Dear Friends,

August afforded the Ibim staff with a short vacation - and a chance to relax and refresh ourselves for a new year with our students. The end of August meant farewells and greetings. We part from our

Farewell to Paulina Weinstein, Ibim House Mother

longtime House Mother – Paulina Weinstein, who will continue in a similar position in Ashdod; from our National Service volunteer, Anna Aronov; and from one of our Selah counselors, Ilona Liechtenstein. At the same time, we welcome a new House Mother, Shirley Amar; a new National Service volunteer, Elvina Zvulonov; and a new Kedma Bet counselor, Slomon Mekonen.

As we regroup, we anxiously await the arrival of three new groups. Our first influx is a group of fifty new Ethiopian students participating in Ibim’s sixth session of the Ofek program. During this two year-long program the students will work towards completion of their national matriculation exams allowing them to continue on to higher education.

One week later, Garin Ayalim (or the Ayalim Group) will settle in Ibim. These Israeli university students and graduates have decided as a group to realize Ben Gurion’s dream by settling in the Negev. The Garin is an example of true Zionism circa 2009: their commitment is not only to settle the Negev, but to be active players in its social, political and economic development. We are proud that they have chosen us as their first home in the region.

A peek inside: Two Ibim students enjoy a sweet treat.

In October, we will welcome another Israeli garin from Sapir College. These students will live on Ibim during their studies and contribute part of their day to working with students. They will not be “volunteers”, but an integral part of our village life.

We are looking forward to a year of new beginnings, and perhaps, more than anything, a year of quiet without the sounds of rockets or sirens. 

Best Regards,
Soni Singer and the entire staff of
the Ibim-San Diego Student Village

People-to-People

So impressed were Nadia and Yves Braunschweig, who visited Ibim with a Keren Hayesod delegation, that they invited two Kedma students to spend a week at their home in Geneva. The lovely Braunschweigs lavished their hospitality on the two students, Agnayu Masganau and Teodoros Demya, who were given the fantastic gift of a week in Switzerland. Yet both of them kept in mind constantly that they were representing Kedma, Ibim and Israel for their hosts. We thank the Keren Hayesod and Jewish Agency liaisons who helped to facilitate this week of pure people-to-people quality time, and of course, the Braunschweigs for so graciously opening their home.

Refreshing the Soul

Not only did the Ibim staff take time off in August for some R&R, so did most of the students. For those who are returning to Ibim, it was time to get revitalized before another intense year of studies; and for those who are going on to the army, the university, or employment, it was a needed break before another big step of life.

Just in Case

Moshe Vigdor, Director-General of JAFI

Ibim received a visit from Moshe Vigdor, Director-General of the Jewish Agency, who came to inspect the progress of our security upgrades. Although we have had a few quiet months, we are well aware that we must keep up our guard. Moshe Vigdor personally examined our newly secured dining room, the modular safety units scattered around the village, the refurbishment of our bomb shelters and the establishment of a “Situation Room”. He was pleased with the progress, while noting that we all hope it will be unnecessary.

For more information about Ibim-San Diego Student Village:
Contact Soni Singer, Director, SoniS@jafi.org