Special Israel Campus Beat News Bulletin - September 8, 2005

September 8, 2005

* Special Israel Campus Beat News Bulletin * Please forward to students impacted by Hurricane Katrina Israel's Universities Welcome Students Displaced by Hurricane Katrina High-Level Academic Study, Financial Assistance, Accelerated Admission Available for Qualified Students Six leading Israeli universities have expanded their well-established, overseas, English-language academic programs to accommodate thousands of students of all denominations impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Free tuition and dormitory space is available for all qualified students at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Haifa University, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University in Be'er Sheva,nd the Raphael Racanati International School in Herzliya. Accelerated admission and registration procedures will allow displaced students promptly to begin the new academic year. Students also will receive special assistance in identifying an appropriate placement. High-level classes covering a broad range of academic disciplines are taught in English specifically for overseas students, along with intensive Hebrew language courses (Ulpan). Israeli universities have undertaken this initiative in response to a request from the Jewish Agency for Israel, MASA-Israel Journey, and Hillel - The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. MASA offers information regarding overseas travel, grants of $2,000 for airfare and initial expenses, and will waive tuition fees for all qualified students affected by Hurricane Katrina-related university closures. The Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Zeev Bielski said: "This initiative underscores the friendship, partnership and shared destiny between the citizens of Israel, the American Jewish community, and the citizens of the USA. In addition to academic gain, we are sure that the time spent in Israel will afford these students a meaningful experience for the rest of their lives. For more information please contact Rachel Brown, MASA/Israel Programs Coordinator at the Jewish Agency: (212) 339-6903 or by email at rachelbr@jazo.org.il