39 Noble Pearls

It has been a few weeks now since we saw the occasion of the publication of the book "Noble Pearls" whose scientific editor I had the honor of being. "Noble Pearls" is a selection of speeches delivered by winners of the Noble Prize for Literature, speeches these outstanding poets and authors made on the occasion of officially receiving the award, that special moment when they were in the limelight and had the ear of the world.

What can be said at such a moment, how can one meet this challenge of world recognition and honor? How to give thanks for the recognition? These speeches make for fascinating reading and in every way these prize winners chose to express themselves, they shared with their words pearls of wisdom. As the poet Yisrael Bar Kochav (who is seen in the photo above) said - when he quoted from 'Ithaka' by Kavafis - we must 'learn from those who know' and the speeches in this book are the words of those who know.

The occasion began with a reception at the Swedish Embassy, on the roof of 'Asia House' from where one has a wonderful view of Tel-Aviv. Afterwards, in a ceremony that took place in 'Beit Ariela', the book was praised by many and the Swedish ambassador made a speech in excellent Hebrew that won him much applause. He noted with gratification that during his tour of duty in Israel, three Israelis won the Noble Prize (although not in literature) and emphasized the fact that the prize indeed gives the winners special status which enables them to express themselves on any subject whatsoever. The world is eager to hear what they have to say – thanks to the prize.