The Hebrew University’s role in wartime was described yesterday by President Judah L. Magnes at ceremonies opening the university’s 16th academic year.
“This is not just a war, but the swiftest and most profound revolution mankind has ever seen,” Dr. Magnes declared. “We are all in the front line. No one is safe. Now, for the first time, the world’s plain people are concerned to see to it that if peace ever comes it should be a true peace among peoples, not only among governments and leaders.
“So far 40 of the university have enlisted in the armed forces. Many others would like to serve, but unfortunately the process of associating the populace with the war effort is slow in Palestine. All of us, young and old, must do whatever we can to bring a military victory over the German satan. There must not be equivocation about this. No sacrifice is too great. We greet our brothers in the field and bid them be of good courage.”
The outgoing rector, Abraham A. Fraenkel, reported that in the past two years the number of students has reached more than a thousand. New teachers and professors have been appointed. Three imposing new buildings are nearing completion–one endowed by the late Sol Rosenbloom of Pittsburgh, a second donated by Morris Koetcher and a third at Rehoboth for agricultural studies. A new wing was added to the library. Rector Roth was among the other speakers.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
