Professor Miron Medzini, 93, stands as one of the pivotal figures in developing Israel’s relationship with East Asia. As professor emeritus of Japanese studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Medzini was instrumental in founding East Asian studies in Israel and became the first to teach about Japan in the country.
Founding East Asian Studies in Israel#
Born in Jerusalem in 1932, Medzini studied Japanese and Far Eastern studies at Harvard University between 1959 and 1962, earning his doctorate. Upon returning to Israel in September 1962, he co-founded the Department of East Asian Studies at Hebrew University, where he trained generations of students in Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean affairs.
Parallel to his academic career, Medzini served as spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office under Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, and Yitzhak Rabin, and as director of the Government Press Office. His mother, Regina, was a childhood friend of Golda Meir in Milwaukee, creating a unique personal connection.
Contributing to Research and Diplomacy#
Medzini authored several significant books on East Asia:
- From Port Arthur to Hiroshima: The Rise and Fall of Japanese Militarism (2006)
- Under the Shadow of the Rising Sun: Japan and the Jews During the Holocaust (2012)
- Taiwan: History, Society and Politics (2020)
- Who Has Primacy? The Struggle for Hegemony in East Asia Since the End of the Cold War (2009)
His biography of Golda Meir, published in 2008, won the Prime Minister’s Prize for Literature in 2010.
Japanese Recognition#
In 2016, Medzini received the Order of the Rising Sun, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Japanese government, for his contributions to advancing Japanese studies and strengthening Israel-Japan relations. This recognition underscores his lasting impact on Israel’s understanding of East Asia.
Taiwan Expertise#
Beyond his work on Japan, Medzini became a leading expert on Israel-Taiwan relations. His book “Taiwan: History, Society and Politics” provides comprehensive analysis of the island’s politics, society, and its ties with Israel. His work has helped Israeli policymakers better understand Taiwan’s strategic importance as a democratic ally and technology partner.
A Legacy of Bridges#
Professor Medzini’s work represents decades of commitment to cross-cultural understanding. As one of the first Israelis to master Japanese and study East Asian culture in depth, he opened pathways for academic research and diplomatic relations that continue today.
From his office at Hebrew University, Medzini continued teaching and mentoring on East Asia well into his retirement, and his influence is visible in an entire generation of Israeli scholars, diplomats, and businesspeople engaging with Asia.
Source: Hebrew Wikipedia
