When I first met Shlomo, to say that
I was intimidated by him would be an understatement: me, an undergraduate
student interested in taking his seminar, and him, an important professor,
elegantly dressed (not very common in Israel), in his beautiful office. He
seemed strict and serious sitting at his huge desk… In fact at our first
meeting I was afraid to speak. Nonetheless, following this meeting I took his seminar,
deeply impressed by his research and by my first impression of his personality.
Years later, when occasionally I was reminded of this first impression I had of
him (mainly when he asked questions at the cognitive colloquium at the psychology
department) it made me laugh.
As a graduate student at the
"twin" lab I quickly realized how misleading first impressions can
be, and how my image of Shlomo did not reflect who he actually was. I realized
that he was so much more than a brilliant scientist, and certainly not someone
to fear. By often entering our lab, sharing funny stories, asking about our
lives, about our research, and always listening to the answers, Shlomo showed
us daily what a wonderful caring person he was. Whenever I needed help or
support he was always there, listening and offering advice.
It was a great honor for me to meet
Shlomo. It was an honor to learn from him, to work with him on a research
project at his lab, and most of all to know him as a human being. I know he
believed in me and I wish I had the chance to cause him pride or satisfaction
before he died. Tragically, he will not be there to see me as I continue
working on my Ph.D.
Shlomo, thank you for everything. I
miss you.
Tali
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