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On March fourth, <strong>1985</strong>, m yself and 17 other foreign students<br />
studying in Israel were given the opportunity to m eet President<br />
Chaim Herzog. We represented a cross-section of foreign students<br />
studying at various universities in Israel — One Year Program<br />
students, Mechina (preparatory) students, and students already in<br />
their second or third year of studies. The m ajority of students were<br />
new immigrants or people on the verge of making aliyah (Tem porary<br />
Residents).<br />
First, we were given a tour o f the President’s house and then we<br />
were led to a meeting room in which President Herzog was to m eet<br />
and speak with us. A fter his entrance and introduction, we each<br />
stood and briefly addressed him, in Hebrew, about our personal<br />
background, place and program of study and our future plans.<br />
Having been a young immigrant to Israel himself, Herzog was<br />
faced with the difficulties of absorption into a new society. Thus, the<br />
President was interested in hearing about some of the problem s we<br />
are now facing and discussing those problems. To be sure, the new<br />
immigrant is confronted w ith the difficulties o f learning a new<br />
language, as well as culture shock and acclim ation to a new and<br />
different society.<br />
The President wanted to assure us that carving out a new life in<br />
Israel is, at times, an extrem ely difficult and frustrating process —<br />
however, with hard work and patience it can be a very rewarding<br />
experience. A fter all, look at him!<br />
LAWRENCE LOKMAN<br />
4 Year Program Student
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