“Jewish philanthropists around the world should not donate to anti-Zionist causes and activities that delegitimize the State of Israel,’’ said Israeli Defense Minister and Yisrael Beitenu party leader Avigdor Lieberman as he met with Michael Gross, an International Jewish philanthropist, who canceled a donation to Ben Gurion University because of its hosting of a conference supporting the BDS (Boycott-Disinvestment-Sanctions) movement.

Gross told the minister that "battling the BDS should begin in Israel. It cannot be that Israeli universities which receive funding from the state provide a platform for those acting against Israel worldwide and supporting BDS.”

Lieberman agreed that much of the support for the BDS movement comes from Jews and Israelis. He spoke about the activities his party has undertaken against those who delegitimize Israel, including through legislation.

The CEO of World Yisrael Beitenu Alex Selsky, who also attended the meeting, outlined to Gross some of the projects in the field of strengthening the pro-Israel movement and the fight against the de-legitimization of Israel around the world, and especially in the United States.

Gross and Mr. Selsky agreed to cooperate to expand operations in North America and Europe.

As a real estate expert, Gross also spoke to the Defense Minister about promoting initiatives in the struggle to lower housing prices in Israel