Home » News » American Friends of Sheba Medical Center Announces Landmark Gift from Edward Khalily to Establish New Pediatric Oncology Center in Israel

American Friends of Sheba Medical Center Announces Landmark Gift from Edward Khalily to Establish New Pediatric Oncology Center in Israel

One of the single largest philanthropic commitments in AFSMC history will invest in Israel’s children and their future through one of the nation’s most renowned institutions.

Published: November 2, 2026

NEW YORK and RAMAT GAN, Israel — American Friends of Sheba Medical Center (AFSMC) today announced a landmark naming gift from Iranian-Jewish philanthropist Edward Khalily to establish the Edward Khalily Pediatric Oncology Building within Sheba Medical Center’s Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital.

Among the largest philanthropic commitments in AFSMC history, the gift represents an investment in Israel’s children and in the country’s long-term strength and vitality. It also reflects Sheba’s role as one of Israel’s most important institutions, advancing medical care, research, and innovation on behalf of the people it serves.

Khalily’s gift is rooted in his deep connection to Israel and the Jewish people. His philanthropy reflects a belief that belonging carries responsibility, and that success creates an opportunity to strengthen the institutions for generations. Through this gift, his family’s name and legacy will become part of Sheba’s enduring commitment to Israel’s children.

“I have always felt that I am part of the Jewish people, and with that comes a responsibility to help Israel in every way I can,” said Khalily. “Sheba represents the strength, ingenuity, and humanity of Israel. By helping Sheba care for children with cancer, we are giving them the opportunity to grow, build their own lives, and become part of Israel’s future. I can think of no more meaningful legacy.”

The Edward Khalily Pediatric Oncology Building will cost approximately $150 million to complete, and will bring advanced treatment, research, and family-centered care together in a setting designed specifically for children and adolescents facing cancer. It will significantly expand Sheba’s pediatric oncology infrastructure within the Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital and strengthen the connection between scientific discovery and the care delivered to each child.

The development of the new building has also been made possible through the generous support of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, whose longstanding commitment to Sheba Medical Center continues to play a vital role in advancing pediatric healthcare in Israel.

“This new building will redefine what is possible for children with cancer—uniting advanced science, compassionate care, and an environment designed around their needs,” said Prof. Itai Pessach, Director of the Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital and Associate Director General of Sheba Medical Center. “It will give our teams the capacity to turn discovery into better outcomes, while helping every child and family feel supported throughout the journey.”

Sheba’s Safra Children’s Hospital is home to one of Israel’s leading pediatric hematology-oncology programs, where physicians and researchers are advancing precision medicine, genetic tumor profiling, immunotherapy, cellular therapies, and bone marrow transplantation. The new building will create greater capacity for that work while providing children and families with a more integrated, compassionate experience throughout treatment and recovery.

“Investing in children’s health is an investment in Israel’s future,” said Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, MD, Director General of Sheba Medical Center. “Edward Khalily’s gift embodies the enduring bond between the Jewish people and the State of Israel, linking his family’s journey and legacy to generations of children who will grow, thrive, and shape our nation’s future. His name will forever be woven into Sheba’s vision and into Israel’s story.”

Edward Khalily’s generosity reflects a profound commitment to Israel and to the enduring Jewish values of responsibility, community, and care for future generations,” said Karen Berman, CEO of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center. “By investing in Sheba’s Safra Children’s Hospital, he is strengthening a vital national institution and expanding the promise of exceptional care for children and families facing cancer.”

The Edward Khalily Pediatric Oncology Building will stand as a lasting expression of Khalily’s commitment to the Jewish people and his belief in Israel’s future, helping Sheba give more children the chance not only to survive cancer, but to thrive beyond it.