At a ceremony held on Wednesday morning 14 Shevat 5774 in Geneva, Israel was officially admitted as full member to CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman represented Israel at the ceremony held at the CERN Globe of Science and Innovation, at the end of which the Israeli flag was added to the line of flags representing the member states of the organization. FM Lieberman said that it was a source of great pride for him to see the Israeli flag raised, symbolizing Israel’s participation in the forefront of world science and progress. He added that the admission of Israel as a full member of the organization is a recognition of the high level and quality of scientific research in Israel and its contribution to the welfare of the human race.

FM Lieberman noted also that Israel’s admission to CERN is the outcome of years of diplomatic efforts spearheaded by the Israel Foreign Ministry. Israel is the 21st member state of CERN, and the only country outside Europe to have achieved full membership.

FM Lieberman expressed thanks to the leadership of CERN, headed by Director-General Rolf Heuer, and to Prof. Ruth Arnon, President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg, chair of the Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council for Higher Education, and the dozens of Israeli scientists and doctoral students present at the ceremony.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)