"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 Hebrew University of Jerusalem opened in April 1925 in a historic event attended by thousands, with speeches from prominent figures like Rabbi Kook, Chaim Weizmann, and Lord Balfour. When Mount Scopus became inaccessible in the 1950s, the Givat Ram campus was established as part of Jerusalem’s cultural and governmental center. Over the decades, the university has become Israel’s leading research institution, known for academic excellence, international collaborations, innovation, and its deep involvement in the social fabric of Jerusalem and beyond.
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.
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.
