Professor Uriel Simon Remembered for Moral Conviction and Educational Dedication
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Professor Uriel Simon, a prominent biblical scholar and educator known for his advocacy for peace, has died. He was a co-founder of peace organizations and dedicated his life to moral rectitude and social justice. Simon notably taught new immigrants in transit camps in the 1950s, opposing assimilationist educational policies and championing the preservation of their cultures. He later became a significant figure in Bar-Ilan University's Bible department, influencing generations of students.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Professor Uriel Simon, a renowned biblical scholar and educator, has passed away.
- He was a co-founder of peace organizations "Oz v'Shalom" and "Netivot Shalom."
- Simon taught new immigrants in transit camps in the 1950s, advocating for cultural preservation.
- He played a key role in stabilizing and leading Bar-Ilan University's Bible department.
- Simon's work emphasized bridging academic research with practical action for societal improvement.
Professor Uriel Simon, a distinguished biblical scholar, educator, and advocate for peace, has passed away. Known for his literary analysis of biblical narratives and his research on medieval biblical exegesis, particularly Ibn Ezra, Simon was also celebrated as an inspiring lecturer and a principled man.
Simon was a co-founder of "Oz v'Shalom" and "Netivot Shalom," organizations dedicated to peace. Throughout his life, he pursued peace with determination and courage, while respecting those who disagreed with him. His interactions were marked by faith and tranquility, and he was known for his quiet demeanor, yet his public calls for moral rectitude and respect for all people were profound and demanding.
Early in his career, Simon demonstrated his commitment to social justice. At age 20, he published a critique of S. Yizhar's work, using the pseudonym S. Uriel. After completing his master's degree in the early 1950s, he deferred his doctoral studies to teach new immigrants in transit camps (ma'abarot) due to a shortage of qualified educators. He lived among his students for a year in a shack in Beit Shemesh, near the Ma'aleh HaR Tov transit camp, and later taught in Be'er Sheva for four years.
His educational philosophy, shaped by his experiences with immigrants, opposed the "melting pot" approach. Simon advocated for respecting and preserving the "Mizrahi" (Eastern) cultures of immigrant children, acknowledging the challenges of cultural transition. He argued against the practice of separating immigrant children and sending them to kibbutzim where their religious traditions might be abandoned.
Upon returning to academia, Simon taught Bible at the Efrata seminary and Tze'irei Tel Aviv high school. He joined the Bible department at Bar-Ilan University, a challenging period marked by faculty disputes. Simon was asked to fill the void left by departing professors, and through his talent and perseverance, he stabilized the department, eventually leading it and attracting many students.
Personal letters reveal Simon's early academic doubts and his deep concern for his students. He questioned his future in academia while balancing teaching and doctoral research. He also expressed frustration with university administration and advocated for student welfare. His correspondence with his mother highlights his strong stance against the "Ingathering of Exiles" policy that compromised the religious observance of immigrant children, emphasizing humanistic considerations over blanket justifications.
Simon's dedication extended to his family; he cared for his parents in their old age, especially as his sister lived in the United States. His passing is mourned by many, recognizing him not only as a great scholar and admired teacher but as a man who consistently bridged academic pursuits with practical action, spreading prophetic ethics and working for the betterment of individuals, society, the state, and the world.