BOG 2016: Not in God's Name

"The victim cannot cure the crime. The hater cannot cure the hate. We must persuade the world that our problem – anti-Semitism – is their problem." So surmised Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, from TAU 2016 honorary doctorate recipient, who was keynote speaker at a public lecture held at the Cymbalista Synagogue and Jewish Heritage Center during the 2016 Board of Governors meeting.

The audience of over 300 people was welcomed by Director of the Cymbalista Center Prof. Dan Laor, British Ambassador to Israel Mr. David Quarrey, and Director of the Zvi Yavetz School of Historical Studies Prof. Aviad Kleinberg.

Pictured from left: Mr. David Quarrey, Prof. Dan Laor and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

In his address, Rabbi Lord Sacks noted that "for the first time in history, the three Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – are fighting the same fight in defense of dignity and in protest of the misuse of religion for violence. If a country has no space for difference, it has no space for humanity."

Prof. Laor paid special tribute to the Center's founder, Norbert Cymbalista, who attended the event with his wife, Paulette. "Your far-reaching vision and generosity enabled a center dedicated to Jewish learning – the first at any university in Israel. It has enriched religious and cultural Jewish identity on campus for the past two decades," said Laor. Rabbi Lord Sacks also acknowledged the Cymbalistas' contribution, expressing his "honor to speak in this beautiful building – a miniature sanctuary bringing religious and secular people together – in the presence of Norbert and Paulette."

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks speaking with Paulette and Norbert Cymbalista

Participants enjoyed a musical interlude by students of the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music.