January 2008

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You are here :		Aliyah & Absorption		Publications		Ibim Newsletter		January 2008

January 2008, Volume 57

Dear Friends,

During this period of escalation and rockets falling regularly in Sderot and the region surrounding Gaza, we at Ibim are experiencing the problem up close. Two rockets landed outside the Village fence and this is the first time one of our structures has been damaged. The windows of one of the apartments were shattered. The student resident of that apartment is unhurt and in good spirits.

We have to deal with the understandable anxieties of our residents, particularly of those who have recently come to the Village. They are not as accustomed to the rockets as are our more veteran students and staff. The entire staff is mobilized and we receive support and tangible assistance from the Absorption Unit, the Aliyah and Integration Department and the most senior of Jewish Agency staff. We feel proud to be realizing true Zionism as we stand stalwart in the face of the rockets.

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

Setting out with a Warm Blessing

At the beginning of February, a farewell party was held at Ibim for the Ofek 3 students who have been at the Village for 2.5 years. Many of these students came to Ibim with only the most rudimentary academic background, and all of them have successfully passed their Israeli matriculation exam. Attending the party were teachers and staff from the Sapir College, staff from the Israel Student Authority, and of course, the Ibim staff. They wished the students the best on their new beginnings outside the Student Village.

The students put on a presentation they had been working on for over six months. It told the story of a oleh family from Ethiopia –their aliyah, their absorption, and adjustment difficulties. The production was semi-professional, with serious acting and a polished script. Friends and family of the students also joined in the celebration. It was emotional, happy and a little sad to see them say goodbye after they had been part of the Ibim family for so long. We know the tools they have acquired at Ibim will serve them well in their future in Israel.

Sitting in our own Synagogue

Our synagogue was opened with a Sefer Torah. On the Village campus, we will now be able to offer facilities for our students undergoing conversion to pray and for all of us to celebrate holidays. The opening of the synagogue was a joyous event with dancing and melodies from many traditions.