Hebrew University Celebrates 100 Years of Academic Excellence

This year, Hebrew University in Jerusalem commemorates a significant milestone, marking one hundred years since its founding. The university officially opened on April 1, 1925, during a ceremony attended by notable figures including Chaim Weizmann, Lord Arthur Balfour, and General Edmund Allenby. The establishment of the university was driven by a vision of creating a leading institution for higher education and research, with a strong emphasis on medical training and public health.

Foundations of a Medical Legacy

The planning for a medical school was spurred by the efforts of Albert Einstein, who convened a group of physicians in New York in 1921 to lay the groundwork for this initiative. By 1922, this committee had successfully raised $250,000 (approximately $4.8 million today) to fund the project. A year later, a delegation traveled to Palestine to select a site for the medical school, ultimately choosing the scenic Mount Scopus area.

Initially, the project commenced with a research institute focused on microbiology and public health issues specific to the region. By 1925, the committee had made significant strides, acquiring a 10-acre site for the medical school, allocating funds for a chemical laboratory, and establishing a medical library containing over 10,000 books. Plans for a university hospital also began to take shape during this period.

Growth and Resilience Through Turbulent Times

Two years after the university’s opening, the department of bacteriology and hygiene was created. This laid the foundation for the eventual establishment of Israel’s first medical school on Mount Scopus in 1949. During the tumultuous period of Israel’s 1948 War of Independence, the university faced significant challenges. Tragically, 78 university and hospital staff were killed in an ambush on a medical convoy, leading to the evacuation of facilities on Mount Scopus. Access to the campus was only restored following the reunification of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War.

In 1960, a new medical campus was inaugurated on the university’s Ein Kerem site in Jerusalem. This expansion not only reinforced the university’s commitment to medical education but also highlighted the enduring vision of its founders, who recognized the importance of a Jewish university that encompassed comprehensive medical training and research.

Today, the legacy of that vision continues with the recent establishment of the Institute of the Study of Hope, Dignity, and Wellbeing within the faculty of medicine. This academic institute aims to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research into hope across various fields, including medicine, nursing, and social work.

A Symbol of Hope

Israel’s unique context makes it a fitting location for the study of hope. The national anthem, Hatikvah, which translates to “The Hope,” resonates deeply within the cultural identity of the nation. The idea that hope should remain unyielding is an essential aspect of the university’s mission as it moves into its next century.

As Hebrew University celebrates its centennial, it reflects on a rich history of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge and improving public health. The institution’s journey from its humble beginnings to a pivotal role in Israeli society underscores its enduring impact on both local and global levels.