A million dollar geophysical observatory of the Weizmann Institute of Science was dedicated this week near Eilat. The observatory is named for Adolpho Bloch, a Brazilian publisher and member of the Weizmann Institute’s Board of Governors in recognition of his contributions to relations between the Institute and Brazilian institutions of higher learning.
The dedication ceremonies were presided over by Dr. Albert Sabin, president of the Weizmann Institute. Dr. Ari Ben Menahem, director of the observatory, said researchers there have helped confirm the theory of continental drift. He said that one side of the great rift valley on which Israel lies is gradually tilting upward which contributes to the frequent earthquakes in Turkey and Iran. Dr. Ben Menahem said that if Moses attempted to lead the Israelites across the Red Sea today he would have a more difficult time because the Sinai and the Arabian peninsula are gradually drifting away from Egypt.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
