Rehovot School program offers phys-ed as major

Education Ministry launches initiative in 100 high schools in Israel, offering students opportunity to earn diploma in fitness instruction, enabling them to join work force immediately after graduation

The Education Ministry has launched a program that offers to students of 100 different high schools across the country the possibility of majoring in fitness instruction.

These students will also be able to earn an instructor's diploma while still in school, which grants them the possibility of beginning work in the field immediately upon graduating.

The program is comprised of 90 hours of theoretical studies and 150 hours of practical education, and begins in 10th grade. The students can specialize in one area of expertise, such as judo, soccer, aerobics, etc, and complete an internship in the 12th grade.

"There are currently 4,800 students studying in the fitness instruction program, and 500 will soon begin studying for the instructor's diploma," says Abraham Zochman, who heads the Education Ministry's physical education department.

"We are happy to give these students the opportunity to graduate with not only a diploma, but an opening into the job market."

Rehovot's DeShalit School is one of the high schools currently offering the program. The students are divided into three specialization branches: Girls' soccer, light athletics, and gym. Each branch has its own certificate, which the student receives upon graduating.

DeShalit even founded a new gym thanks to the program, which the school's principal, Leah Desklovitch, described as "an upgrade for the school's physical education department."

"I hope this tendency will grow and develop in specific fields, and that in the future other practical courses of study will be made available," she said.

Eli Senyor, Yaheli Moran Zelikovich. School program offers phys-ed as major YNet (28 September 2008) [FullText]

'A Chocolate Affaire' Raises Over $340,000 to Benefit Scholarship Fund at The Hebrew University, Rehovot Branch

LOS ANGELES, Sept 24, 2008 - 250 American Friends of The Hebrew University gathered at Bel Air Estate American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU) hosted its fifth annual "A Chocolate Affaire" on September 13th at the Bel Air residence of Western Regional board member and founder of Morgan Creek Productions, James G. Robinson. This year's event brought the total amount raised to over $1.3 million.

Proceeds from the dinner and gourmet chocolate tasting event benefited the Student Scholarship Campaign which enables disadvantaged students of all races, religions and countries of origin to complete their undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral studies.

Guests were entertained by Emmy Award winning comedian Louie Anderson who was introduced by event co-chair Joan Dangerfield, widow of Rodney Dangerfield. She was joined by co-chairs Patricia L. Glaser and Sam Mundie, and Renae Jacobs-Anson and Dr. David Anson. Richard Ziman, AFHU's Western Regional chairman, and his wife Daphna served as honorary chairs.

"We are so proud that this year's overwhelming success will enable us to help many more students. The American Friends community truly understands that there is a desperate need for scholarships at this time," said Renae Jacobs-Anson. "There is no greater gift than that of an education, and we are honored and thrilled to support the amazing students of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem."

About The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, located on three campuses in Jerusalem and a fourth in Rehovot, is one of the world's leading academic and research institutions. More than 24,000 students from over 70 countries choose Hebrew University for its seven academic Faculties in the Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Agriculture and Medicine, and to take advantage of extensive opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research. Faculty and alumni of The Hebrew University have won six Nobel Prizes within five years.

About the American Friends of The Hebrew University

American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit organization based in the United States. AFHU conducts fundraising activities in support of The Hebrew University's internationally recognized community of leading scholars and scientists. AFHU helps to ensure Israel's well-being by nurturing the nation's greatest asset: the intellectual strength of its people.

Source: 'A Chocolate Affaire' Raises Over $340,000 to Benefit Scholarship Fund at The Hebrew University. (20 September 2008) PRNewswire via COMTEX [FullText]