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January 30, 2004
Preserving the Hebrew U. legacy
A program of education and fund-raising to assist with the university's
restoration plans begins in March.
JUDY OBERLANDER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
From its founding in 1925, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has
grown into an international centre of teaching and research. Set
atop Mount Scopus, it is an architectural landmark that continues
to serve as a reminder of the early Zionists' pioneering spirit
to establish institutions of Jewish learning in Palestine. This
legacy must be preserved and it is with this goal that a nationwide
education and fund-raising initiative is being launched next month
at the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University's annual gala.
Hebrew University has always opened its doors to Jews, Arabs and
international students. Encouraged by the institution's outstanding
intellectual resources and its beautiful facilities – light
beige stone buildings nestled into the sparse desert hillside –
students, faculty and staff have come from near and far in the pursuit
of knowledge.
Following the 1948 War of Independence, when Mount Scopus fell out
of Jewish hands, the Hebrew University was dispersed throughout
Jerusalem. After the city's reunification in 1967, many of the Mount
Scopus buildings we see today were refurbished. Since that time,
new buildings have been added, trees have grown and an intellectual
community has evolved, while respecting the overall original 1920s
campus design by the British architect, Patrick Geddes.
Geddes' design was, in fact, the first of three visions for the
campus. A second layout grew out of the vision of Eric Mendelsohn,
a renowned German-born architect who, in 1934, began to further
the original plan and consolidate the four existing structures on
this hillside overlooking the Kidron Valley and the old city of
Jerusalem to the south. Over the next few years, at a time when
world Jewry was setting down roots in Palestine, part of his visionary,
"modernist" master plan was realized.
Interestingly, Mendelsohn's model of the Hebrew University was displayed
at the World Exposition in Paris in 1937. Many ideals clashed at
this exposition: The works of Albert Speer – Adolf Hitler's
architect – were on display and Pablo Picasso's famous painting,
"Guernica," was featured in the Spanish Pavilion. Yet,
here on the world stage, Mendelsohn's model of the Hebrew University
was a sign of hope for the Jewish people on the eve of one of history's
darkest chapters.
Arnold Whittock, in his book Eric Mendelsohn, wrote: "Palestine
... will always be the centre of Jewish culture; it will always
be the spiritual home of Jews wherever they may live. An architect,
therefore, has a special obligation to the past and future alike,
to build well and with distinction in this historical land, and
it is an obligation that Mendelsohn, with a few others, has fulfilled."
After the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, a third design
was created by Richard Kauffmann and this vision has guided campus
development since the reunification of Jerusalem. Respecting the
past while at the same time encouraging future growth is an important
part of Jewish heritage and this is reflected in the development
of the Hebrew University. Growth of the campus has been incremental,
supported by donors around the world, and always respectful of the
magnificent setting. New additions were integrated into the campus
through a consistent use of elegant Jerusalem stone as the primary
building material.
Indeed, it is in this tradition that the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
has been a leader – as a world-renowned centre of learning
and as an architecturally magnificent research facility that has
welcomed students, faculty, staff, visitors and supporters from
around the world. As well, the institution has moved with the times
– new and innovative programs have been established, older
buildings have been creatively adapted for new uses and some facilities
have been modernized; all with a fundamental respect for the past.
The preservation of historic buildings at the Hebrew University
recognizes many values – a social value for those who study,
live and work there; an esthetic value evoked by the unique relationship
between the architecture and the site; as well as historical and
cultural values, which connect us to the city of Jerusalem and the
land of Israel.
Preserving a valued site is a collective responsibility and one
that requires a recognition of the importance of the legacy that
we have inherited and consideration of how we can enable it to remain
relevant. It is because of this sense of responsibility that the
Jews of Canada are undertaking the task of preserving the Hebrew
University on Mount Scopus by initiating a program of education
and fund-raising to assist with the university's preservation and
restoration project.
On March 21, at the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, Vancouver
chapter's gala event, Dr. Cornelia Oberlander and Dr. Peter Oberlander
will be recognized for their world-renowned work in the fields of
landscape architecture and urban planning. Their distinguished accomplishments
have consistently reflected the importance of heritage and culture
and it is fitting that their names be linked with the Hebrew University's
restoration's efforts.
This event will launch the establishment of an endowment fund dedicated
to the preservation and conservation of the historic buildings on
Mount Scopus, beginning with the faculty of law complex. As the
endowment grows, these funds will be used to ensure that the physical
fabric of the university remains strong so that the teaching, research
and cultural life of the institution can grow and flourish.
As Benjamin Disraeli so aptly told the House of Commons in 1873,
"A university should be a place of light, liberty and learning."
To fulfil this mission, a university's physical plant must continue
to be in excellent condition. The challenge is to support the university
in that endeavor so that, in turn, it will continue to help the
Jewish people be a "light unto the nations."
Judy Oberlander is director of the City Program, Simon
Fraser University at Harbor Centre.
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