Prof. Emeritus Michael Sofer from Bar-Ilan University recently visited Slovakia as part of an academic collaboration supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ grant scheme. His trip included meeting colleagues at two universities: Constantine the Philosopher University (CPU) in Nitra and the Catholic University in Ružomberok, and exploring Jewish heritage in the country.
Prof. Michael Sofer and Assoc Prof. Martina Pavlíková met with Amb. Eitan Levon, the Ambassador of Israel to Slovakia (center) at the Israeli Embassy
Prof. Sofer, a distinguished academic in the Department of Geography at BIU, also serves as the chair of the Israel National Committee of the International Geographical Union and is a former president of the Israel Geographical Association. His expertise greatly enriched the academic exchange between the two countries and the different universities.
Academic Engagement at CPU
At CPU, Prof. Sofer was welcomed by the Vice Rector for International Relations, Associate Professor Martina Pavlíková, and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Prof. František Petrovič. Prof. Sofer delivered a lecture titled “The Restructuring of the Rural Space in Israel.”
He interacted with Dr. Hilda Kramáreková and Dr. Lucia Petrikovičová from the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics, and Regional Development, and Dr. Henrich Grežo, Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, meetings that provided insights into the historical significance of the Jewish community in Nitra.
A welcome meeting at Constantine the Philosopher University (CPU) in Nitra. L-R: Prof. František Petrovič, Assoc Prof. Martina Pavlíková, and Prof. Michael Sofer
An interesting presentation by Dr. Milan Belej showcased Slovakia’s archival system, which highlighted important documents related to Nitra’s Jewish residents. Prof. Sofer also visited the Jewish cemetery, where local community members shared stories of prominent Jewish families, including Rabbi Ezechiel Baneth, whose grave is a pilgrimage site.
He concluded his visit at the Nitra Synagogue and the exhibition “Jewish Nitra,” which celebrates the Jewish community’s contributions to the city.
Engagement at Catholic University in Ružomberok
At the Catholic University, Prof. Sofer engaged with professors Amantius Akimjak and Roman Králik from the Faculty of Theology, discussing Slovakia’s history and particularly, the Spiš region. As a geographer, he expressed a keen interest in Spiš Castle, which he visited during his trip, and was particularly impressed by Spiš Jerusalem, an annual cultural and spiritual festival.
Strengthening partnerships and friendships. Prof. Michael Sofer and Assoc Prof. Martina Pavlíková touring Spiš Castle and taking a break to enjoy a cup of coffee
It is noteworthy that Michael Sofer is a sixth-generation descendant of the renowned Rabbi Chatam Sofer (1762-1839), who was a significant figure in Slovakia. One of the places visited was the mausoleum of Chatam Sofer.
L-R: Prof. Michael Sofer and Prof. Roman Králik from the Catholic University in Ružomberok with Spiš Castle in the background
According to Prof. Králik, Prof. Sofer’s visit to the Jewish community in Nitra carried a powerful message of hope and light. Currently, the community consists of only about 70 individuals, a stark contrast to the thousands who once called Nitra home. They have faced immense hardships, having lost their families and endured poverty. Prof. Králik believes that Prof. Sofer’s presence inspired those he met and reminded them that they are not alone.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
The discussions at both universities laid the groundwork for future cooperation, supported by the Erasmus+ program, with a focus on publications and joint projects. Prof. Sofer also met with H.E. Amb. Eitan Levon, the Ambassador of Israel to Slovakia, further highlighting opportunities for collaboration between Slovak and Israeli scholars.
Materials displayed in the Department of Archival Documents Processing at the State Archives in Nitra include those dealing with the Jewish population of the Nitra district. L-R: Dr. Milan Belej, Dr. Hilda Kramáreková, Dr. Henrich Grežo, Prof. Michael Sofer
Upon his return to Israel, Prof. Sofer expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Slovakia. “Thanks so much for welcoming me to your universities and for enabling me to tour Nitra and other parts of Slovakia. I was received by warm and enthusiastic guides, and I really enjoyed my stay. I learned new things and appreciated the thorough review of my experience. I look forward to further visits and collaborations between our institutions,” he stated.
At the exhibition in the Nitra Synagogue with (L-R) Katarína Potoková, Prof. Michael Sofer, Eva Andrášiková
