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PRINCETON UNIVERSITY: DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

TO: Academic Associates: John Bahcall, DATE: May 1, 1990
Loskua Lederberg, Henry Rosovsky,
David Sidorsky, William Silen

FROM: Theodore Rabb LV SUBJECT: Recent Events

 

Although during each Spring I am usually in touch with all of you about
scheduling the annual meeting of the Associates, this year, sadly, it will
not be necessary.

You all undoubtedly heard about the shocking circumstances of the death of
Marver and Sheva Bernstein. A very moving Memorial Service was organized in
Princeton, and others have been held in Washington, St. Paul, and Jerusalem.
Although it is a trivial matter compared to the sense of loss this tragedy
caused in many circles, you should know that Marver was planning to pursue
our efforts in Jerusalem when he returned from his ill-fated journey to
Egypt. Far more than the brief discussions he would have held, it is his
wisdom and encouragement that we will miss.

Unfortunately, at the very time that we were absorbing this terrible news,
the fates also turned against us in Jerusalem. Until early in the year, we
had been making real progress on three fronts in conjunction with Yoram Ben-
Porath, the Rector of the Hebrew University. First, thanks largely to the
efforts of John Bahcall, we assembled a Visiting Committee for the Chemistry
Department that included distinguished scholars from both England and
America. Second, I began discussions with Yoram about the possibility of
curriculum reform. Finally, we were about to look into some role for our
group in connection with the Hebrew University's Board of Governors.

All of that progress came to a halt when Yoram developed very serious eye
trouble, which has necessitated stays in the hospital in both Israel and
Europe. Until he is back in action, therefore, these various initiatives --
which I had hoped to discuss with you at the annual meeting -- have to be
put on hold.

Our hope, naturally, is that progress will resume in the Fall. I will
certainly keep you informed as soon as activities resume, but in the
meantime I can only wish you all a very pleasant Summer, and trust that you
join me in wishing a speedy recovery to Yoram.

ec Larry Besserman

Yoram Ben-Porath
Professor Joshua Lederberg

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