$$News and Reports$$

Aug. 14, 2022


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Former Education Minister Aharon Yadlin, one of the founding fathers of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a recipie​nt of an honorary doctorate from the university, passed away last week at the age of 96. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev mourns his passing. 

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Ben-Gurion University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, "I am proud I had the privilege of working alongside Aharon Yadlin." 

Yadlin, a longtime resident of the Negev and one of the founders of Kibbutz Hatzerim, served as education minister from 1974-1977, and was a devoted friend of the University from its first day until today. As a member of the Board of Governors and as deputy chair of the executive committee of the University, Yadlin contributed from his vast experience to advance educational, cultural, and communal projects.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev bestowed an honorary doctorate on Aharon Yadlin in 1988 for his contributions to the education system in Israel and the development of the University that held a special place in his heart. In addition, his contributions to developing the state and being a role model of pioneering garnered him the Ben-Gurion Prize in 2005 and five years later the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement. 

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz and Chair of the Executive Committee Yarom Ariav (pictured above) eulogized Yadlin in a letter to the University community. 

"His commitment to establishing a university in the Negev meshed with David Ben-Gurion's vision and their collaboration contributed to the establishment of the University of the Negev, which became Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. 

"We were deeply impressed and moved by Aharon Yadlin's devotion to the University - even during the Coronavirus crisis, he insisted on participating in all the executive committee's meetings via Zoom. His comments were always sharp and enlightening. We are proud to have worked with him and send our deepest condolences to his family and to Kibbutz Hatzerim." 

President of Israel Isaac Herzog, "Aharon Yadlin was an educator above all else. As well as being one of the leaders of the Labor Movement and the Labor pioneers, a man of vision and action, Aharon was a teacher in every fiber of his being. His accomplishments over many years in the Knesset and the government advocating for the education and future of the children of Israel were a living monument to him many years into the future. Over the course of his life, he won many prizes – including the Israel Prize – but we were the ones who were privileged to benefit from him and his contributions. I loved and admired him a lot. My condolences to the family." 

Gen. (res.) Amos Yadlin, Aharon Yadlin's son, "My father was a leader through the power of his personality and his values, a pioneer in settling the Negev, a leader of the Labor Movement, advocate for equality, Zionism and human rights. An educator and teacher, smart and humble whose words echoed his heart. Lucid to the end, he parted from us in his sleep." 

His funeral was held Sunday, August 14 at Kibbutz Hatzerim. 

May his memory be blessed.


Above: At the 45th Board of Governors Meeting

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