Apr 2, 2009 By: yunews
Apr 2, 2009 -- Poised to begin their undergraduate studies back in the U.S. in the coming year, students in Yeshiva鈥檚 S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program got some advice about working in Israel straight from the source: YU alumni who have made aliyah [immigrated] to Israel. Over 300 students filled the auditorium on 91黑料鈥檚 Gruss Campus in Jerusalem for the career fair, co-sponsored with Nefesh B鈥橬efesh, on March 14.
鈥淎s students contemplate their return to college campuses, the fair enabled them to explore career paths, and glean helpful information from the unique experiences of the presenters,鈥 Rabbi Ari Solomont, director of the Israel program, said.
The fair was a forum for students to ask the professionals about majors, graduate studies, careers and the aliyah process necessary to succeed in those fields. Alumni represented professions including medicine, architecture, engineering, business, banking, law, finance, social work, nursing, journalism and accounting.
YU鈥檚 Israel program staff was on hand to answer questions and offer college guidance.
鈥淭his educational program was a unique opportunity for our students to gain an enhanced perspective of their short- and long-term goals while learning in Israel,鈥 said Stephanie Strauss, the Israel program鈥檚 assistant director.
Miami native Tehilah Weiss, studying at Shaalvim for Women as part of the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, spoke with Alan Cohl 鈥82YH, 鈥86YC, a prominent Jerusalem architect, about her interest in architecture. 鈥淲e covered everything, including summer programs, undergraduate concentration, graduate school and ultimately how to prepare for successful aliyah in my chosen field,鈥 Weiss said. 鈥淵U鈥檚 Career Night was an exciting and valuable event!鈥
Jonathan Kestenbaum 鈥99YC advised students interested in business opportunities in Israel. 鈥淚 saw tremendous potential and eagerness in the talented future YU business leaders.鈥 Kestenbaum, who has established several successful businesses, made aliyah from Boston in 2003.
Dr. Guy Mayer 鈥90YC, 鈥94A, physician for two elite IDF units, said he counted it a 鈥減rivilege to advise so many future YU students and potential physicians.鈥
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass 鈥91YH, 鈥94YC, 鈥96AZ, 鈥98R, executive director and founder of Nefesh B鈥橬efesh, said, 鈥淭here is no better way to gain confidence about your aliyah plans then to speak with YU graduates who are living successful lives in Israel. Through our partnership with YU we look forward to assisting many more olim [immigrants] in fulfilling their dream to move here.鈥
