The conference conveners and sponsors are happy to welcome you to Israel, Jerusalem and the Hebrew University. There are very few places in the world that have such a long history, stimulating and galvanizing present -- and hopefully such as an exciting future ahead. Jerusalem with its old and new, multi-national and multicultural identities will help you to understand Israel, the Middle East and maybe also the challenges that are facing your own country and region as well. We hope you'll find your visit fruitful and that we will have the opportunity to host you here again in the near future.

Practical Tourist Information

• Dialling code: 972

• Time zone: GMT + 2

• Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50Hz; unique Israeli three-square-pin plugs (many sockets also accept older two-pronged plugs).

• Average December temperatures: 7 to 15°C or 47 -59 Fahrenheit

• One US dollar is approximately 3.7 Shekels (March 2011)

• One Euro is approximately 5.0 Shekels (March 2011)

• One British Pound is approximately 6.0 Shekels(March 2011)

  The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

  The dream of establishing a "University of the Jewish People" in the Land of Israel formed an integral part of the early Zionist vision. With the acquisition of the Gray Hill estate atop Mount Scopus, and the laying of the cornerstone for the university-to-be in 1918, the realization of the dream was on its way. Seven years later, on April 1, 1925, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was opened at a festive ceremony attended, among others, by leaders of world Jewry including the University's founding father, Dr. Chaim Weizmann.

  The First Board of Governors of the University, chaired by Dr. Weizmann, included such luminaries as Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Martin Buber, Harry Sacher and Felix M. Warburg.

  The War of Independence in 1948 left the University campus cut off from Israeli west Jerusalem, and alternative facilities were found throughout the city. In 1953, construction began on a new main campus at Givat Ram in the heart of Jerusalem. With the reunification of Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of June 1967, work began on restoring and expanding the Mount Scopus campus. In 1981, the historical Mount Scopus campus again became the main home of the University. The University has since continued to grow, with the addition of new buildings, establishment of new programs, and recruitment of outstanding scholars, researchers and students, in fulfillment of its commitment to excellence.

  Highlights
  

  More than 24,000 students are enrolled at the University, including 12,000 undergraduates, 7,600 master's degree students, 2,600 doctoral candidates, and 800 at the Rothberg School for Overseas Students, and in certification and other programs.

  HU researchers figure at the forefront of international science - from biotechnology and computer science to astrophysics and cancer research, from microbiology to solar energy and genetic engineering, as well as the humanities, including Jewish studies, social sciences and law.

  Nearly 40% of all civilian scientific research in Israel is conducted at the Hebrew University.

  About 3,800 research projects are in progress at the University, and 1,500 new projects are started each year.

  The University is home to 100 subject-related and interdisciplinary research centers.

  Almost thirty percent of all doctoral candidates in Israel are enrolled at the Hebrew University.

  Sixteen percent of all the research conducted at the University finds application in high-tech industry. The University sold $12 million of expertise to industry in 2001.

  Jerusalem Tourist Information

  • The Jerusalem Municipality Tourist Information

  • Wikipedia Information on Jerusalem

  • Wiki Travel Information on Jerusalem for Tourists

  • Israeli Government Tourist Office. Visitors Center, Jaffa Gate, Old City; Tel: (02) 26 754 811. Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 0900-1630, Fri 0900-1300.

  Conveners Recommendations for Top Sites in Jerusalem and the Dead Sea
  • The Old City: Western Wall, Mount Temple, the Armenian, Jewish, Muslim and Christian Quarters, Tower of David, Via Doloroza, Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

  • The New City: Yad Vashem, The Israel Museum, City Center, The Ultra-Orthodox Neighborhoods, German Colony & Monefiore Windmill

  • East of the City: A day trip to the The Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Masada