Einstein on Zionism, Hebrew University and Israel

Nobel Prize winning physicist Albert Einstein, famous for his Theory of Relativity, helped found Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was an ardent supporter of the Zionist movement.

Learn how he was befriended by fellow scientist Dr. Chaim Weizmann and was tapped to be Israel’s president. Hear rare audio from Einstein on his stance on Israel, the Nazis, the Holocaust and more.

Today, visitors to Jerusalem can see the official Albert Einstein Archive and in the Technion in Haifa, a tree still stands planted by Einstein in 1923.

Albert Einstein planting a tree in Migdal, 1923.

Right to left: Menahem Ussishkin, Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein and Benzion Mossinsohn, New York, 1921.

Tree planted by Einstein at the Technion in Haifa. Credit: Technion Institute.

Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion (right) visits Prof. Albert Einstein (left) at his home in Princeton 1951. Credit: Israeli Government Press Office

Einstein in Jerusalem: From left to right, front row: Captain Lionel G.A. Cust, aide-de-camp to Sir Samuel; Mrs Elsa Einstein, Sir Herbert Samuel; Lady Beatrice Samuel, Albert Einstein, Fr. E. Dhorme, Prior of the Dominican Convent. Credit: École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem

In the second row, fr. A. Sertillanges; Norman Bentwich, Attorney General of Mandatory Palestine; Ernest T. Richmond, architect, political advisor; one step lower, his wife, Margaret Richmond; further right, fr. Gaudence Orfali, Franciscan archaeologist.

NOTES:

• Albert Einstein Archives at Hebrew University

• About Zionism: Speeches and Letters by Albert Einstein - full text

• Einstein Speech for 1955 Israel Independence Day - JTA

• Weizmann And Einstein Greeted On Arrival Here - The Sentinel⁩, 1921⁩

• Einstein Honorary Citizen of Tel-Aviv - JTA, 1923

• Einstein Lecture a Success, Despite Arab Boycott - JTA, 1923

• Einstein Discusses Zionism with Judah Magnes - 1942

• Einstein on Zionism: He is for a Jewish Homeland - 1946

• 100 Years Ago, Einstein Given Hero’s Welcome by America’s Jews - Smithsonian

• Offering the Presidency of Israel to Albert Einstein - 1952

• How Einstein Helped Shape Hebrew University - Huffington Post

• Centenary of Albert Einstein’s visit to Jerusalem

• Einstein trip to the Holy Land

• Einstein visits Technion Institute - 100th Anniversary