The relationship between the Weizmann Institute and Nella and Leon Benoziyo began in 1978, with anonymous gifts in support of scientific research. From that time forward, the Benoziyos’ were instrumental in launching many of the Weizmann Institute’s largest and most transformative initiatives. Both members of the couple were honored with honorary PhDs, granted by the Institute in 1994 and 1999, respectively.
Major philanthropic gifts enabled the establishment of the Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for Neurosciences and the Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for High Energy Physics. Following Leon’s death in 1996, Nella–who repeatedly stated that she considered the Weizmann Institute and its scientists to be “like family”–redoubled her commitment, generously establishing the Y. Leon Benoziyo Institute for Molecular Medicine, and the Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for Astrophysics.
Nella Benoziyo’s biggest gift to the Weizmann Institute during her lifetime was initiated in 2008, with her pledge for the construction of the Nella and Leon Benoziyo Building for Biological Chemistry, which was inaugurated in a festive ceremony in the Benoziyo’s honor in 2017.
Shortly before Nella Benoziyo’s death in 2010 at the age of 85, the Weizmann Institute saluted the couple’s munificent and long-term commitment by establishing the Benoziyo Professorial Chair in the Faculty of Biochemistry.
