The co-creator of WhatsApp has made history with an unprecedented $200 million contribution to a Jerusalem medical facility, marking the largest healthcare gift ever recorded in Israel.
Jan Koum’s massive donation will support Shaare Zedek hospital’s ambitious expansion plans, which include constructing a new patient care tower and housing complex for medical personnel. In recognition of his generosity, the medical facility will receive a new name: the Koum Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
The ambitious construction project centers around a 24-floor structure covering more than 1.5 million square feet, featuring state-of-the-art surgical suites and emergency treatment areas. Hospital officials expect the expansion to triple their current operations and transform the facility into one of Israel’s premier medical institutions.
Currently housing approximately 1,000 patient beds, Shaare Zedek operates independently without ties to Israel’s major healthcare networks, making external financial support crucial for growth and acquiring cutting-edge medical equipment.
Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, to a Jewish household, Koum relocated to America during his teenage years with his mother and grandmother. His career path led him from security analysis work at Ernst & Young through a stint at Yahoo before launching WhatsApp in 2009. The messaging platform’s success culminated in a $19 billion acquisition by Meta in 2014.
Through the Koum Family Foundation, the tech entrepreneur has become a significant supporter of Israeli and Jewish causes in recent years. His philanthropic efforts have channeled hundreds of millions toward various organizations, including Stanford University’s Israel studies programs, the AIPAC political lobby, Chabad institutions, Ukrainian Jewish communities, and groups focused on acquiring property in eastern Jerusalem.
According to Forbes’ 2023 calculations, Koum’s wealth totals $15.2 billion, ranking him among the globe’s most affluent individuals.
