William Davidson – The Man Behind the Vision
William (Bill) Davidson (1922–2009) was a passionate advocate for advancing Jewish education in the United States and fostering science education in Israel. In partnership with the Weizmann Institute of Science, he laid the foundation for the establishment of the Davidson Institute of Science Education — the Institute's educational arm.
As a practical expression of his vision, Davidson established and supported several educational institutions, including the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan, the William Davidson Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management at the Technion, the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and the Davidson Center at the Jerusalem Archaeological Park.
In 1997, Bill Davidson was honored by the Council of Michigan Foundations for his lifetime achievements at the local, national, and international levels. That same year, The New York Times described him as one of the most generous philanthropists in American history. After the Yom Kippur War, he received the Prime Minister’s Club Award in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic contributions to the State of Israel.
Bill Davidson passed away at his home at the age of 86. He was survived by his wife, Karen, and their children. The Davidson Foundation continues his work and vision, supporting the mission of the Davidson Institute of Science Education.
As a practical expression of his vision, Davidson established and supported several educational institutions, including the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan, the William Davidson Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management at the Technion, the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and the Davidson Center at the Jerusalem Archaeological Park.
In 1997, Bill Davidson was honored by the Council of Michigan Foundations for his lifetime achievements at the local, national, and international levels. That same year, The New York Times described him as one of the most generous philanthropists in American history. After the Yom Kippur War, he received the Prime Minister’s Club Award in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic contributions to the State of Israel.
Bill Davidson passed away at his home at the age of 86. He was survived by his wife, Karen, and their children. The Davidson Foundation continues his work and vision, supporting the mission of the Davidson Institute of Science Education.
