Albert Einstein Extends Himself for the Hebrew University and Expresses Amazement at its Achievements. Princeton, 1954

Albert Einstein Extends Himself for the Hebrew University and Expresses Amazement at its Achievements. Princeton, 1954

Letter from Albert Einstein to Alexander Brenner, with an invitation to take part in a conference for the benefit of the Hebrew University. Princeton, 1954.

Specifications: [1] leaf, official paper. 21x28 cm. Typewritten letter with Einstein's handwritten signature. The letter is preserved in a thick wooden frame. 33x43 cm.

Content: Einstein sees the Hebrew University's success as having supreme significance for the State of Israel and the Jewish people. He mentions that the university has been close to his heart for many years, as the one institution of higher learning in the State of Israel, it has a great responsibility to future generations as an entity which will lead the State into future economic and political independence. Einstein is proud of the Hebrew University's accomplishments throughout the thirty years of its existence, in every field of knowledge. This despite being "homeless" and operating out of crowded and grossly inadequate facilities since the fall of the Mount Scopus campus in the War of independence. He writes that it is unthinkable that scholars of such high standards should be forced to continue teaching and studying in such unsuitable surroundings, and the university has therefore begun construction of a new quarters, which includes new laboratories and new classrooms. The conference, which was meant to take place on 19.09, gathered together selected individual Jews in order to look for ways to achieve American collaboration in the rebirth of the Hebrew University, and to meet with the University's deputy chairman, the prominent scientist Professor Michael Even-Ari.

Professor Einstein expresses great amazement at the Hebrew University's achievements, and reveals the extent of the hopes he places in it for Israeli progress, and mentions it having a special place in his heart for many years.

Background: Professor Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was one of the greatest physicists of all time. Nobel Prize laureate for explaining the photoelectric effect, developer of the theory of relativity, among the designers of quantum theory and more. He helped collect money for the Hebrew University and served as honorary chairman of its board of trustees. Einstein visited the university on Mount Scopus in 1923 and delivered a lecture on the theory of relativity. Due to his great admiration for the Hebrew University, he bequeathed his manuscript archive and the copyright to his works to them.

Professor Alexander Brenner, the recipient of this letter, was chairman of the American Friends of the Hebrew University on the west coast of the United States. He raised millions of dollars for the construction of the Hebrew University's new campus in Givat Ram, and many of the first buildings there were erected thanks to his efforts.

Condition: Fine-very fine. Fold marks.