1996-1997 Rothberg Yearbook

LETTER FROM THE. PRESIDENT' OF BEDS
(BODY UNDER THE DIRECTIVE OF STUDENTS)
'Well, it has finally ended! The year everyone looked so forward to; planned so
excessively for; dreamt so long about; “sacrificed” so much back home for. We left our
families, friends, cars, televisions, heat, hot water, air conditioning, and yes,
unfortunately OUR COMPUTERS to study in Jerusalem, Israel for a year.
Though often studying was not commonplace, most did get a little bit done. What was
gained though, was more than just a formal academic education; what you learned this
year you will keep with you for the rest of your lives. You will all return different
people. Hopefully, you will have the chance to reflect on all the good times: those
“wonderful” parties at the Orient Express, or those nights down at The Rock Bar.
Everyone stuffed their faces with falafel and shawarma, humous and tehina, pitas and
!laffas.
The most important thing is that you keep these memories with you. But don’t just hold
1them, share them with everyone. Convince other people to endeavor to experience a year
in Israel. Whether you found Israel beautiful religiously, culturally, socially, politically,
or spiritually, share that aspect which touched you most. Keep with you all of the
negative and often untrue things you heard in the media and make it a point to keep
educated with the goings-on. Most importantly, be active!
B.U.D.S. will be disbanded soon. For us, the year was extremely positive. We helped
complement the myriad events being planned by organizing speakers, sporting events,
educating people about the environment, planning social gatherings, and sharing religious
celebrations. If you did Hanukkah or the Super Bowl, or cleaned up and recycled know
that you helped contribute to something positive. Our work hasn’t even begun yet,
though. We are still planning lectures, movies, T-shirts and a final social event. Our one
greatest pride, so far is getting the administration to invest some hundreds of thousands
of dollars in communications and computers for Goldsmith (this will be one of the last
years for our building as the Rothberg School for Overseas Students).
Finally, please make it a point to cherish what you have gained here. And though we are
all closing a chapter on our year in Israel, we are all opening the book of life. Everyone
can use what he or she had here back home.
L’hltraot
[E'ukm fiw m i
P.S. I will always be around, should any of you need something. You can find my
parents or me. I will always try my best to help you.______