University of Helsinki to look into treatment of Israel-Jakob Schur

print this

The University of Helsinki rector Ilkka Niiniluoto plans to set up a committee to re-examine the rejection of the doctoral thesis of Israel-Jakob Schur in 1937 (see linked article). However, Niiniluoto is so far reluctant to discuss the line-up of the committee or the time frame for looking into the matter.
      "I have not yet asked these persons about their participation, so I do not want to bring up any names", explains Niiniluoto.
      Niiniluoto does not want to speculate how the possible restoration of Schur's honour would be carried out, should the committee find that he was treated unfairly.
      "I would rather be cautious and wait until the completion of the committee’s report."
     
The rejection of Schur’s doctoral thesis seventy years ago has been a much-discussed topic in public ever since researcher Simo Muir described it in the latest issue of the Finnish periodical Historiallinen Aikakauskirja ("Historical Journal" 4/2007).
      Muir saw anti-Semitic motives behind the move, which took place shortly after similar restrictions were imposed on Jews in Germany.
     
The investigation of Schur’s case has also been called for by the Bishop of Espoo, Mikko Heikka.
      "From the point of view of the Faculty of Theology and the Church, restoring Schur’s reputation is imperative", Heikka wrote in his blog last weekend.
      Heikka clarified on Tuesday that he sees the re-examining of the case as important from the points of view of the dialogue between religions and how the church responds to its past. "In those days many clergymen were Nazi sympathisers", he points out.
      "However, the church respects the university’s autonomy", attests Heikka. He trusts that the university will restore Schur’s honour one way or another.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Professor wants to restore long-lost reputation of Jewish doctoral candidate Israel-Jakob Schur (10.1.2008)

Helsingin Sanomat