When Professor Vinod Manon, chairman of the Department of Physics at City College of New York, decided to sort his mail after long months in the office, due to the corona plague – he could not believe his eyes: in a small box he found $ 180,000 in cash, bills of $ 50 and $ 100.
The banknotes were accompanied by an explanation that these were funds intended for needy students.
“I have never seen anything like it except in the movies. I was shocked and just did not know how to react, “the professor told CNN.
According to a report in Israel Today, the box contained an unsigned letter in which the donor explained that he had long ago completed his studies with a degree in physics and mathematics and then went on to a master’s degree and a doctorate. “Assuming you’re a little curious to know why I’m doing this – the reason is simple: the educational opportunity I was given gave me the foundation to continue to evolve.”
The letter asked Manon to use the money to help students who need financial support to continue their studies.
Police were involved in the photo, to check if it was money coming from criminal activity, and on December 13 it was decided that the gift was legal.
The money will now be used for two full tuition scholarships each year – for an entire decade.
At the City College of New York, the science department received an anonymous package.
What was inside?
$180,000 in cash, with a note telling them to use the money to provide scholarships for students in need.
Kindness is everywhere. pic.twitter.com/tiv4TvZr9F
— Goodable (@Goodable) December 21, 2021
But that does not end the mystery: According to a report in Israel Today, American Jewry has been intensely involved in the unique story, since it was published in the New York Times and other media, because the unique amount of money raises the question: Is the donor Jewish?
For, in Judaism it is customary to donate money in multiples of 18, since this is the gematria-equivalent number for the word “living.”