100 years ago, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem opened its doors to the first Israeli students, providing higher education in the land of Israel. It was the first Israeli university, established even before the State of Israel itself. Among its founders were some of the prominent Zionist entrepreneurs such as Sigmund Freud, Martin Buber, Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein, Ahad Ha’am and many more.
Shortly after the formal opening ceremony, the first Board of Governors convened. Among its members were illustrious figures such as James de Rothschild, Harry Sacher, Sir Herbert Samuel and Sir Alfred Mond, among many others. Approximately one-third of the Board were British, reflecting the profound connection between Britain’s Jewish community, the Zionist movement and the founding of the University—laying the groundwork for the establishment of a Jewish state, which would emerge 23 years later.
In 1926, just a year after the University’s opening, the British Friends of the Hebrew University (BFHU) was established as a UK-based charity. Its mission was to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Mandate Palestine by raising funds to support the University, its scholars and its students. A century later, these bonds are stronger than ever, thanks to the generosity of thousands of families, individuals and trusts—many of whom are descendants of the original supporters who have maintained their connection with the University for decades and devotion to the Zionist Enterprise.
As we celebrate 100 years of the University and soon 100 years of the British Friends, we reached out to some of our supporters. They shared with us the spark that connected them to the Hebrew University, what excites them each time they visit the University’s campuses, and what motivates them to continue the legacy begun by their predecessors.
Benjamin Stowe’s Path from Learning Hebrew to Supporting the Hebrew University