The Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, first medical school established in the United States under Jewish auspices–as well as the first medical school launched in this city since 1898–was dedicated here today. The school is a mammoth, $13,000,000 project which is the core of a new “medical city,” costing more than $100, 000, 000, built on a 200-acre site in The Bronx with New York State and City of New York participation.
Delegations from 30 states and Canada were among the more than 7,500 persons participating in the formal dedication exercises and a dinner that followed. Governor Averell Harriman, United States Senator Irving M. Ives, Mayor Robert F. Wagner, Dr. Hans Albert Einstein, son of the late Prof. Albert Einstein, and many other prominent leaders in government, science, medicine and education took part in the series of ceremonies.
The college is actually in operation now, with the first class numbering 56. Students, as well as members of the outstanding faculty, were drawn from all races and religions throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
The non-sectarian character of the college was stressed in the address by Gov. Harriman who saw fitness in such a policy by an institution “named for a man who found refuge here from racial persecution and political oppression.” Prof. Einstein maintained an active interest in the development of the school from the time he agreed to the use of his name for the college, in 1953, until his death last April. “In Albert Einstein,” said the Governor, “an imcomparable mind, a passion for science, a monumental power of synthesis were transfused with a profound kindliness, humility and concern for human welfare.”
Sen. Ives saw in the college an “inspiring” fact because “though it came into being as a Jewish enterprise, and though it bears the name of an illustrious Jewish scholar and humanitarian, its heart will be devoted to all men, regardless of religious beliefs, national background or color.” Nathaniel L. Goldstein, chairman of the board of overseers of the college, and former Attorney General of New York State who presided at the dedicatory exercises, saw in the opening of the college a “fitting climax to the celebration of 300 years of Jewish participation in American life.”
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.
