The Stock Exchange Opening Ceremony
Date:
Sun, 23/02/202513:20
Celebrating 100 Years of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
"For over a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a home for extraordinary individuals – those who question the norm, break conventions, innovate, and continually pave new paths. It all began with the lighting of a pioneering flame in the heart of Jerusalem, a flame that would go on to shape the landscape of academia in Israel.A remarkable group of giants in science and the humanities – including Albert Einstein, Chaim Nachman Bialik, Chaim Weizmann, and Martin Buber – came together to realize a shared vision of founding the Hebrew University. They, along with many others, established this groundbreaking institution to foster leadership in research, science, public affairs, and social progress, all in service of the State of Israel and humanity as a whole.From the moment that vision became reality, the university has held excellence in research and teaching as its highest value. Today, it remains a vibrant source of knowledge and innovation, spearheading pioneering research across a diverse range of fields while nurturing generations of leaders, scholars, and thinkers."
The Inauguration Ceremony of the Hebrew University
"The Hebrew University of Jerusalem opened its gates in April 1925 in a historic event attended by thousands. On a simple wooden stage, without microphones or any other amplification, speakers delivered their addresses one after the other: the Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel, Abraham Isaac Kook; Chaim Weizmann; Herbert Samuel; Lord Balfour, the High Commissioner for the Land of Israel; and the poet Chaim Nachman Bialik.After access to Mount Scopus was blocked in the 1950s, it was decided to establish a new campus. The chosen site was Givat Ram, an area designated to become the governmental, cultural, and educational center of the capital. Over the years, the Hebrew University has cemented its status as Israel’s leading institution of higher learning, forging extensive ties with the global academic community.As Israel’s premier research university, we are entrusted with educating future generations, conducting groundbreaking research across nearly all fields, expanding robust international initiatives in both research and teaching, developing extensive partnerships with cutting-edge industries in Israel and worldwide, nurturing a diverse internal community, and engaging deeply in the social life of Jerusalem and Israel as a whole."
Remarks of the Speakers
Lord Arthur J. Balfour
Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook
Herbert Samuel
Chaim Nachman Bialik
Chaim Weizmann
For Einstein, one of its founding luminaries, the Hebrew University epitomized a commitment to Jewish identity, a relentless pursuit of truth, and a profound respect for humanity. In his vision for establishing the university, Einstein prioritized laying a robust foundation for research first and, once firmly established, developing teaching. He advocated for the creation of research institutes modeled after the German research tradition, emphasizing the development of theoretical disciplines before moving on to applied ones—all while ensuring that financiers did not exert undue influence on the university's policies and growth. Einstein served as a trustee and as the chair of the Academic Council, playing a pivotal role in advancing the university’s progress over the years. In his will, he bequeathed all his writings and intellectual legacy to the Hebrew University.
Einstein House
The university is currently planning to establish "Einstein House"—a stunning building that will serve as a center for scientific and technological education. Using modern display techniques, live scientific demonstrations, and original documents, the exhibit will showcase Einstein’s tremendous contributions to science. Einstein House promises visitors an unforgettable experience that highlights the impact of Einstein’s discoveries on our lives today. It will also explore his deep engagement with issues that once dominated global discourse, his active role in public affairs, and his profound connection to the destiny of the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and the Hebrew University. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour Einstein’s meticulously restored private library, step into his recreated office, and examine original documents—including the original theory of relativity and the detailed manuscript in which the renowned equation E=mc² was recorded.
Centennial Events