Guide to the American Friends of the Hebrew University Collection 1948-1950

Guide to the American Friends of the Hebrew University Collection
1948-1950

YU logo here


© Copyright 2009.  Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University Archives | Mendel Gottesman Library | 500 W. 185th St., New York, NY 10033 | Phone: (646) 592-4058 | Email: archives@yu.edu

Collection Overview

Creator: American Friends of the Hebrew University
Title: American Friends of the Hebrew University collection
Dates: 1948-1950
Size: 1 folder
Abstract:Hebrew University opened its doors to students in 1925, and by 1949, the school had 1300 students. The American Friends of Hebrew University brought the achievements of Hebrew University to the United States by bringing scholars and scientists to American communities to give lectures and recruit students. The collection consists of a membership recruitment letter and application, an article, a memo, and an invitation, all pertaining to the American Friends of Hebrew University.
Languages:Materials are in English.
Call No: 1995.002

About This Guide

Finding aid encoded July, 2009

Finding aid encoded in English.

Organizational History

Hebrew University opened its doors to students in 1925, though the cornerstone for the building was laid on Mount Scopus in 1918. Even when the school opened to students, the building on Mount Scopus remained empty, since it was in an Arab territory under police guard. The university instead met in various locations in the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem. By 1949, the student body was 1300. The University offered courses of study in humanities, sciences, medicine, law, agriculture and education. It also included a Jewish library, museums, botanical gardens and zoos, and the Hebrew University Press, which published an extensive variety of academic materials.

The American Friends of Hebrew University brought the achievements of Hebrew University to the United States by bringing scholars and scientists to American communities to give lectures and recruit students. The American Friends also helped raise money for the University and strengthen the ties between Israel and the American community.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a membership recruitment letter and application, an article, a memo, and an invitation, all pertaining to the American Friends of the Hebrew University.

The article and the memo discuss the achievements of the University from its founding through its 25th anniversary in 1950, as well as the background of the American Friends and their role.

The invitation is for a reception in honor of Sir Leon Simon, C.B., the Chairman of the Executive Council of the Hebrew University, which was held on Wednesday March 10, 1948 at the University House in New York City. At the reception, the first technicolor sound film on the Hebrew University, entitled "Israel's House of Wisdom," was shown.

The letter is from Rabbi David J. Seligson to a potential member of the American Friends, explaining what Hebrew University and the American Friends stand for and inviting the potential member to donate money and join to help the cause. Included with the letter is a membership application with a return envelope to the Manhattan Chapter of the American Friends of the Hebrew University.

Index Terms

This collection has been indexed under the following terms:

Organizations:
Universiṭah ha-ʻIvrit bi-Yerushalayim
Subjects:
Educational fund raising
Jews -- Education
Jews -- United States -- Charities
Universities and colleges
Places:
Israel -- History -- 20th century
Document Types:
Articles
Form letters
Printed ephemera

Conditions Governing Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is available to researchers deemed to be qualified by the Archivist.

Conditions Governing Use

Restrictions may apply concerning the use, photoduplication, or publication of materials in this collection. Please contact the Curator of Special Collections for information regarding Yeshiva University's reproduction policies and fees.