The President of the German Conference of Science Ministers, Minister Martin, and HRK President Professor Rosenthal congratulate the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on its 100th anniversary in difficult times and also signal solidarity with Israeli partners in academia.
The German Rectors‘ Conference (HRK) and the German Conference of Science Ministers (WissenschaftsMK) would like to congratulate the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) on its 100th anniversary. On this occasion, the President of the HRK, Walter Rosenthal, and the President of the Conference of Science Ministers, Bettina Martin, Minister for Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, send their congratulations to one of Israel‘s most internationally renowned universities.
“The Hebrew University has been an outstanding centre of research and teaching for a century. Jewish intellectual giants of the early 20th century in Europe, including from Germany, namely Albert Einstein, are among the founding fathers and mothers of HUJI. Today, it stands for excellence in research, international cooperation, social engagement and academic freedom in a special way. These values connect us very closely with HUJI,” explains Rosenthal.
Bettina Martin emphasises: “Academic relations between Israel and Germany have grown over many decades and are of particular importance. Especially in challenging times like these, it becomes clear how important stable partnerships, dialogue and mutual support are. The close cooperation between our universities is an expression of lived solidarity and shared responsibility for the past, present and future.”
Due to the current situation, a visit to Israel planned for this week by a delegation led by the HRK and WissenschaftsMK on the occasion of HUJI‘s anniversary celebrations had to be cancelled. The HRK and WissenschaftsMK would like to send a clear signal of support all the more. “The entire Israeli academic community deserves our special attention and support in these difficult times,” says Martin.
“Right now, it is crucial to maintain academic dialogue and further strengthen it through cooperation,“ adds Rosenthal. „Israeli universities and academic institutions are important spaces for discourse, for both academia and civil society, and thus supporting pillars of a liberal, democratic society in Israel. This requires encouragement and solidarity from all of us.”
