For the past six years Ramat Hadassah Szold has been home for Guy (left) and Ronny.

Ronny and Guy characterize the success of Youth Aliyah’s external high school program. The 19 year-old twins grew up in Carmiel where their parents live after immigrating to Israel from Ukraine in the 1970’s. They came to Ramat Hadassah Szold six years ago and began to flourish shortly after arriving.

“The teachers in Carmiel were always throwing us out of the class and only had contempt for us,” recalls Ronny. “whereas here they treated us with warmth and respect and worked hard to encourage us. We responded to that warmth.”

After three years in junior high school, the brothers jumped at the chance to stay on at Ramat Hadassah Szold and take part in the external high school program. “It is difficult to leave a good place,” said Guy, ‘and we were happy to be able to stay on.”

Both completed their matriculation at the nearby Ramat David Technical High School and will continue technical studies. “When you see these self-confident and assertive young men,” said Ramat Hadassah Szold Director Zvi Astrachan “It is difficult to believe they were the same shy boys who came to us six years ago without any self-esteem whatsoever.”

Tamuz 5764 - July 2004