"Let me congratulate American University on
your creation of a Center
for Israel Studies. It is a timely and imaginative
initiative in exploring Israel's many contributions to human dignity and
progress in our country's 50 years of existence. You will help to bring
together Israeli and American scholars, writers, artists, and scientists
to share their knowledge and face the challenges of the new global era.
This is a commendable idea and worthy of the widest support."
–Shimon
Peres, former prime minister of Israel, giving a speech at AU's commencement
after receiving an honorary doctorate