The University of Gondar organizes a Cultural Symposium with the theme, “Ethiopia and Jerusalem: 3000 Years of Shared History,”
The University of Gondar on 16 January 2023 opened a two-day cultural symposium which took place at the University’s Maraki Campus Aluminum Hall. The meeting which intends to create a more sustainable relationship between Israel and Ethiopia with the theme, “Ethiopia and Jerusalem: 3000 Years of Shared History,” is the last leg of a two-part cultural symposium that has invited a 24-person delegation from Israel institutions, guests from Ethiopian higher education institutions and persons from private institutes.
The University of Gondar has a long-standing relationship with Israel. The two have collaborated on a variety of educational and research initiatives, with the goal of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
When opening up the symposium Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn, President of the University of Gondar, showcased the historical ties that Ethiopia shares with Israel and the unique role that the Beta Israel have in all of it. “Evidence of our ancient interconnection is apparent in the legend of the Queen of Sheba, the King David descent of Solomonic emperors, the preservation of Judaic rituals in Ethiopian Christianity, and, more importantly, the presence of a significant Jewish population in Ethiopia,” shared Dr. Asrat.
When going one step further the President of the University alluded to the strong links the two country’s share and its complex dealings which are at the core of the progressing links. “On the foundation of the inimitable and ancient legacy, Ethiopia and Israel have,” shared Dr. Asrat, “since 1956 a solid diplomatic tie with robust political, military, and economic dimensions were forged.”
One of the most significant collaborations between the University of Gondar and Israel has been in the field of agriculture. The University of Gondar has a strong agricultural program, and Israel is a world leader in agricultural technology and innovation. Together, the two have been working to improve agricultural productivity and develop new technologies in Ethiopia. This cooperation has been beneficial for both parties, as Ethiopia is able to improve its food security and Israel is able to access new markets for its agricultural products.
In addition to agriculture, the two institutions have also cooperated in the fields of medicine and health. The University of Gondar has a medical school and a hospital and the collaboration with Israel has been in terms of research, training and capacity building.
This event is a two-part journey that is a culmination of a two-trip cultural symposium. The first leg of the symposium took place in September of 2022 where delegates from the University of Gondar and 3 other Ethiopian universities were invited to Israel for a 4-day visit to take part in an academic forum where scholarly presentations, site visits and forging new partnerships were accomplished.
