Dear Friends,

As the summer approaches, we bid farewell to our Latin American students from the Atid program, our FSU students from the Selah programs and to the Ethiopian immigrants from Ofek.

The Ofek group came to us three years ago straight from the airport to Ibim, knowing no Hebrew and naturally a bit awkward in their new surroundings. Now, we say farewell to Israelis, fluent in Hebrew, converse in slang, surfing the internet, sending text messages on their cell phones and above all, planning a future. In this first stage of their independent lives in Israel, some will go to the army, some to the university and some to work. No doubt the farewell will be difficult, but we – the staff at Ibim and at the Sapir College – have a lofty sense of satisfaction. Who would have believed that these unassuming young men and women would complete an Israeli matriculation within two and a half years? Who would have believed that so many individuals and institutions could have so seamlessly joined forces to contribute to their success? Their success reminds us of the words to a popular song in Israel, "Sometimes dreams come true, sometimes when the heart is pure…"

We wish all of us the continued ability to help young immigrants realize their dreams.

Soni Singer and the entire staff of
the Ibim-San Diego Student Village

Fanning the Flames of History

Students dancing near the campfire on Lag Ba'Omer.

A short time out in the counting of the days between Passover and Shavuot is Lag Ba'Omer, the thirty-third day from the ritual offering of the Omer (a measure of barley) at the Holy Temple. Its origins shrouded by layers of tradition, the day has come to mark many things: a hiatus in the plague which wiped out so many in the time of Rabbi Akiva; the relighting of the traditional bonfires by the rebellious Bar Kochba; and as requested by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a celebration of his death. Most Israelis celebrate by going on picnics and making bonfires.

The Israeli Nahal garin were on hand to counsel the Ibim students on the ins and outs of Lag Ba'Omer – Israeli style: The tricks of gathering wood, timing the lighting of the carefully structured pile of tinder, and most importantly – exactly when to put the potatoes into the fire for the perfect roast. After that, the marshmallows were a cinch. As the blaring flames warmed the cool desert air, the students learned folk dances and sang an international medley of songs around the fire.

Lighten Up!

The end of the second semester has arrived and the students are hard at work studying for their final exams. In the midst of the quizzing and cramming a party was arranged, and as the lights went on the steam let off. Already conversing freely with each other in Hebrew, the students of all different nationalities performed karaoke, danced, played games and enjoyed delicious refreshments. The Ibim staff wishes each and every student success in their tests and good luck in their future.