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WhatsApp Founder Jan Koum Gives $200 Million to Israeli Hospital

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jan Koum donated $200 million to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, creating the largest philanthropic gift to an Israeli medical institution.
The donation exceeds the previous Israeli healthcare record of $180 million given to Beilinson Hospital in 2025.
The funds will finance a new inpatient tower and staff housing that will triple the hospital’s capacity beyond its roughly 1,000 beds.
Koum, a Jewish-Ukrainian immigrant who founded WhatsApp, is recognized as a leading philanthropist.

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Story summary

Jan Koum donated $200 million to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, creating the largest philanthropic gift to an Israeli medical institution.
The donation exceeds the previous Israeli healthcare record of $180 million given to Beilinson Hospital in 2025.
The funds will finance a new inpatient tower and staff housing that will triple the hospital’s capacity beyond its roughly 1,000 beds.
Koum, a Jewish-Ukrainian immigrant who founded WhatsApp, is recognized as a leading philanthropist.