Education options

Editorial

When choosing a quality education for their children, parents have a number of choices. One option is Jewish day schools. The Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School, the Pardes Jewish Day School, the King David School and the Phoenix Hebrew Academy offer advantages over a public school education. Classes are smaller, allowing teachers to tailor instruction to meet students' individual needs.

Students are buffered from the social pressures present in both public and other private schools. They may feel less need to wear the "right" clothing or fit in the "right" clique. And along with a quality secular education, Jewish day school students get an in-depth religious education.

Choosing the best educational environment for our children is no easy decision. Some children thrive in a larger public school setting. Some may succeed in a non-religious private setting. Others do best in a Jewish day school.

Ample funding for scholarships and financial aid make Jewish day schools a viable option for every family.

Why trust Abbas?

Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas visited with President George Bush, congressmen and Jewish leaders to renew hopes for Palestinian-Israeli peace and to win over public opinion.

Not so fast.

Abbas has rejected the existence of the ancient Israelite Temples. He continues to refer to Israel as the "1948 territories." He has demanded all of eastern Jerusalem for the Palestinian capital. He insists upon a Palestinian right of return.

And Abbas allegedly provided the financing for Black September - the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes at the hands of Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

As Palestinian prime minister, Abbas has yet to comply with a crucial step outlined by the road map for peace: the dismantling of terrorist groups. In addition, he has made a new demand, the release of 7,700 prisoners - many with blood on their hands.

True, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, has removed only a percentage of settlements and unauthorized settlement outposts; in addition, many roadside checkpoints remain in place.

But with the likes of Abbas as a partner for peace, who can blame the Israelis?

If progress is to occur, Bush must remain engaged in negotiations. The clock is ticking. The three-month agreement by Palestinian terrorist groups to cease attacks against Israeli targets will end in late September, eerily coinciding with the High Holidays.

It will take all the skill and strength negotiators can muster to prevent all hell from breaking loose again.

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