The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Did You Know?
| The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s first university, established in 1925 | |
| Its founding board’s distinguished personalities included Albert Einstein, Martin Buber, Chaim Weitzman and Sigmund Freud | |
| The Hebrew University has produced leaders in all spheres of Israeli society | |
| 7 Nobel Laureates in the last 6 years | |
| 259 Israel Prizes | |
| 12 Wolf Prizes | |
| 1 Fields medal | |
| 22 EMET Prizes | |
| The 2012 Israel Prize for Mathematics and Computer Science was awardees to the Hebrew University | |
| Four of the five 2012 Rothschild prizes were awarded to the Hebrew University | |
| 33% of all civilian research in Israel is conducted by Hebrew University researchers, rising to 40% in Medicine and 70% in Microbiology | |
| The Hebrew University is the only Israeli University in the Top 100 Academic Institutions in the World | |
| The Hebrew University is ranked 57th by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Index | |
| The Hebrew University is a leading recipient of European research Council Grants alongside Oxford & Cambridge | |
| Some 110,000 students of the Hebrew University have had degrees conferred upon them | |
| Yissum, the University’s technology transfer company, has registered over 1600 patents, producing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Cancer |
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| Yissum holds over 530 technology licenses | |
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The University is famed for its many projects aimed at integration and reconciliation and is noted for regional and international collaboration and the sharing of expert know-how across the globe. (‘Tikun Olam’)
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History of the Hebrew University
The official history of the Hebrew University begins at its opening on Mount Scopus by Lord Balfour on 1st April 1925.
However, the foundations were laid much earlier. Before the foundation stone of the University was even laid (in 1918, by Chaim Weizmann) some of the great visionaries of our time foresaw the creation of a State of Israel and planned for the establishment for a centre of academic excellence.
A group of those visionaries became the University's first Board of Governors. It included Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Martin Buber, Chaim Nachman Bialik, Cyrus Adler, Yehuda Magnes, Ahad Ha'am and Rabbi Avraham Kook.
Their vision was to create the Hebrew University of Jerusalem: an internationally respected academic institution which would serve as Israel's leading educational establishment provide the Jewish people with the cultural, spiritual and intellectual resource of their heritage, and facilitate the training of new generations of scientists, philosophers, statesmen, teachers, agriculturalists and business entrepreneurs for the developing needs of a new nation.
VISIONS AND VISIONARIES
1882
Professor Herman Zvi Shapira proposed the establishment of a university for the Jewish people
1913
11th Zionist Congress passes a motion in favour of the establishment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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1918 Foundation stones laid on Mount Scopus in the presence of Chaim Weizmann, General Allenby and Jewish leaders |
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1923 Albert Einstein gives inaugural scientific lecture during his only visit to Palestine; also edits the University's first scientific publication. Institute of Chemistry established |
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1925 Gala opening of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Einstein Institute of Mathematics established |
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1935
HU issues certificates enabling young European Jewish refugees to enter the country and study in Jerusalem. Faculty of Science established. Chaim Weizmann appointed Dean |
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1936
First doctoral degree conferred.
1948
On 13 April, 77 faculty and staff members of the University and Hadassah Hospital are killed when a convoy to Mount Scopus is attacked. In August, the provisional Israeli government recognises the importance of the Hebrew University "as a central scientific institution of the State of Israel" and its duty "to continue its activities and develop them." The Mount Scopus campus is cut off from West Jerusalem.
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ACROSS THE CITY
1949
University relocates to makeshift premises throughout Jerusalem.
Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Faculty of Law and Adult Education Centre established. First Summer Institute for overseas students held.
1955
One-Year Program for overseas students established.
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1958 |
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1960
Ein Kerem medical campus dedicated.
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1964 Yissum Research Development Company established to patent University research findings and promote University partnerships with industry |
1967
Jerusalem unified, access to Mount Scopus restored. Renovation of Mount Scopus campus begins.
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THE NEW UNIVERSITY
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1969 Academic activity resumed on Mount Scopus |
1975
Opening of the Institute for Advanced Studies.
1985
Opening of the Korest School of Veterinary Medicine
1998
Rothberg International School (formerly the Overseas School) moves to the Boyar Building.
1999
Dedication of the Selim and Rachel Benin School of Engineering and Computer Science.
2002
Nobel prize in economics awarded to HU alumnus Professor Kaniel Kahneman.
2003
Inauguration of the Edmond J. Safra Campus at Givat Ram.
2004
HU alumni Professor Avram Hershko and Professor Aaron Ciechanover of the Technion win Nobel prize in chemistry. Nobel prize in physics awarded to HU alumnus Professor David J. Gross.
2005
Completion of the five Ginges Computer Centres. Nobel prize in economics awarded to HU Professor Robert J. Aumann.
2006
HU Professor Roger Kornberg wins Nobel prize in chemistry.
2007
Opening of the student village.
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