7-15-2008
Dear Shaul,
The passing of Amnon leaves a real and regrettable gap in Persian Studies, not only in Israel, but all around. I don’t know what arrangement has been made to replace him. I do hope that his Chair will be occupied by a worthy scholar.
Considering the wide range of Amnon’s activities and the impact that he exerted in advancing Judeo-Persian studies as well as the tremendous respect and popularity that he commended among the Jewish communities, I think it would be a pity to allow his legacy to be neglected and disappear. To establish a center in his name in Israel or at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he both studied and taught with distinction, in order to further Judeo-Persian Studies and the study of Persian language, history and culture, would be an excellent project. Although it is not for me to say, but I believe that given the present international situation and the prevailing political atmosphere in the Middle East, Israel can hardly relax its efforts to train students in Persian studies. A Center in Amnon’s name would serve both purposes: to provide strong incentive for Persian Studies and to recognize Amnon’s life-long services to this field and the elucidation of the history and literature of the Jewish communities of Iranian lands. I doubt that raising the necessary funds for such a Center would be a problem.
Please remember me to Miriam,
With best wishes,
Ehsan