The signing of the agreement with CERN is the climax of a long and challenging process by various Israel government ministries.
The signing of the agreement with CERN is the climax of a long and challenging process by various Israel government ministries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Science, the Planning & Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education, and the Prime Minister’s Office), and must be ratified by the Knesset.
Ambassador Leshno-Yaar: The agreement is testimony to Europe’s recognition of Israel’s scientific and technological capabilities, of the quality of its scientists, and of its contribution throughout many years to the research activities of CERN.
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Aharon Leshno-Yaar, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, before the Council of CERN
Signing ceremony of the granting of the status of Associate Membership to Israel as the pre-stage to membership at CERN
It is my honor and pleasure to sign today, on behalf of the State of Israel, the agreement admitting Israel as an Associate Member for the pre stage to membership at CERN.
Today’s signing ceremony is the conclusion of a long process and the beginning of a new one. It is a testimony of the recognition in Israel’s scientific and technological capabilities, of the quality of its scientists, of its contribution throughout many years to the research activities of CERN and it is an additional building block in Israel’s involvement in scientific projects in Europe. Indeed, the history of Israel and CERN are intertwined almost since the inception of both. Along the years, Israel has contributed to CERN due to our deep appreciation to the role of CERN in Europe and the world.
The process which brought us here today has been long, challenging and interesting. But with the support of many, it ended successfully and will open the door for an expansion of the Israeli involvement in CERN activities.
This is an appropriate opportunity for me to thank:
All members of the Council, and the President of the Council, Professor Spiro, for their decision to admit Israel into the Council, to the many Israeli scientists in CERN already active in CERN, and especially to my two loyal partners Prof. Rabinovitch and Prof. Mikenberg who worked tirelessly towards achieving our goal.
It is my special duty to acknowledge all the people who have worked in a committed and diligent manner in Israel towards reaching this special occasion, first and foremost the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rafi Barak, and my staff at the Embassy, who contributed significantly to this effort.
Last, but not least, a special word of appreciation and gratitude to Professor Heuer, for his dedication and many efforts to bringing this journey to this successful point.
