Julia and Yuri Milner donate $5 Million to the Jewish Agency’s Fund for the Victims of Terror

The Jewish Agency’s Fund for the Victims of Terror Receives $5 Million Donation, its Largest Ever Private Donation, From Julia and Yuri Milner’s Breakthrough Foundation

Jerusalem, October 11, 2023 — With Israel at war, The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for the Victims of Terror has received a $5 million donation from the Breakthrough Foundations established by Israeli philanthropists Julia and Yuri Milner, representing the largest-ever single gift to the Fund.

The Fund for Victims of Terror, created in 2002 during the Second Lebanon War, has been largely funded by The Jewish Agency’s two major partners, Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod. Currently, every single individual who suffers either injuries or property damage in a terror attack receives a $1,200 check from the Fund for immediate needs. The Fund also provides long-term rehabilitation grants in the amount of $6,300 per person for up to three years as well as ongoing support to the victims as they navigate the days after an attack. Further, the Fund is assisting the communities evacuated from the Gaza border in securing the support they need. 

“The immense generosity of Julia and Yuri Milner will ensure that The Jewish Agency and its Fund for the Victims of Terror can provide indispensable support to all victims of this war,” said Amira Ahronoviz, CEO and Director General of The Jewish Agency. “When tragedy strikes and the future looks uncertain, the emotional toll is unimaginable. Now more than ever, the Fund will be a lifeline to survivors and their family members not only in their immediate period of dire need but also on a long-term basis, through ongoing care along the road to recovery.”

The charitable foundations established by Julia and Yuri Milner are dedicated to advancing fundamental knowledge, celebrating scientific achievement, and supporting scientific and technological innovations to improve people’s lives and inspire future generations. The foundations have funded several programs supporting science, medicine, and technological innovation in Israel. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the foundations donated both funds and health supplies to Israel, including $3 million for Israeli institutions working to prevent the spread of the then-novel coronavirus as well as the purchase of 3 million surgical masks.

"Julia and I are devastated by horrific attacks on innocent civilians,” Yuri Milner said. “We hope that these funds will support the professional teams tending to the trauma and injuries of women, men and children who have suffered so much."

Yuri Milner is an Israeli technology investor and science philanthropist. He started investing in the Internet in 1999 and in 2009 founded DST Global, one of the leading Internet investment firms globally with offices in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Beijing, and Hong Kong. He has a degree in theoretical physics and attended the Wharton MBA program.

Julia Milner studied painting and photography. Her internet project “Click I Hope” was exhibited at the 52nd Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art in 2007. Most recently, she has focused all her efforts on raising her three daughters and development of charitable foundations.