A new exhibit at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport will celebrate Israeli contributions to humanity around the world.
Israel’s Science, Technology and Space Ministry is launching at Ben-Gurion International (BGI) Airport a year-long wall exhibit of approximately 60 Israeli inventions and discoveries that have affected the world.
Nobel laureates, featured researchers and university presidents and vice-presidents for research will attend the opening ceremony next Monday, hosted by Science, Technology and Space Minister Ofir Akounis and Minister of Transportation Yisrael Katz.
The exhibit will be displayed on a giant wall just past passport control and will have the potential of reaching approximately 8 million people over the course of the year.
The exhibit is designed for public diplomacy, as well as the increase of domestic public awareness of science.
A recent survey shows that 43% of Israelis are unaware that Israel’s first President, Chaim Weizmann, was originally a chemist. Approximately 50% of Israelis were unable to name even one Israeli Nobel laureate scientist. Israel has 12 Nobel Prize laureates.
The exhibit will feature approximately 60 discoveries and developments, chosen by a selection committee composed of representatives from the Israel Young Academy and the Science, Technology and Space Ministry Chief Scientist’s office, that were selected for the innovative and pioneering qualities, and their direct and indirect influence on the lives of millions of people around the world.
Sections of the exhibit will be devoted to Israel’s eight Nobel science laureates, three Turing laureates and one Fields Medal winner, as well as to prominent scientists such as Chaim Weizmann, Aaron Aaronsohn and Albert Einstein.
“The exhibit is a major public diplomacy asset for Israel. We are showing the vast contributions of Israeli science and technology to the world and all humanity,” Minister Akounis stated. “We have what and who to be proud of. Israel is a pioneering country and innovative leader. The entire world admires, and is amazed by, our achievements; therefore, it is fitting that they be shown at the gateway into and out of Israel.”
By: Max Gelber, United with Israel