Challenges for coming new year

CATHY WOLF

As the summer comes to an end, I always begin to think about the new year: the new Jewish year, the new school year, the new program year with new community projects. I always wonder, "What will the new year bring for our community and for Israel?"

Writing this column and thinking about the new school year, I'm aware of the importance the Jewish community places on education. The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, as an organization that promotes our Jewish values in the community, coordinates a community literacy project, recruiting volunteers to read with students in kindergarten through third grade in public schools throughout the Valley.

Each adult volunteer is matched with a student and commits up to one hour per week, creating a one-on-one relationship with students who often rarely have an adult read to them.

Hearing volunteers retell the stories about their students, one can only smile and understand how our education-based values can impact a young life in such an important way. These relationships build bridges of trust in a world that too often reacts to hate.

Tragically, this year I am drawn away from the joys of the new year and reminded once again of the horrific violence in Israel. This new school year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem brings a devastating beginning for many college students and their families. Students, eager to begin their studies in Israel and excited about the prospects of learning, instead are faced with hatred.

Two years ago, my son sat in that same cafeteria at Hebrew University and told me how the intifada, which had just begun, would not deter him from living like any other Israeli. I remember him calling me at 3 a.m. to let me know that he was OK, because he knew that I would be watching the news every morning on TV and on the Internet. I also remember that he and other students were there because of the values that we, as parents and as a community, have instilled in our children - love for education and love for Israel.

I am greatly saddened, once again, that terror in Israel consumes my thoughts and my energy. As a community, we have worked hard this past year, but we must be committed to staying focused on the important issues of peace and security for all Israelis, for all Jews and for all people who respect and love freedom.

The new year will bring new projects for Israel, continuing hope for peace, and new opportunities to build bridges, both in the Valley and in Israel. Be committed with us to create positive experiences when and wherever it is possible.

Wolf is director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. For information about projects supporting Israel or concerning the Greater Phoenix Jewish Coalition for Literacy, contact the JCRC at 602-274-1800, ext. 135.

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