Israeli gets American science prize

Those pesky Israelis are at it again, getting more recognition for their scientific accomplishments. The report from the Jerusalem Post:

"Tel Aviv University physicist Prof. (emeritus) Yakir Aharonov will be one of only 10 scientists to receive the US National Medal of Science from President Barack Obama for his outstanding contributions to the field.

"The 78-year-old Aharonov, who holds US and Israeli citizenship, will receive the medal, which has been awarded since 1959 to 441 American scientists in the field of physics, biology, mathematics, engineering and behavioral sciences."

The story continues,

The official citation accompanying Aharonov’s medal states that he is being honored “for his contributions to the foundations of quantum physics and for drawing out unexpected implications of that field, ranging from the Aharonov-Bohm Effect to the theory of weak measurement.”

Perhaps there is a "I'm not anti-Semitic, just anti-Zionist" blogger who can tell me about "weak measurement" and why it's just another Zionist plot to (take your pick) a) take over the Middle East, b) maintain the occupation of the Palestinians, c) threaten the Iranians. OK, I'm being overly sarcastic, but how come I never see awards going to scientists from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan or Saudi Arabia?

Well, that's what I have to say.

Stephen M. Flatow