The Eurasian Hoopoe, with its remarkable “crown” of black-tipped feathers, became Israel’s national bird in 2008 in honor of the 60th anniversary of the state. Some 155,000 citizens – from kindergartners to diplomats – participated in the selection process. Known as the “duchifat” in Hebrew, the hoopoe is mentioned in the Bible as being a non-kosher bird.
Albert Einstein co-founded the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with Chaim Weizmann in July 1918. Years later, Einstein turned down an offer to become Israel’s second president after Weizmann’s death in 1952, citing his age and lack of relevant skills. Einstein died in 1955 just days before he was to deliver a speech to an American radio audience on the seventh anniversary of Israel’s independence. He left his scientific and other writings to Hebrew University.
