Basic HTML Version
high-character educational institution.
His request was passed on to me through the manager of our
Duesseldorf office. That was the first I knew of this. Through
the Brussels industrialist a meeting was arranged.
That is how the first such meeting came about. On my first
visit, the King asked me to come again. During the past three
years a cordial, and warm affection has developed. And also a
50-50 collaboration in scientific expeditions between King
Leopold's Belgian Foundation for that purpose, and Ambassador
College.
Now, "Coincidence" #2: In September, 1968, Dr. Ernest Martin,
Dean of the faculty at our English campus, and Dr. Herman L. Hoeh,
Dean of Faculties at Pasadena, wanted Ambassador College to conduct
an archaeological project at a location in Israel, some miles north
of Jerusalem. I was personally not interested in such a project.
But I consented to their visiting Jerusalem to see whether
permission could be granted from the government authorities.
Dr. Hoeh happened to be acquainted with Dr. Benjamin Mazar,
archaeologist, and former President of Hebrew University. He found
Dr. Mazar at the time in charge of the most important "dig" so far
undertaken, starting from the south wall of the Temple Mount.
Three major United States universities had sought participation in
this outstanding project. All had been rejected. But Professor
Mazar offered a 50-50 joint participation to Ambassador College!
This was a far more important project than Drs. Hoeh and
Martin had envisioned. They were elated, and telexed me the news,
requesting that I fly to Jerusalem to inspect this opportunity. I
didn't share their enthusiasm, and was unable to go to Jerusalem at
the time.
However, about mid-October (1968) I did fly to Jerusalem to
look over this project. The "dig" had been begun a few months
before. I met Prof. Mazar and inspected the project.
It was much more impressive than I had expected.
I began to realize the scientific and educational value to
Ambassador College. A luncheon was held in a private dining room
in the Knesset -- the government's capitol building. Present at
the luncheon were five high-ranking officials of both the
university and the government. And also, with me, were Dr. Hoeh,
Mr. Charles F. Hunting, one of Ambassador's Vice Presidents in
charge of finances for Britain, Europe and the Middle East, and Mr.
Stanley R. Rader, our chief counsel.
It was a most memorable luncheon. The favor we were given in
their eyes -- the warmth of their attitude toward us -- was
inspiring, astonishing, and most unusual. The Israeli Minister of
Tourism and Development, Mr. Moshe Kol, proposed that we build an
iron bridge that could never be broken between Ambassador College
and Hebrew University. After 2 1/2 years that "iron bridge" has
been greatly strengthened.