Weizmann Institute Works to Pick Up the Pieces Following Iranian Missile Strike
Damage Assessment and Emotional Aftermath
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot faces the aftermath of a devastating missile strike by Iranian forces, which directly impacted its research facilities. The emotional toll on the institute’s staff remains palpable, as expressed by Professor Dan Yakir, a recipient of the Israel Prize. He described the destruction of his life’s work, the research building, as an incalculable loss. “A wealth of knowledge has been buried under the rubble; this erases decades of research,” said Yakir.
Despite the severe damage, there were no physical injuries reported among the institute’s personnel. However, the emotional scars are deep. “It is painful and heartbreaking to walk among the sites of destruction,” lamented Professor Alon Chen, president of the Weizmann Institute, who resides on campus. The estimated financial loss is around 500 million dollars, and the impact on crucial research in fields such as cancer, neuroscience, and environmental science is devastating.
The Impact on Research Facilities
The destruction of approximately 400 meters between two research buildings has led to significant loss, not only of infrastructure but also of invaluable research samples. Two hundred students and researchers were evacuated to Kibbutz Ma’ale Hahamisha in the Jerusalem hills, with some leaving Israel altogether through the Taba border to Egypt.
Dr. Tzlil Ast from the Department of Biomolecular Sciences, whose lab was close to the strike, recounted the moment of the attack. “We heard the sirens, took shelter, and then there was an immense boom. I realized it was in our neighborhood at the Weizmann Institute,” she recounted. Although her laboratory appeared relatively unscathed, many others faced near-total destruction.
Dr. Ast noted that the most significant loss was the destruction of research knowledge accumulated over many years. “The most precious resource at the Weizmann Institute, beyond property, is the samples preserved for scientific research over decades-everything is gstart, and there are no backups,” emphasized Dr. Ast.
The Road Ahead: Rebuilding and Recovery
In light of the destruction, both Professor Yakir and Professor Chen shared their determination to rebuild. Yakir, who chaired the committee overseeing the construction of the research building, reflected on the loss of biological samples and the time it would take to recover from this setback. “We can handle the financial damage, but the pain of losing scientific knowledge is profound,” he stated. The building was intended to house advanced scientific equipment, including some of the largest microscopes in the world.
Professor Chen stressed the resilience of the scientific community at the Weizmann Institute: “Most importantly, we have a strong community here. We will recover and rebuild. We will continue to lead globally in cutting-edge research. This is just a small setback.”
He added that the work conducted at the Weizmann Institute contributes significantly to global knowledge and health. Despite the hardship, both professors conveyed a message of hope and resilience. “Scientists are determined and will not break,” Chen concluded. “We have always excelled at generating valuable knowledge for the future of humanity, and we will continue to do so.”
The Weizmann Institute community now faces a long road to recovery, with their collective spirit of perseverance driving them forward in the face of adversity