Programs

Western Civilization has developed around two principal sources: the Judeo-Christian tradition and the Helleno-Roman culture. Over centuries, these sources have shaped our cultural vision and greatly contributed to the building of our modern world. In our multicultural ever-changing environment, many of us long to become more acquainted with our own heritage, with the roots and the growth of Western thought.

Jerusalem, the city of the Bible, the cradle of monotheism, and the melting pot of the Semitic and Hellenistic heritages, is a unique place to discover the roots of our civilization through the study of languages. The Polis Institute is currently the only place in the world where a student can study ancient and modern Middle Eastern and ancient Western languages, all as living languages.

Most of the writings from Ancient and Medieval times can only be read in their original language. They have never been translated into any modern language. Furthermore, many specialists in the Humanities lack full command of ancient languages. It becomes increasingly difficult to find translators of ancient texts or even a scientific article where the author quotes a text from Antiquity that has never been translated into any modern language before. Hence, 21st century individuals finds themselves estranged from their cultural roots.