The inauguration ceremony ofthe SDU-TAU Joint Institute for Jewish and Israeli Studies was held at the Central Campus of Shandong University on November 23. Ms. Orly Fromer, presidential advisor, head of Asian Affairs, and the representative from Tel Aviv University, and Wang Qilong, Executive Vice President of Shandong University, delivered speeches to inaugurate the opening of the institute.

In his speech, Wang stated that the establishment of the SDU-TAU Joint Institute for Jewish and Israeli Studies is alively practice to promote academic exchanges and create the first-class disciplines. It is, moreover, a new exploration made to further expand the research field and promote the internationalization of academic research, which has great significance and far-reaching influence.Wang emphasized that the newly established Institute must seize the opportunity of the “Belt and Road” initiative,work together to explore new research fields, continuously expand diverse forms of cultural exchanges, and further promote the exchange of innovative achievements and ideas. In this way, it becomes possible to foster economic and social development as well as the welfare of the people of these two countries. He hopes to conduct in-depth collaboration and joint research with Tel Aviv University through this Institute, strive to produce high-quality research results, and develop newgrowth points for the discipline.

Ms. Orly Fromer expressed her excitement and optimism about the inauguration of the Institute. She said that the establishment of the Institute is an important part of Tel Aviv University's deepening partnership with Chinese universities, and will open up the gate for exchanges and visits between the two universities, as well as joint scientific research, international conferences, the translation of classics, cultural and artistic activities, among others. Tel Aviv University will make full use of its advantages and resources in Jewish and Israeli studies to promote the development of the Institute.

Professor Fu Youde, Director of the Center for Judaic and Inter-Religious Studies at Shandong University and the head of the SDU-TAU Joint Institute for Jewish and Israeli Studies, hosted the inauguration ceremony.

Heads from the China Religion Society, the Chinese Jewish Cultural Researchally and representatives from universities and research institutions gave speeches to commemorate the establishment of the jointinstitute.

Professor Qiao Guoqiang from Shanghai International Studies University and other scholars sent a letter to express their congratulations. More than 100 participants attended the ceremony, including Scholar Representatives from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Dunhuang Academy, Peking University, Renmin University of China, Fudan University, Nanjing University, Sun Yat-sen University, Nankai University, and Lanzhou University. Media representatives and the heads of relevant departments and schools of Shandong University also attended the event.

Shandong University and Tel Aviv University signed an intercollegiate cooperation agreement in May 2010 and carried out various forms of student exchange and joint scientific research activities. In June 2018, Fan Liming, President of Shandong University, and the visiting President of Tel Aviv University held working talks to reach a preliminary consensus on the co-construction of the “SDU-TAU Joint Institute for Jewish and Israeli Studies”. In February 2019, the two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation. On July 31, Shandong University officially announced the establishment of the “SDU-TAU Joint Institute for Jewish and Israeli Studies”. The institute will run as one and work relatively independent of the Center for Judaic and Inter-Religious Studies at Shandong University, which is a key research institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education.The Institute will mainly engage in Jewish culture and Israeli studies, including the study of classics of Hebrew civilization, thoughts on liberal arts, ethnic characteristics, and historical evolution, as well as related issues.

Writtern by：Chen Yanyan

Edited by：Che Huiqing