The Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund was named after the lone soldier who was killed in Gaza last summer. Photo. Facebook.

JNS.org – American supporters of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) on Sunday introduced the Max Steinberg Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, named for one of the Israel Defense Forces lone soldiers (those without parents living in Israel) killed in Gaza last summer. The fund will provide scholarships to IDF combat reservists at BGU in perpetuity, with first preference going to lone soldiers.

Steinberg, a 24-year-old Los Angeles native who was part of the IDF’s elite Golani Brigade, was one of 13 Israeli soldiers killed in heavy fighting in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City on July 20, 2014. The scholarship endowment fund was launched by American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) in partnership with Steinberg’s parents at Sunday’s Times of Israel gala in New York City.

“I am deeply touched by Max’s story—his determination to join one of Israel’s elite army units, and his love for Israel, is an inspiration to us all,” AABGU Vice President Jessica Sillins said.

“We are delighted to know that Max’s legacy will be connected to a university and scholarship program that grants opportunity and promise to the soldiers that have put their lives in harm’s way for the people of Israel,” said Stuart Steinberg, Max’s father.