It is utterly breathtaking for the field of Jewish History that one of its leading professors has been chosen as head of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.Ben Sasson has been active in the Society for Judeo-Arabic Studies and has served as President or World Union of Jewish Studies. His research interests are listed as: Medieval Jewish history in Muslim lands; Social and intellectual history; Geonic Responsa and texts; Geniza research.
Former Kadima MK Elected Hebrew University PresidentLast year Prof. Sarah Stroumsa, a Maimonides scholar and specialist in Medieval Jewry, a member of the departments of Arabic Language and Literature and of Jewish Thought, was selected to serve as rector of the Hebrew University.
by Yehudah Lev Kay
(IsraelNN.com) Former Kadima Member of Knesset Dr. Menachem Ben-Sasson was elected to the post of President of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem on Wednesday. He replaces Dr. Menachem Megidor, who was President since 1997.
Ben-Sasson holds a doctorate in Jewish History from Hebrew University and completed post-doctorate studies at Cambridge University in England. He served as an MK between 2006 and 2009, but was not reelected to the current Knesset. He served as Hebrew University's rector in the past.
“These are difficult times,” Ben-Sasson said after being elected to the new position. “The financial situation is so severe as to cast doubt even on the opening of the coming academic year. I call upon the government of Israel to honor its obligations [to education],” he added.
Ben-Sasson has taught in academic centers around the world, including Yeshiva University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Russian National Academy of Sciences. He also served as president of the World Union for Jewish Studies and as the head of a pedagogic committee at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
The new President of Hebrew University lives in Jerusalem with his wife Dr. Ada Ben-Sasson. He has three children and three grandchildren.
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