Rubenstein donates $1.9 million to Jewish life

“When I came to Duke in the mid-1960s, Jewish life was almost invisible,” Rubenstein said in the press release. “Now it is a vibrant and essential part of the University that is growing every year. It is my hope that Jewish students and their families will think of Duke as a destination for a great education and a positive Jewish experience.”

Of the money, $1.5 million will go toward funding new initiatives and staff positions, and $400,000 will be put toward the renovations, which will happen over the summer.

Between 10 and 12 percent of Duke's student body is Jewish, including 700 undergraduates, the press release noted.