HIT honors Persian Culture

Six busts of leading figures in Persian heritage and culture were unveiled in a ceremony held at HIT- Holon Institute of Technology

Mr. Manochehr Nazarian, Prof. Eduard Yakubov, Mr. Amir Esmailzadeh and Mr. Pinchas (Pini) Cohen
Photo: Hamid Perry

Most probably, not every Israeli has been exposed to the exalted likes of Persian national poet Abul-Qâsem Ferdowsi, Persian philosopher, mathematician and poet Omar Khayyam, 13th century poet Jalal al-Din Rumi, physician, philosopher and scientist Ibn Sina, 14th century Persian poet Hafez, or King Cyrus the Great.

These six figures from Persian and world heritage each left their indelible mark in the fields of poetry, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine, as well as the "Cyrus Declaration" for the return of the Jewish people to Zion. 

"This is a very exciting evening. I myself am a “Mashadi” from the northern part of Iran and I am proud to be part of this family," said Pinchas (Pini ) Cohen, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at HIT.

"As an academic institution, we believe that the advancement of science and technology is the engine behind the establishment and resilience of our country and for the improvement of the quality of life of its citizens.

HIT focuses on training students in the professions of technology, engineering, design and sciences. The decision to place the statues of these humanistic and scientific giants on the HIT campus expresses our enduring admiration for those who built the pillars upon which modern society and technology rests, and it conveys this important message to our students," said Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of HIT. "The Institute is proud to devote a space, both on the spiritual and physical plane, to Persian culture and heritage, particularly as the work of these giants still remains relevant for our students, as seen in the projects that they carry out today."

The ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Culture and Sports, Mr. Miki Zohar, the Minister of Intelligence, Mrs. Gila Gamaliel, CEO of Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Prof. Roni Gamzu, CEO of HIT Mr. Samuel Goldberg and Chairman "The Mishkan Association for the Culture of Iran,Mrs. Sivan Shahab.

Mr. Manochehr Nazarian and Mr. Amir Esmailzadeh who were present at the ceremony, awarded Prof. Yakubov a Certificate of Appreciation for HIT’s contribution to the preservation of Persian culture.
 

"I want to congratulate all those involved in this event - you are doing holy work! We will continue to promote the relationship with the people of Iranian heritage," said the Minister Zohar. "This project is important because it is close to the hearts of many Israelis," said Intelligence Minister Gamliel, adding that HIT's contribution to preserving this intercultural connection is immeasurably important. "The Mishkan Association for the Culture of Iran, which promotes Persian culture and heritage in Israel, have found an eminently suitable home for these statues on the campus of one of Israel’s major academic institutions, represent shared values and knowledge and linking the past with the present.” 

"The Mishkan Association for the Culture of Iran in Israel thanks HIT for making the statues of these key figures in the Persian heritage accessible to the general public in Israel, an important step in creating awareness about Persia’s rich history as a powerhouse of culture and knowledge in so many disciplines, a fact that may have been forgotten in recent years," said Sivan Shahab."