Jan Koum, the co-founder and former CEO of WhatsApp, has made a significant philanthropic contribution by donating $200 million to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. This marks the largest single donation ever made to an Israeli hospital. While Koum has a history of supporting Jewish causes, this donation is particularly notable as it occurs during the ongoing conflict.
“This gift reflects our confidence in a future of medical innovation and research that will benefit patients in Israel and around the world,” Koum stated.
The donation surpasses the previous record of $180 million given by Shmuel and Anat Harlap to Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Hospital) in August 2025 for the construction of the “Tower of Hope.”
Where Will the Money Go?
The Koum Family Foundation, established by Jan Koum, made the donation after months of strategic discussions with Shaare Zedek’s leadership. The hospital will be officially renamed Koum Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
Plans include a 24-story building spanning over 1.5 million square feet, featuring new surgical and emergency care facilities. The project is in advanced planning stages and has received approval from the Israeli government and the Jerusalem Municipality.
“This is truly a special moment in Shaare Zedek Medical Center’s 124-year-old history,” said Professor Jonathan Halevy, President of Shaare Zedek. “This record donation by The Koum Family Foundation reflects remarkable confidence in our hospital, our staff, the city of Jerusalem, the nation of Israel, and a heartfelt embrace of Zionism.”
This donation follows a $50 million gift by The Koum Family Foundation to Soroka Medical Center last year, after it was struck by an Iranian ballistic missile in June 2025.
About Jan Koum
Koum, an American-Jewish billionaire, was born in Kyiv to a Jewish family and moved to the United States at age 16. He has donated to numerous Israeli causes, including $600,000 to the Maccabee Task Force, $6 million to Friends of Ir David, and $175,000 to the Central Fund of Israel. In 2022, he donated $2 million to AIPAC during the Democratic Party primaries. He has also contributed to universities: $1 million to Fordham and $41 million to Stanford.
Koum has expressed that he dislikes being called an entrepreneur, as entrepreneurs aim to make money, while he prefers creating useful products.
