A personal view by Moriah Aharon
Despite challenging circumstances, security concerns, insurance and travel difficulties, the 87th Board of Governors of the Hebrew University took place with participants from Israel and from Friends organisations around the world.
A bitter-sweet gathering. On the one hand, it was good to be in Jerusalem in particular and in Israel in general. Expressing solidarity with the people of Israel and with our colleagues – faculty, administration, students, alumni and friends from around the world is of immense importance. However, just a few hours’ drive from the breezy landscapes of Jerusalem, a war is still raging on at least two fronts. The pair of yellow chairs, adorned with images of the abductees Sagui Dekel-Chen, son of a HU professor and MA student Carmel Gat z”l, whose murder in captivity caused immeasurable heartache beyond measure, were permanently placed on each stage, serving as a constant reminder of our commitment to bringing our people back home. The dedication of awards, grants, achievements and recognition to all those affected was deeply moving, particularly, the closing event, where the extraordinary stories of heroism from the University family were shared, leaving not an eye dry.
The Hebrew University’s 87th Board of Governors opened on Saturday night at the stunning new location of the National Library in Jerusalem. A poignant exhibit in solidarity with the hostages, featuring empty chairs behind a glass wall, symbolised their absence and the inability to reach them. On each chair, including a baby chair and a toddler chair belonging to the Bibas family, was placed a book that matched the preferences and interests of the hostage. We then entered the reading rooms and descended the sculpted staircase to other reading halls, including the rare books room, and watched the fascinating work of the robots in the warehouse, which stores over four million books in optimum climatic conditions.
The next day we travelled by coach to the Gaza envelope region to express solidarity with the people of the western Negev. Following the tragic events of October 7 the University is rededicated to the recovery and welfare of these communities. As Israel’s leading research institution, the University remains committed to advancing science and making meaningful societal contributions, particularly in the development of the country’s peripheral regions.
At the opening session we learned about the University’s various efforts to foster connections with the surrounding communities. Highlighting its commitment to advancing research and academia in peripheral regions, in a shared declaration with Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino, the University unveiled a proposal to establish a branch of the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Ofakim. After the event, the delegation toured the innovative Regavim Agricultural School, where they explored both the School’s projects and the City’s Science Centre, integral to ongoing collaborations with the Faculty of Agriculture. The visit underscored Ofakim’s vision to become Israel’s agro-tech hub, with presentations highlighting this ambition.
At the Nova site near Kibbutz Re’im, where the horrific massacre claimed the lives of more than 300 attendees, we heard the story of a survivor and toured the memorial site dedicated to the victims. In Kibbutz Alumim, we listened to Esther Marcus, originally from London, recount the heroic tales of the emergency response team members who defended the kibbutz, some of whom tragically lost their lives. “It was a meaningful and profound day, very important we had the opportunity to come here and support the community, it’s especially important that we witnessed it so we can share with the world what we saw in our own eyes,” said British Friends trustee, Ben Stowe.
In the following two days, we participated in the ceremonies and events that are regularly held at the BOG each year. In the presence of his children who came to accompany him, our dear friend and supporter Jonathan Lux was honoured at the Wall of Life ceremony on Mount Scopus, dedicating his support for the University in memory of his beloved wife Simone z”l.
The Asper Prize awards ceremony, the Kaye Innovation Awards and the Polonsky Prizes to groundbreaking researchers and unique inventions were inspirational once again demonstrating how the University honours and appreciates the finest minds with programmes that encourage excellence, innovation, initiative and development.
The British Friends cocktail evening was held on this occasion with the European and South Americans Friends at the Truman Institute for the Advancement of Peace. “Although I don’t believe there has ever been a time when we Jews were not one people, there is no doubt that October 7 and its aftermath has made those who may have doubted that oneness wake up” said BFHU chair, Alan Jacobs. “We are here to show our solidarity, closeness, unity, call it what you will, with Israel. We know that the support of the Diaspora is more important than ever right now. Wherever we are from, we can all state ‘We Are One’ in our commitment to Israel and to the Hebrew University”.
The Board of Governors convened at the Wise Auditorium on Safra Campus, where we listened to the moving stories of heroism from students, alumni, faculty and staff who have participated in the war and contributed so much to the defence of their country and communities.
It was a special, important and memorable Board of Governors supported by a substantial UK delegation. We look forward to better times and sharing plans for the centenary of the University, which will be celebrated during June 13-19 1925.
Hope to see you there! L’Shana Haba’ah B’Yerushalayim!
Moriah Aharon, marketing manager of the British Friends, was born and raised in Jerusalem and is a Hebrew University alumna