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Dear Friends, January28, 2008
From the farthest corner of Israel's north, I am delighted to have the opportunity to extend my personal thanks to you all for your support of an endeavor whose impact is transforming the Upper Galilee from periphery to pioneering hub. You have supported this transformation wholeheartedly, and for that we owe you a debt of gratitude, which we gratefully acknowledge.
I would also like to salute Mr. David Merage, tonight's distinguished honoree, for exemplifying community leadership and enlightened philanthropy.
As you gather for your special annual gala, students and faculty of Tel Hai College continue to explore the boundaries of science and technology, and extend a helping hand to the community around them in a variety of programs designed to empower the disadvantaged populations of our north. That is our mission; that is our challenge.
Let me give you just a few additional examples of what is being done at Tel Hai, some things that should make you all proud and hopeful:
Learning disabilities, you may know, is a generic term for a group of disorders that affect listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or developing basic mathematical skills. They do not affect intelligence or intellectual potential. They can, however, impede the realization of that potential. Early on, Tel Hai College resolved not to forgo that potential and established a Center for Learning Disabilities which caters to College students in all departments. The program allows such students to keep up with their peers and gain a college degree. It is a long, step-by-step syllabus that keeps a young man or woman with learning disabilities in higher education.
Equally, Tel Hai's Galilean location puts it at the center of Israel's most diverse populations. From the start, College management, faculty, and students have resolved to adopt a proactive approach to multiculturalism. At Tel Hai, a student body of secular and religious Jews, Moslem and Christian Arabs, Druze and Circassians, enjoys an institutional culture of tolerance and pluralism. The College's Center for Alternatives and Initiatives in Education encourages intercultural dialogue and operates outreach programs on campus and in the community.
Without friends, we could not nurture our brilliant cadre of students and faulty. To all of us on campus, your interest makes a real difference. I invite you all to visit the Institute to see for yourselves what wonderful achievements your gifts are making possible, and I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Professor Zeki Berk
President
Tel Hai College
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