The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
15th in the "Jerusalem of Gold" Bullion Coin Series
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

Rooted in the heart of the Zionist vision, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a backbone of higher education in Israel - a vision that has been realized and has become a milestone in the history of Zionism. The idea to establish the university was first conceived at the First Zionist Congress in Basel, in 1897, but it was only to actually happen, later, in 1913, when the 11th Zionist Congress approved the foundation of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This was to be the first university to be established in the heart of Jerusalem, by the Jewish people for the Jewish people.

In 1918, the first twelve cornerstones for the university were laid down - symbolizing the twelve Tribes of Israel - during a state ceremony held with approval of the British Mandate Government. The official opening ceremony took place on April 1, 1925, on Mount Scopus, in the presence of thousands, including distinguished personalities from across the globe, among them Lord Balfour, Zionist Organization President Chaim Weizmann, Chief Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, and national poet Chaim Nachman Bialik, who on this occasion, said “At this moment, Israel has kindled the first light of its intellectual renaissance, on Mount Scopus.”

Initially, the Hebrew University concentrated exclusively on research and, only at a later stage, broadened its scope of activity to include education and the sciences. During Israel’s War of Independence, studies on the Mount Scopus campus were interrupted and the area came under Jordanian rule. The university was then forced to operate from temporary locations in Jerusalem. In 1958, the new central campus on Givat Ram was inaugurated as part of Israel’s tenth anniversary celebrations, and this was followed by the establishment of additional new institutions, among them, the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Karem and the Harry S. Truman Research Center.

After the Six Day War, Israeli rule was restored to Mount Scopus and, in 1981, the renewed University Campus was inaugurated. During the following decades, the Hebrew University continued to expand and develop. Additional faculties were opened, including the faculties for veterinary medicine, engineering and computer science.

The Hebrew University has remained, to this day, a living symbol of the spirit of the Jewish people, its scientific research, and rich culture, connecting between heritage and aspirations for the future. It is a remarkable testimony for its fulfillment of the Zionist dream and return of the Jewish people to its land.

The 15th bullion coin in the prestigious “Jerusalem of Gold” Series is dedicated to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, that has laid the foundation for higher education in Israel, played a significant role in shaping the State of Israel and serves, to this day, as a source of inspiration for our future generations.

Coin Description
Obverse: A front view of the Hebrew University Campus on Mount Scopus, showing the university emblem, against a background of the Jerusalem hills and cypress trees. Above is the face value and mint year in English and Hebrew, and the Star of David mintmark. The lower border is inscribed with the gold fineness and weight, and the upper right border, with the word "Jerusalem" in English, Hebrew and Arabic.
Common Obverse to the Series: The Lion of Megiddo with its stylized curved tail, taken from an ancient 8th century BCE seal excavated in Megiddo (Armageddon) in the Jordan Valley that belonged to Shema, servant of King Jeroboam II. Above the lion is the Israel State Emblem and below it, “Israel” in English, Hebrew and Arabic.

Design:
Reverse Design: Aharon Shevo
Common Obverse Design: Meir Eshel
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
Series Name: Jerusalem of Gold
Minting: The Holy Land Mint

* Photographs are for illustration purposes only.