The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) began an astounding experiment yesterday, where they hope to recreate the “Big Bang” from which scientists believe our universe was created. The experiment involves smashing tiny particles together at speeds close to the speed of light, and seeing what sort of energy and reaction occurs.
For our purposes, what is worth noting—and, perhaps, is just as important as discovering the origins of our existence—is the cooperation and friendship of Israeli, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese scientists. Indeed, according to Ynet, it seems that the whole group got along quite well, once even traveling to Paris to squelch a hummus craving.
Professor Giora Mikenberg, who heads the Israeli team at CERN and comes from the Department of Particle Physics at the Weizmann Institute, said, “Science knows no borders and no enemies. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Israelis have long been a recognizable force at CERN. Says Ynet:
Israel, in many ways, is one of the key players in helping make the super collider come to life, as 40 Israeli scientists from the Technion and the Tel Aviv and Haifa universities have spent the better part of the past 10 years developing several of its main electronic systems, particularly the core’s detector system—which is charged with deciphering and analyzing the results of the unprecedented experiment.
—Benjamin Schuman-Stoler
