Professor Emeritus Michael Stone, Founder of the Chair of Armenian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Gratitude by the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan. The award recognizes his significant contributions to Armenian studies and his dedication to preserving Armenian cultural heritage.

 

Award for Armenian Studies

Professor Emeritus Michael Edward Stone, Founder of the Chair of Armenian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a distinguished figure in the field of Armenology, has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Gratitude by the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan. This esteemed award recognizes Prof. Stone's significant contributions to the development of Armenian studies and his long-term dedication to preserving Armenian culture and heritage.

 

Prof. Stone, a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, has authored and edited over 60 books, including numerous translations of Armenian sources. His extensive research also delves into Armenian-Jewish relations and the historical presence of Armenians in the Land of Israel, solidifying his reputation as a preeminent scholar in Armenian studies.

 

The Medal of Gratitude is one of Armenia's highest state honors, awarded for exemplary achievements in state, economic, social, scientific-technical, and public activities. It is also bestowed upon individuals who have made major personal contributions and demonstrated many years of devotion to promoting the spheres of health, education, and culture.

 

International Recognition

The award ceremony took place at the President's residence, where President Khachaturyan presented the medals to several distinguished scholars in the field of Armenology, including Prof. Valentina Calzolari Bouvier of the University of Geneva and Prof. Cristina Marantzi of Harvard University, alongside Prof. Stone.

 

In his address, President Khachaturyan expressed profound gratitude to the awardees for their invaluable contributions to Armenian studies, particularly during a time when the preservation of Armenian historical cultural heritage is of paramount importance. President Khachaturyan further emphasized the critical role that scholars like Prof. Stone play in representing Armenian history and culture on an international stage, ensuring that the world understands and appreciates Armenia's rich heritage.

 

Prof. Stone's receipt of the Medal of Gratitude underscores his exceptional impact on the field of Armenian studies and his unwavering commitment to the advancement of knowledge and cultural preservation. As a co-founder and honorary president of the International Association for Armenian Studies (AIEA), Prof. Stone has left an indelible mark on the academic community and continues to inspire future generations of scholars.

 

Commitment to Education

The Hebrew University continues to offer Armenian and Armenian cultural studies through its Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. This program provides students with the opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and language of Armenia, fostering a deeper understanding of the Armenian experience in both historical and contemporary contexts.

 

In these challenging times, Hebrew University of Jerusalem remains dedicated to our mission of building a better future through education and research. We extend our sincere gratitude to friends and partners worldwide who have shown unwavering solidarity during these difficult times. Together, we will overcome the challenges we face, and our joint pursuit of knowledge remains steadfast.