In the course of its history the Jewish people has been known for its aspiration to education and respect for knowledge. Professional activities based on an intellectual background have been recognized as prestigious; sages have been more honored than rulers. These values have indeed brought fruit - in proportion to its population the percentage of
Jews among world-known scientists, as well as among Nobel Prize winners, is very high. These Jewish traditions have been a matter of national pride and of self-identification. However, at the present time there are processes in the world that are a threat to the Jewish people, and awful anti-Semitic acts have become more frequent in a great number of countries.
Considering this, concerted efforts are being made at the present time by an Association of scientists to establish the World Congress of Jewish Scientists ( WCJS ) with its center located in Israel. The central goal of the WCJS is the consolidation of the efforts of Israeli scientists and Jewish scientists from all over the world and for solving the problems of the Jewish people and the state of Israel. For the description of the specific goals of the WCJS we draw your attention to the Statement of Principles (attached) adopted by the Board of the organization. Letters were sent to well-known scientists and public figures, and a number of meetings with various organizations were held. Over 300 positive responses were received from scientists working in different countries, including Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, England, Germany, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Yugoslavia and others. This project is supported by several Nobel Prize Winners as well as by many other famous scientists (
see our list ).
We call upon you to consider supporting this project and joining the WCJS. The Organizing Committee is planning to hold a Constituent Assembly for the WCJS in Israel in 2003 to discuss and adopt the basic aims of the WCJS. It is planned to establish national affiliates of the WCJS in each country or region. We urge you to consider participating in the Assembly. Your thoughts and suggestions directed at making this Congress successful would be timely and extremely valuable. Your recommendations concerning well-known Jewish or non-Jewish scientists who should be invited to join us would be also much appreciated.
