Visitors to the new Clore Garden of Science may come across a poignant tribute: a memorial dedicated to Dr. Marcel Frailich Kaplun, a beloved scientist and educator whose life was tragically cut short one year ago in the deadly attack on Kibbutz Be'eri. Dr. Kaplun, a respected member of the Weizmann Institute’s Science Teaching Department, was among those murdered on October 7, 2023.
Dr. Kaplun’s contributions to science education were profound. Specialising in chemistry, he co-authored numerous textbooks and helped design educational programs to enrich science studies for Israeli students. His work advancing chemistry curricula has shaped generations of learners and left a lasting impact on the academic community.
Inaugurated earlier this year, the Clore Garden of Science is a hub for scientific discovery and a place for reflection. The memorial for Dr. Kaplun is a reminder of his dedication to fostering curiosity and understanding in young minds. Colleagues remember him as a passionate educator and mentor, deeply committed to his field and students.
Dr. Kaplun’s legacy lives on through the textbooks he authored and the programs he helped create, ensuring that his vision for accessible, high-quality science education continues to flourish. His memorial at the Clore Garden of Science is a testament to his enduring impact on both education and the lives of those who knew him.
As the community reflects on his life, it is clear that Dr Marcel Frailich Kaplun will be remembered for more than his academic achievements—he will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to science education and the generations of students he inspired.
