howard (Werner) and Lotti Marcus. The couple had to flee Nazi Germany and decades later decided to make a groundbreaking donation of 500 million US dollars to Ben Gurion University - the largest single donation ever received by an Israeli institution. Her commitment is based on the conviction that sustainable solutions to global water problems can make a decisive contribution to peace and stability.

A highlight of the evening was the subsequent discussion with Ellen Marcus, daughter of the couple and Vice Chair of BGU, and her daughter Jen Hill. Both gave personal insights into the legacy of the Marcus family and showed how their generous support enables innovative, space-based water and climate research.

The event also marked the first public presentation of Ben-Gurion University in Germany to representatives from business, science, culture and civil society. At the subsequent reception in the Löwenfoyer of the James-Simon-Galerie, numerous guests took the opportunity for in-depth discussions and exchanges on international cooperation and future scientific topics.

The VBKI is delighted with the strong response and pleased to have supported the event as a partner. It exemplifies the power of civic engagement, the importance of international cooperation - and the responsibility that arises from our own history.