Hebrew University Joins NST In Celebrating Israel’s 60th Anniversary

As Israel celebrates its 60th anniversary, residents of North Shore Towers gathered for an event in recognition of the milestone on Thursday, May 8 in Towers on the Green, at which time they heard about the work being done by Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
“Tonight, I am privileged to congratulate Israel on her 60th anniversary,” Board of Directors President and event host Chuck Robbins said, describing it as a “momentous event” in the nation’s history.
During the celebration, residents were joined by representatives of American Friends of the Hebrew University and guest speaker Professor Shlomo Aronson of Hebrew University.
“If it would be for all of you who are considered part of that greatest generation, not only would we not be here today, but also the State of Israel would not be here today because you are the ones who made it possible,” said Peter T. Willner, the National Executive Director of American Friends of The Hebrew University. “You should feel very proud about that, especially on this day when we celebrate Israel’s 60th.”
Willner went on to discuss the university, including the vision behind it and the contributions it has been making to the world. He said that the genesis of Hebrew University came in 1897 during the Jewish Congress when it was decided a Jewish state would also surely need a “world-class institution of research and academia.”
The students and faculty at Hebrew University have made many contributions to the world. Willner listed some of the areas where they have done so as humanities, social sciences, agriculture, medicine, life sciences and education.
“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great and no time so powerful as the expectation of something better for tomorrow,” Willner said. “With the leadership of this great university and your continued support, I think we all want to see this vision continue to happen as it has with the State of Israel.”
Rabbi Michael Klayman of the Lake Success Jewish Center, who is also an alumnus of Hebrew University, gave the invocation. He spoke of it as not only an educational institution but also a cultural center.
“As Israel moves forward dealing with the challenges in all spheres of life, may the Hebrew University, that cultural giant in the midst of Jerusalem, continue to be a source of inspiration to Jews and to all people throughout the world,” Klayman said.
A professor of political science, Aronson joined the Hebrew University faculty in 1968. He spoke about how the university became important in the study of the Holocaust.
“We imposed on ourselves, or rather took the responsibility, of suggesting a scholarly discussion of what happened to us Jews regardless of our political inclination,” Aronson said.
Aronson also said that a Jewish state was not created only for survival or to be a nation among nations.
“We created a state that must retain its Jewish qualities,” he said.
Following his remarks, Aronson took questions and comments from the audience.
For more information on American Friends of The Hebrew University, visit www.afhu.org.