“Resolute cooperation” to expand the scientifie work of the Hebrew University in Jeruselem, despite “the perils which seem now to threaten even Palestine,” was urged last night by Prof. Albert Einstein addressing an audience of more than 100 persons at the first plenary meeting of the Academic Friends of the Hebrew University, held at the Harkness Academic Theater of Columbia University.
Dr. Einstein was elected hororary president of the organization. Other officers are Salo W. Baron, president; Selig Hecht and Max Radin, vice-presidents, and A. Arthur Schiller, secretary-treasurer. The organization intends to cooperate with the university through exchange of professors, students and publications with American universities.
Prof. Einstein declared the developments of recent years had accentuated Jewish isolation and solidarity, “turning our voluntary and devoted cooperation into a simple law of self-preservation.” He asserted that “we must also stand together to preserve and foster the spiritual and intellectual values which have given us our peculiar vigor and cultural significance.”
Urging aid for the Hebrew University, he said that “it will be possible for us to assist certain promising undertakings which until now have been restricted in means and connections and give them a chance for fruitful development.”
“You will rejoice to put yourselves at the service of this work,” he said. “Regard it not alone as a kind of charitable activity, but also as a source of strength which will profit in turn the whole Jewish community. Do not be intimidated by the perils which seem now to threaten even Palestine itself. For, whatever may come, resolute cooperation is our only refuge in these heavy times. Things can only work out for good if we summon all our strength and pull together.”
Other speakers were Salmann Schocken, chairman of the university’s executive council; Prof. Hecht, Dr. Israel Wechsler, Dr. Schiller and Prof. Baron, who presided.
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