A Compass in Stormy Waters

Honorary doctorates were awarded by the Technion yesterday (Tuesday, June 9) to the following individuals: Patrick Gelsinger, Rafik Halabi, Marc Hamon, Justice Esther Hayut, Prof. Maurice Herlihy, and Bennett Rechler.

An honorary doctorate is the highest recognition that the Technion grants to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional scientific and cultural work or their contribution to Israel, the Jewish people, and humanity. Past degree recipients include Chaim Weizmann (1952), Albert Einstein (1953), Niels Bohr (1958), David Ben-Gurion (1962), Eugene Wigner (1971), Margaret Thatcher (1989), Yitzhak Rabin (1990), and Angela Merkel (2021).

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan congratulated the degree recipients and said, “In times of crisis, the only reliable compass for guiding an institution is its set of core values. As circumstances shift rapidly and pressures mount, both internally and externally, threatening to steer the ship off course, steadfast adherence to these fundamental values remains the only guiding star. We should take pride in our values, which are deeply rooted in our constitution, ethical code, Senate resolutions, and daily conduct over the past century and beyond. Liberalism, social responsibility, equity, tolerance, and inclusion, combined with an unwavering pursuit of excellence and truth, have always guided us. These principles will also continue to serve as our compass in the challenging times we face and further into the future. We are committed to staying loyal to these values, no matter what the circumstances are. These very values are also personified by the six remarkable individuals, whom we honor here today and who honor us with their presence. Leaders who embody, each in his or her unique way, the values the Technion has proudly stood for since its establishment.

Chairman of the Board of Governors Scott Leemaster said: “When I stood on this stage a few years ago, I told you what I feel every time I land in Tel Aviv – that these are interesting times. Today I say: these are consequential times. I find comfort and hope in knowing that together we are strong. Look at the campus around you – this is a place of partnership, not isolation. Our students and faculty members are required to cross boundaries in order to lead the next breakthroughs. Collaboration is the foundation, and not just within the Technion – we have campuses in New York and China as part of the global mark we are making. We must continue to strengthen our commitment to progress, and we must provide our students not only with scientific and technological tools but also with social and ethical awareness. As I said, these are consequential times – not only for Israel but also for all of humanity – but I have no doubt that in the Technion’s resilience and its commitment to mankind lies a promising future for humanity.”‘

Justice Esther Hayut, former President of the Supreme Court, spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the degree recipients and said: “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of myself and my fellow laureates for the decision to confer upon us a Technion Honorary Doctorate. This occasion is always exciting and meaningful. This year, as the Technion celebrates its centennial anniversary, the event is especially moving and significant. On a personal note, I’d like to add that in my view, this Honorary Doctorate conferred upon me today is actually a token of appreciation and an honor awarded to the entire Israeli Judiciary. An honor of which it is indeed worthy, in light of its meaningful, longstanding activity to preserve and advance the values of democracy and the rule of law in Israel. I wish to add that publicly recognizing and appreciating the judiciary is important and significant, especially during these troubled times in the face of the blunt, unbridled attack on Israeli judges and the President of the Supreme Court. To my great dismay, it was only a matter of time until the verbal catapults of instigation and incitement became real catapults. This is a severe development that should keep anyone who holds law-abiding Israel dear awake at night.

“The power to create is not risk-free. We live in an age of immense change. An age when technology is not just a tool but rather a factor that redesigns our lives. And since technology changes worlds, it requires of us not only wisdom but also responsibility. The question isn’t only what can be done but also what should be done, given our moral responsibilities: to others, to society, to future generations.

Can we ensure that technology will serve people rather than replace them? The responsibility is therefore on our shoulders to ensure that the machine is moral. And it’s a very complex challenge.

“This vision of amending, building and creating, of planning and solving, is at the very heart of the mission of the Technion. It isn’t just a university that develops leading technology, it’s a community of people who choose not to come to terms with reality, as it is. Instead, in this institution, they choose to learn, research, and create technology. There is no mission of greater importance.

“Ever since its establishment 77 years ago, Israel has been in one continuous state of fighting for its existence vis-à-vis countries and terror organizations, who refuse to accept our being here. Despite all the suffering, pain, longing, and bereavement we continue to experience, the human factor is also the reason I insist on remaining optimistic and believing that we, as a value-driven and life-loving society, shall know how to rise and overcome, and continue to thrive.

“I wish to conclude with a prayer from the bottom of my heart for the swift return home of all 55 hostages who are still held captive in Gaza. Amen.”

The degrees were awarded as part of the Technion’s annual Board of Governors meeting, which this year marks 100 years since the opening of the Technion.

Degree recipients:

Patrick Gelsinger – USA

In recognition of his commitment to advancing the boundaries of science and engineering; in appreciation of his transformative work in driving innovation and delivering groundbreaking technologies, which has not only shaped the computing landscape but has also had a profound and far-reaching impact across countless industries worldwide.

Rafik Halabi – Israel

In recognition of his lasting contributions to Israeli media and society at large; in appreciation of his efforts to promote unity between the Druze community and the nation as a whole; and for his significant public service across diverse fields.

Marc Hamon – USA

In recognition of his devotion to Israel and the Technion, founded on his commitment to providing equal opportunities to young people to study science, technology and engineering for the benefit of Israel’s future and the Jewish people; in gratitude for his generous support of students through the Anières Program at the Technion, which empowers talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them access to an outstanding education and the opportunity to become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.

Justice Esther Hayut – Israel

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Israel’s judicial system; in deep appreciation of her dedication to human rights and the rule of law as President of the Supreme Court and as a longtime judge; and for her leadership in upholding the judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy in Israel.

Prof. Maurice Herlihy – USA

In recognition of his fundamental contributions to the fields of parallel and distributed computing, and in gratitude for his deep dedication to the State of Israel, Israeli academia, and the Technion.

Bennett Rechler – USA

In recognition of his role in continuing a family legacy of supporting the Technion for over four decades, as a Guardian and President’s Circle member; for funding several projects and facilities, most recently The Morton and Beverley Rechler Family Foundation Research Building; and for his active and long-standing leadership within the American Technion Society and the Technion Board of Governors.