Technion Jubilee

Technion Jubilee
State Medal, 5734-1974

The Technion in Haifa is the oldest academic institution in Israel. Although the cornerstone was laid in 1912, the opening of the Technion was delayed by the "language war" (What language to use in teaching -German or Hebrew.) Further delays were caused by the military forces which requisitioned it for their use during the First World War. In 1924, when it finally opened, the first course offered was Engineering. Over the years, the Technion expanded greatly, but after the establishment of the State, it emerged into a new era. The faculty of Aeronautical Engineering was opened, and then the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering. The remarkable growth of the electronics industry in Israel was closely linked to the training offered by the Technion in electronic engineering. The Technion, which started as a school of engineering, has become a university of technology with a high international reputation.

Obverse: Bronze: A three dimensional modular structure based on a square, as one of the fundamental solid forms (square, circle and triangle). In the centre of the obverse silver medal, numbers and an area divided into set segments, symbolizes mathematics. The obverse of the gold medal - the idea of Pythagorus' theory symbolizes the direct link between theoretical research and technological application.

Reverse: Common to the three medals - on the lower right, the Technion emblem and the legend: "Technion Jubilee -Israel Institute of Technology 5688-5738". In English the date is "1 924-1 974".

Edge: The State emblem and the words: "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. On the silver medals "Silver 935" in Hebrew and "Silver" in English. On the gold medals "G 916.6".

Serialization: All the medals are numbered. Bronze - 4740 have been numbered. 751 were melted. Silver - 4563 were numbered. 364 were melted. Gold -2494 were numbered. 576 were melted.

Designer: Michael Pelheim.

Engraving: Moshe Nov.

Mint: Bronze and Silver - Hecht. Gold - Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem.