by Alexa Bryn ('08)

On Wednesday, Mr. Dobrick gave a thought- provoking presentation on the goals of the David Project. Designed to respond to the rampant anti-Israel bias found on college campuses around the country, the David Project seeks to educate high school students on the history of the Israeli-Arab conflict so that they can respond factually and articulately to the possible anti-Zionism of their future college professors and peers.

Mr. Dobrick informed the students of situations at Columbia, Berekley, U Mass, Yale, and other top universities where pro-Israel students have been attacked by anti-Israel professors in the classroom and on campus. He helped us realize that soon we may be faced with these same challenges and that the pro-Zionist environment we enjoy at WYHS does not exist everywhere.

To further articulate these concerns, Mr. Dobrick played a video of Alan Dershowitz responding to the virulent anti-Semitism of some of Columbia University’s professors. Mr. Dershowitz condemned the Columbia professors for failing to teach the facts, denying students the opportunity to express their opinions freely, and using their classrooms as forums for spreading propaganda.

It was clear from the reactions of the students that the problems described hit close to home. Students began to see that a big part of loving Israel is knowing why we love what we love—the history, politics and strengths that make Israel what it is today.

Thank you Mr. Dobrick for introducing us to the David Project. You have made us aware that it is essential to not only be active members of society, but to also be prepared to represent our beliefs to the broader public.

by Mrs. Heather Andron
Chesed Coordinator

Although we have passed the halfway mark of our school year, the students at WYHS are picking up the pace when it comes to Chesed projects. No matter what activity, our students are making a difference in their respective communities. I am privileged to receive the numerous compliments of the difference our students are making and we should all be proud of these interactions.

This past Wednesday, eight boys accompanied me to visit Hillel Day School of Boca Raton. Or Bazini (’09), Doron David (’09), Joey Dray (’09), Julian Gordon (’08), Jacob Marder (’09), Jonathan Odiz (“09), Sasan Peimani (’08) and Chaim Thoma (’09) spent some of their morning playing and interacting with the early childhood children in various projects, such as working on a puzzle, making hamantaschen, decorating a megilla or a grager. The WYHS boys made such an impact on these young children who were begging their new friends to stay. We look forward to spending more quality time with these youngsters!

On Wednesday, March 1st, Bayla Halbstein (’09), Aleeza Rubin (’09), Avital Abir (’08), Hadass Avisar (’06) and Yael Hirth (’06) volunteered at the American Red Cross packaging gifts for hurricane volunteers. These students recognized important volunteers who came to the rescue during the hurricane season. Cheryl Barr, Coordinator of Youth Services, was thrilled with the help and looks forward to getting to know our students better.

Our students have recently completed Penny Wars at school. We raised over $1100 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Palm Beach County, an amount that reveals the heart and dedication of the school. Thank you to all the students who brought in their spare change. We know that this money will make a difference for many families.

Upcoming Chesed Events