June 14, 2010 / 2 Tammuz, 5770

170 students graduated from the 121st Hebrew language class (ulpan) at the Jewish Agency Ulpan Etzion Beit Canada Absorption Center in Jerusalem. It is the largest Hebrew language class ever taught at Ulpan Etzion, the oldest of the Jewish Agency’s Hebrew language programs, which at the end of this year will be celebrating sixty years since its establishment.  The course concluded yesterday, June 13th, in the presence of the administration of the Jewish Agency Aliyah Department.

The students hail from over thirty countries and learned Hebrew from licensed teachers. They also traveled throughout Israel and participated in 10 tours of Jerusalem as part of the “Kaphtor V’Perach” program that encourages the students to get to know Israel’s capital city.  During their stay at Beit Canada the students organized special clubs, among them - yoga, dance, and self-defense.

In his graduation address, Jewish Agency Aliyah Department Director Eli Cohen praised the program for its wide range of varied activities, wished the young graduates success, and said, “If there are those who make proclamations against us in the world, you are the proof and the reason why we must be here, living in Israel.”

Baruch Kostewa, the Director of Beit Canada, spoke glowingly of the work of the staff and employees, the Jewish Agency Aliyah Department and the Jerusalem Municipality who help in the absorption of new immigrants.  He described the intensive work that is invested in each and every student, and noted the uniqueness of the work done at the campus.