On the November 27th 2018 the principal of the University of Constantine the Philosopher prof. Libor Vozár, CSc. was visited by the Israel ambassador to Slovakia. H. E. Mr. Zvi Vapni was interested in the historical background of our university, but also in our academic portfolio and in our international activities, including not only the Erasmus+ program. The principal suggested possible ways of cooperation between our university and the state of Israel. The ambassador offered aid in the form of mediating of lectures about the Jewish culture and history by experts.

Our prof. ThDr. PaedDr. Roman Králik, ThD. from Central European Research Institute of Soren Kierkegaard and prof. PaedDr. Zdenka Gadušová, CSc. from the Department of Translation Studies also attended the meeting. Prof. Králik informed the ambassador about his scholarly and research work on which he participates in unison with some scholars from Israel.

After the meeting with principal, the ambassador attended a discussion with some of our students, addressing the topics of Israel, Europe and the Middle East in times of a tectonic shift. He made a strong remark about the need of keeping the history of Europe in mind, so the mistakes of the past could be avoided in the future. He also voiced the necessity of stopping of any displays of xenophobia and racism. The ambassador added that "education of the young is verily needed", and explained how universities play a pivotal role in these regards. In the process, he also noted a few of the main social problems in the Middle East and in the Europe. After his speech, a lively discussion with the students took place, as he answered all the questions from the present students and lecturers.

Text: PhDr. Martina Pavlíková, PhD. – Vice-Rector for International Relations