Shneior Lifson and the Founding of the Open University, 1970-1976

Abstract

The idea of an Open University in Israel gained traction in 1970 and in 1976 it opened its doors for classes. This article examines the academic and political processes that led to its establishment. Much of the credit goes to Professor Shneior Lifson, a distinguished faculty member of the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the founder of the Open University. However his involvement with the university ended in 1976 when he was recalled to the Weizmann Institute to resume research. The main focus of the Open University was to create a secure and significant path to the creation of a Mizrahi middle-class that would integrate into the leading groups in Israeli society. Academic training, it was hoped, would close the gaps between Ashkenazi Jews and second generation Mizrachi Jews. The author looks at the academic, political and social parties who promoted the university and those who opposed it.