Jerusalem, December 11, 2024 – Today, Hebrew University of Jerusalem was honored to welcome His Excellency Mr. Santiago Peña, President of the Republic of Paraguay, on an official visit to the university. This visit underscores the growing academic and diplomatic ties between Israel and Paraguay.
During his visit, President Peña was presented with a special edition of The Jerusalem Crown by Prof. Tamir Sheafer, Rector of Hebrew University. The Jerusalem Crown is a codification of the ancient biblical texts, meticulously compiled by university scholars, and is a symbol of both scholarly achievement and spiritual heritage. This special edition holds particular significance as it is the official Bible used in the swearing-in ceremonies of members of the Knesset and the President of the State of Israel. It was also presented to Pope John Paul II during his visit to Jerusalem in the Year 2000.
The visit highlights the long-standing relationship between Paraguay and Israel, with Hebrew University playing a central role in fostering academic cooperation and cultural exchange. The Jerusalem Crown was gifted to President Peña as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the two nations and the shared values of faith, heritage, and education.
In his remarks, President Peña shared his admiration: "We admire Israel. We admire the people. We think there is so much in common. There is so much for us to learn from you and so much to offer to Israel and the Hebrew University that we think the future will be bright for all of us."
Prof. Tamir Sheafer, Rector of Hebrew University, also offered words of welcome and emphasized the importance of the occasion. "It is an honor to welcome President Peña to Hebrew University today. This special edition of The Jerusalem Crown symbolizes not just our academic achievements, but the deep connection between our cultures and our shared commitment to the values of knowledge, tradition, and mutual respect. As we celebrate this meaningful moment, we are reminded that the bonds of friendship and collaboration extend far beyond borders, enriching both our countries and the world."
The visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative aimed at enhancing the collaboration between Israel and Latin America, with a particular focus on education, research, and cultural exchange.
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Credit: David Salem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 81st according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en