WUJS Arad, established in 1968 to provide a one year pluralistic program in Israel for recent college grads, is now history.
At a meeting this past Sunday night, the Hadassah WUJS Arad Company voted to permanently close the program in Arad later this summer.
Young Judaea is currently in the process of re-engineering the program to open this September in Jerusalem.
WUJS Arad has enjoyed a long history and a sterling reputation. The Ulpan program was continually rated one of the tops in Israel. The feeling of community among the participants and alumni has been first rate. 8000+ participants have passed through the sleepy dessert town of Arad; the best guess is 25% have made Israel their home. WUJS Arad is not only responsible for many marriages, but also boasts several 2nd generation participants.
Originally established under the auspices of the World Union of Jewish Students as an International Graduate Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, the idea was to provide a one year Israel experience for the mostly British graduates in attendance. In its 2nd year, WUJS Arad became an independent educational program.
As with many long-term programs, over time WUJS Arad experienced its fair share of ups and downs. But the registration fall-off as a result of the 2nd Intifada eventually forced the WUJS executive to re-examine its core support and structure. During the fall of 2004 while still maintaining some independence, from a practical point, the Arad program became part of Young Judaea Israel. By the fall of 2006, following several years of negotiations between Hadassah, JAFI and WUJS, WUJS Arad was formally absorbed into YJ-I.
What has transpired since?
For one, the Jewish Agency (in the midst of a serious cash crunch) put the wheels in motion this past October to close two underused absorption centers – Arad and Lod. Additionally, WUJS has not been able to achieve the necessary registration numbers for the program to be viable.
Why?
Some of this is subjective. Does a program in the periphery have the same drawing power as previously. Has MASA funding allowed the growth of more programs than the market is currently ready to absorb (I have heard this voiced by more than one gap year program administrator). Has Hadassah / Young Judaea properly targeted their marketing approach?
Or, quite frankly, did the new owners blow it. Like a Chinese menu, probably a selection from each.
Will Jerusalem be the answer? And will Hadassah allow sufficient time and resources to tell. In a letter to those enrolled for the September machzor, YJ-I in explaining the change, quoted Harry Truman:
“Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” OK, this is necessary spin. But does YJ-I have the right leaders to guide WUJS back on track. Do they really want to, or is this their way of gradually backing out. Will the Hadassah-YJI organization make-up the cash shortfall caused by JAFI’s actions. Nancy Falchuk, Hadassah’s president, told me the decision to go forward is for only one year and then it will be re-evaluated.
I guess time will tell; and I genuinely hope YJ-I is successful with this change. But like many others who maintain fond memories of the program and friendships made, for me this is a sad closing chapter for such a wonderful set of programs.
On a related note, I understand Otzma has also been subject to the current set of JAFI cutbacks and may not survive into 2009.
updated July 3: Hadassah and Young Judaea Israel are determined to paint JAFI as the ‘bad guy’ here. True, JAFI is closing the absorption center, but not before the end of the year.
What made Hadassah – Young Judaea pull the plug in Arad early. Why when they have known this for about nine months did they wait until the end of June to make decisions that were effective almost immediately, tell the Fall participants, and fire the Arad staff?
Here is what JAFI had to say this afternoon,
Last year the Jewish Agency announced that it was closing its absorption centers in Lod and Arad at the end of 2008;
Lod-because of the down-scaling of aliyah from Ethiopia
Arad-the location was not attractive to olim making the running of the facility financially unfeasible because of the small numbers staying there.
Nevertheless the Jewish Agency was committed to keeping the Arad facility open until the end of 2008 in order to provide for the WUJS Arad program.
WUJS Arad for its own reasons decided not to continue through 2008.
Seems to me, Hadassah – Young Judaea has failed in marketing the program.
Will Jerusalem become their golden bullet if it sells itself?
for a related post, see The Hadassah PR Team Spin.
Please forward this post to any WUJS alumni you may know.
The logo image above is the original and long-time WUJS Arad logo; it has unfortunately lost some clarity over the years.
The author of this post is an alumn of the WUJS program and a past Director of the American Friends of the WUJS Institute. Aware of these changes for most of the past few weeks, I was asked by Young Judaea Israel to hold off on this post until the fall program participants and Arad staff were informed of the decision.
Like many program alumni, especially those residing in Israel, and despite promises to the contrary, I am distressed at the breakdown of the WUJS community, built up over decades and allowed to completely disintegrate under Young Judaea management. This alone causes me to have little belief in promises now being made.
updated July 1: the sad news of WUJS closing has made the front page of today’s Jerusalem Post. Unfortunately, the article has been removed from the Internet by the JPost. I understand Hadassah put some major pressure on the paper.
updated July 27: you can read some insightful comments from former WUJS Arad’s Director, Aubrey Isaacs, here; and all of our posts on the closing in Arad here.
A great piece, you expressed my feelings accurately.
Sadness at closing
Anger at missed opportunities over the years
And a feeling that the times they are a changing.
Who knows maybe for the better.
WUJS alumnus
Allow another WUJS grad who ended up making aliyah a moment of nostalgia.
Spending time in Arad for 6 months is certainly not for everyone. But things have come a long way since I was there. Like pay phones that barely worked; waiting for snail mail like in summer camp; resumes made on the office mimeograph machine; the first supermarket to hit the town.
But there are memories that one could only have from Arad – like walking to the Viewpoint and writing letters looking out into the desert and feeling the first drops of rain staining the ink on your page.
Joel Katz
Religion and State in Israel
http://religionandstateinisrael.blogspot.com/
I am very sorry to hear about this, though not surprised. Hadassah has so much going on, I think they let this program fall through the cracks. And of course, there is competition from other programs.
I saw WUJS through the eyes of my daughter who attended, and I myself visited and experienced a small part. One uniqueness was that, though it was for young college grads,
older adults sometime participated. I don’t see this happening with Young Judaea.
Maybe it is related to the government’s new lack of interest in the whole area of aliyah. Such a shame; we need this emphasis so much right now.
As a participant who lived through some of the recent changes, I would offer the opinion that the new management made some decisions that directly contributed to the result.
For example, they made a conscious decision to exclude people older than age 35, and they made it clear they really only wanted people between the ages of 21-30. One example of the clarity they offered was in the tuition hikes to more than quadruple the previous costs. It was done with the understanding that those age 30 and younger would be eligible for Masa scholarships, and anyone older than 30 need not apply if they couldn’t afford the tuition. (I am not saying the tuition hike wasn’t justified — in fact, I believe it was necessary — but it changed the program significantly.)
They also supported programming that suited their political and religious outlooks and did not support programming that wasn’t in line with their beliefs.
Change was desperately needed. The old program was failing financially and doing its share of alienating certain types of participants. Yet the people from the more recent machzorim don’t seem to have the same beautiful feelings about WUJS and/or Arad as the people from previous machzorim did. I hope the new changes will contribute to the same warm feeling most of my friends and I have about our time at WUJS Arad.
Another WUJS graduate who is sorry to see the program go. I attended WUJS and stayed in Israel for 2 years before returning to the US and then making aliyah via the Ulpan Etzion program in Jerusalem. At WUJS I made many friendships that still endure and I expected Etzion to provide much the same result as WUJS but discovered that one of the major factors in WUJS success was its isolation in Arad which forced all participants to gel into a family. In Etzion in Jerusalem, people went their own ways and I have lost track of every one I met at that time.
Something valuable has been lost, for I never would have made aliyah if it wasn’t for WUJS. My experience taught me you cannot live in Israel without a family and most immigrants come without them. WUJS gave me that family.
Alas that all things must pass.
What a big Chaval! As a WUJS alum and someone who not only made Aliyah after WUJS, but married the woman I met during my time at WUJS, I have to say that this news is very disapointing.
This is a big loss to the diaspora and a lossed opportunity for Israel. I urge Hadassah to re-think their plans!!!!
My own WUJS experience resulted in a marriage and a daughter and successful Aliyah for most of my WUJS friends. Arad’s small town peacefullness enabled strong friendships to form resulting in a family-like community amoungst the WUJEES. From such a community individuals were able to gain enough inspiration and confidence to seek Aliyah often without having Israeli family. Many marriages and offspring resulted out of this wonderful program which have enriched many Jewish communities all over the world. Some have gained spiritual enlightenement, some a stronger prouder and more knowledgable Jewish identity.
From time to time I have often reflected that someone right now is having a WUJS experience and that has left me feeling deeply happy. Also, I wish to highlight the great work and dedication Aubrey Isaacs, Steve Israel and WUJS staff have contributed over the years. This program has enlivened the spirits of thousands of Young diaspora Jews who have both settled in Israel and scattered once again across the world.
WUJS gave me a place to crash and get oriented and make a few friends before making Aliyah. I really appreciate that. I heard amazing things about the WUJS of 20 years ago, but the program had pretty much fallen apart by the time I got there. I don’t agree that it had a sterling reputation. Jerusalem has got to be a better choice, though the desert sure was pretty. They were understaffed, underfunded and had weird ideas about how to run things and made promises that they couldn’t keep. I think this is for the best. I hope they devise a better program in the future. Good luck.
WUJS was a great program and the perfect one for me. I am sad that it will no longer be available for others, especially as I don’t think that among the multitude of programs there is another one quite like it.
WUJS definitely palyed a major role in my decision to make aliya with my husband.
WUJS was plagued by severe mismanagement from before YJ took over. They promoted themselves as an aliyah program, yet had little in place for olim upon our arrival. We were sent to wrong addresses or offices on the wrong days by staff who had been in place for years. The intifada wasn’t to blame either: The October ’02 machzor had 47 enrollees, although most left early or didn’t complete the program due to the disillusionment with the managerial issues.
On the other side, they had some amazing and inspiring instructors such as Yonaton Pesach, Steve Israel, and Artie Fisher, as well as dedicated staff such as Orly Harari-Bauman.
Despite the problems, I made several friends there with whom I’m still close, as well as having met Amy, my wife, in the computer room. Thanks to WUJS, we have a two year old son and another one that’s due…this week.
When YJ took over they assured me that things would get back on track, yet we were met with rude, discourteous people during subsequent contacts with them. While it’s hardly a surprise that they’ve pulled the plug, it’s sad that WUJS’ potential was never actualized in the last few years. Chaval.
A historical note: I was friendly with WUJS students when I was in Jerusalem for the year 1966-1967, so the program existed at least two years before 1968.
I knew many particpants/alumni and remember well my first visits to ARAD, because of WUJS.
In the days of post-Zionism, it is sad that, among other waning values, stengthening the periphery–and introducing Jewish students to a place like Arad–is another example of our country’s and people moral decline.
We can only hope and pray that in the near future we will witness the reverse of these trends.
My recollection is the first Machzor (then called a machon) began in January, 1968. I know the individual who was the Director then, and as there is a great deal of published material referring to the 1968 date, I will try to confirm the exact starting date of the program.
update July 1:
The WUJS program received all formal approvals in December, 1967. The first (small) group arrived almost immediately and began in January, 1968. A second (small) group came in March.
The October 1968 group, known to the WUJ-ies of the time as Machon gimmel, had 80 enrolled, occupied a still being built Merkaz Klita, and was considered by some the real beginning of a developed program.
It’s hard to imagine an Israel without WUJS in Arad… Were it not for that program, I wouldn’t have been to Israel. I proudly list it on my resume as part of my education and that will not change. I don’t live in Israel now, but as an American Jew working in a Jewish institution, I know how important the program was to me and many others before and after me. I hope the people of Arad know what they meant to me and to us; for they were the ones who helped me learn Hebrew along with the Ulpan at WUJS. They were the understanding people who allowed a new group of “kids” to open checking accounts and shop in their stores with little hassle for their bad Hebrew every three months. I will always remember playing Shesh-Besh on Shabbat in the courtyard and celebrating Purim – the real way – for the first time at WUJS! Thank you to all of you who kept it going for all of those years and good luck to those who (I hope) will try to re-establish a similar program someday…
I am deeply saddened to hear the news. When such a wonderful and unique chapter of your past is closed, a piece of you invariably goes with it.
I can recall almost as if it were yesterday(instead of 16 years ago) walking with the roomies to the mercaz for chocolate ice cream bars, laughing with friends over beers at Muza, watching kids play at the soccer field, bargaining at the Tuesday shuk next to the Black Hebrews while the same song played over and over(machzories you know which one!), and cruising the Super for snacks to replace the daily schnitzel mania.
And who could forget the tranquility of the stark desert landscape, the beautiful sunsets, the Bedouin herding their sheep, and the warmth and hospitality the locals always shared willingly? Truly a slice of heaven on earth.
When I left WUJS, I took a bus from Arad’s dirt strewn courtyard which passed for the Tachana Mercazit, on to a journey that would take me to Tel Aviv for eight great and memorable years.
Today, WUJS has left me with lifelong friendships with people from all over the world, and a truly spiritual picture of Eretz Yisrael that could not have been painted in any other place.
It is my fervent hope for the youth who have the conscious longing to discover their Jewish soul in the Promised Land, that there will soon be a program that can steer them in that special direction. It may not ever be WUJS again, but for those of us that were there, we hold the most dear memories in our hearts forever.
WUJS April 1996 Machzor
I am saddened to hear that Hadassah and Young Judea have pulled the plug on WUJS Arad. Although plagued by financial and other problems over the years, WUJS provided countless young Jewish people with an Israel experience that was second to none. Whether your ultimate purpose was to make aliyah or just spend time exploring the country (or something in between). WUJS afforded all who passed through its doors the opportunity to build a solid social network and foundation which made the difficulties of adjusting to life in a new country, the frustrations of learning a new language and bureaucratic system, the separation of family and friends much easier to bear.
Although moving the program to Jerusalem might do more to attract more students, I do think that the remote location of Arad was essential in building the friendships and relationships that helped many of us make the decision to make aliyah. I think moving it to Jerusalem will cause the programme to lose the very essence of what it was that made this such a special program.
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity of attending WUJS Arad and consider the longstanding friendships (which continue) I have made during this time some of the closest I have ever made. I will always treasure these memories.
I guess all good things come to an end. I was at WUJS for the October 1975 machzor, and met my wife there. Although we didn’t make aliyah, the experience in Arad changed out lives for the better (apart from the obvious ensuing marriage). It provided us with the knowledge of the ‘real Israel’ and we never hesitated when our kids Joshua, (now 23 and getting married this summer) and Talia, (now 21 and a senior at Maryland), wanted to spend time in Israel — for Josh a summer at NCSY Kollel when he was 16, and for Talia a year at Midreshet Lindenbaum in between high school and college.
Working in Israel (I worked for Negev Phosphates for 8 months) was also a great experience and would have been impossible without the WUJS experience to ease the transition into life in Israel. So was serving in the Civil Guard.
And I echo the sentiments of so many others: the beauty of the desert, and the people I met in Arad (both in town and at WUJS) are unmatched.
I’m very sad to see WUJS Arad cease to exist. As much as I love Jerusalem, the program will never be the same
As a May 1989 machzor graduate who married another member of the group (Joanne Martinson), I can honestly say WUJS changed by life. My wife and I share so many memories of the town (esp walking to the hotels at the end of town, having a cup of tea, and staring out towards the Dead Sea – does anyone remember the funky sculpture there – we always referred to it as the Pita) and of our year in Israel and we look forward to showing these to our two children very soon.
A shame, but certainly not a shock. I heard WUJS’s death-knell when it got swallowed by Hadassah/YJ. I’m with Dana and many others that a Jerusalem location will not encourage the machzorim to cohere as they did in the desert. More glitz, less soul.
As someone for whom WUJS was the inspiration for conversion, marriage (to a guy in my machzor), and aliyah (in 2006), I grieve for the wonderful, unique experience of Judaism that scores of Jews (and would-be Jews) will not enjoy. Thank God I was there to live it.
The closing of WUJS has less to do with operational or managerial factors, and more to do with the dying idealism that was once called Zionism.
Yes, thankfully, amongst many, Zionism does indeed exist. However, one only need look at the current state of affairs in the State of Israel, to understand why Jews living in the Diaspora would not want to spend extended amounts of time there.
Today, bombs fall on Israeli cities, and the government does little to try to protect its citizens. Politicians are at best corrupt, and at worst, downright thieves. The general impression in Israel, is that most Israelis are looking for the “friar” or sucker, that they can easily cheat or manipulate into a losing business proposition. The President of Israel is being tried for rape, and the last two Prime Ministers have been or are being investigated for questionable business dealings. There was a time when young men went to serve with dignity and honor in the IDF, and to defend their people and nation; but now, many rightfully fear becoming cannon fodder for a government that seems all too willing to sacrifice them for no reason, and without any clear plan of action. It is no wonder that today’s twenty-something Diaspora Jews, would generally consider it foolish to think of spending time, or relocating to Israel.
Throughout the United States, in virtually every shopping mall, there are Israelis hawking everything from lotions and hair-straighteners, to remote-control toys and aeromatic heating pads. Their style and business ethic is agressive and unconventional by American standards. They represent a growing segment of Israel’s youth, that is disillusioned with life in Israel. Most of these young people, are looking for a false marriage in order to get a green card. While these young Israelis are physically attractive, and use this power and beauty to sell their products, their lack of business ethic is representative of doing business in Israel today. Bewhere of purchasing from these people, because if given the chance, they will rip your head off.
When did Israel’s idealism begin to perish? When and how did Israel become such a mosh-pit? Perhaps it was with the Russian aliyah of the late 80′s and early 90′s, when Israelis saw their government give much of the nation away to any Russian that said that he is Jewish.
This is not to say that I did not love the six years that I spent in Israel! The first place that I lived was Arad, and my memories from there are sweet. I still am in contact with friends in and from Arad, and consider Arad an unknown jewel of Israel. Yes, I am saddened, but not surprised that WUJS has bitten the dust. Nothing lasts forever, and given the way that Israel, and the world at large has changed, the death of WUJS, at forty, was to be expected. Farewell WUJS, you were a great friend, and I mourn your death. Your memory though, is sweet inside of my heart forever!
I am devastated at this news, but so thankful that I benefitted from this wonderful program half a lifetime ago. I am also thankful that my son was able to participate three years ago, and can say with certainty that he had at least as fabulous an experience as I did in 2005.
For me, fresh out of college, WUJS was an accessible way to enter Israel and learn enough Hebrew to function for the next three years, through moving to Haifa and the birth of our daughter. The tiyulim were a highlight – some of the best trips I’ve had in Israel.
I met the man who would become my husband on the plane from NY to Israel, and we announced our engagement 11 days later in the WUJS chadar-ochel. I will never forget our evening walks around the (tiny) perimeter of Arad, and how clear the stars were over the desert. We returned with our two children for the 25th anniversary celebration in 1996, and my son loved Arad so much that he decided on the spot to return someday, which he did.
I join others posting here in saying that I can’t imagine Israel without WUJS. I feel its very isolation was one of its unique strengths, and that Jerusalem doesn’t need one more program for young adults.
Hugs to all other alumni.
Joy Roseberg, Oct ’78
If it weren’t for WUJS (I attended the April 81 machzor and stayed on in Arad for a few months doing “Sherut La’am), I never would have made aliyah.
WUJS served as the “bridge” between the protected environment of the kibbutz-ulpan program (my first Israel experience in July 1980) and the major step of becoming a temporary resident, renting an apartment and working.
I made some of my best friends in Israel while at WUJS.
WUJS will always be a part of my life. It’s sad that others won’t benefit from such a wonderful program.
This is truly sad news. I was in the October 1990 machzor and remember my time at WUJS as one of the happiest of my life, in spite of the fact that the first Gulf War took place during our machzor. I met my best friend Lea there, and almost eighteen years later, it is still the most treasured friendship of my life. This is the end of an era.
I was on the 1971 machzor and have been living in Israel ever since in various places. Nothing will ever compare to my six months at WUJS and my subsequent several years in Arad. Maybe it was the romance of the desert; maybe it was being 22 and in love; and maybe in addition it was the wonderful combination of everything including an excellent ulpan, a truly interesting Jewish Studies program, trips around the country, support from a devoted staff and the warmth and caring of our adoptive families. My memories will always be with me. It is sad that WUJS ARAD won’t be there for others in the future. To WUJS and the memories!
I can only echo the responses of other former WUJS participants in saying how saddened I am at the closing this program. As a participant in the Spring, 1978 program, it enriched my life with friendships and knowledge not only of Judaism and Israel and Zionism but of myself and my goals. Now after marrying an Israeli, making aliyah in l986, raising 4 children here in Israel, I can only say that being in Wujs gave me a special environment in which to enter into the process of being an Israeli and I am sorry that young people will not have a chance to experience what can be a life changing program. Arlene Rose Pukach, Kfar Yona, Israel
I am so sad to hear about WUJS’ closing. So many memories evoked by reading the comments of others. A true institution which will soon be just a memory.
David
Machzor September 1985.
What a complete shame and HUGE MISTAKE! I was one of the older participants of the Oct ’96 Machzor and WUJS was one of the best experiences of my life. Moving it to Jerusalem is not moving it, it is changing it to a totally different program…and most likely the last step before ending it completely…It is so pathetic when programs are taken over by entities that are ill equiped to run them and decisions are made wihout any consideration for the ideals upon which the program was originally based. I am not against change but ever since WUJS was “taken over,” it seems like no one really ever cared about truly making it work…The biggest mistake was letting Aubrey Isaacs go, whose heart was a huge part of WUJS…This is truly sad, sad news…So many young Jews will NEVER have the experience that is UNLIKE any other…one that truly educates them and helps them more clearly define what it means to live their lives as Jews…It’s incredible how ignorant and clueless the decision makers are…Closing WUJS in Arad is akin to closing a Jewish summer camp that kids adore and call home, a place where they explore, learn about and grow into their Judaism…In a world with so few Jews and so much religion based hatred, how can anyone make a decision like that?
I too am saddened by this news. My life was forever changed for the better by being part of the Oct. 1982 Machzor. It will truly be missed
I attended WUJS in January 1978. The year that I spent in Israel and at WUJS was certainly a highlight in my life. I have so many wonderful memories. I am saddened to hear that the programme will no longer exist. It’s hard to believe that 30 years have passed…
1996 Machzor
I am deeply saddened by the closing of WUJS. I think the program was unique and offered so many wonderful opportunities to all who attended. When I came to WUJS I had a lot of healing and learning to do and I did it surrounded by so many superb people, a welcoming town and a beautiful desert. I am so grateful for my time at WUJS and am sorry others will not be able to have that experience.
My sentiment, as well, is one of enormous sadness in learning that Machon WUJS will close. What tremendous joy those short days were! I recall how I struggled to learn how to speak Ivrit. I vividly recall the courses,the lectures and our teachers, and the desire to learn everything I could about Israel and Yiddishkeit. Even today when I meet other WUJIES there is an instant commonality in the experience, having shared the dreary di’rot of the merkaz k’litah, the fun in the mo’adon, the sometimes good and sometimes not so good food in the Hadar Ha’Okhel, the bitter cold of winter and the unrelenting heat of the summer. I remember the pride I had when I took my eldest son, then 9 in 1992, to visit Arad. The stone marker brought back all of the thrill and the excitement, but unfortunately, none of the original staff were there. Neither were any of the folks with whom I shared my machzor experience (January 1977). We all have to keep moving on. I loved those days in Israel. I had a good time and I learned a lot at WUJS. I will treasure those memories forever.
Elliot Rank, Baltimore, MD
A sad passing, mixed memories. 30 years ago I was 22 and by no means emotionally ready to make a decision about what country to spend the rest of my life in, much less the kind of person I wanted to be. Looking back, it was a time of confusion. And so I never kept up with my friends there, or made life long relationships as some of you have. Nevertheless, I remember Arad with poignancy. The desert is a powerful place in which to meet one’s own self. Disappointment and unfulfilled beginnings are also important to learn from.
I will never forget watching the Sadat-Begin meeting after studying the relevant vocabulary in Ruti’s ulpan class.Or the nights of Chanukah in the Sinai. Or my “adoptive family.”
I have never been back to Israel, and the intensity of my experience at Wujs at that time of my life is some of the reason why not.
I am pleased for all of you for whom the program was the right place at the right time, and am very sad that it will no longer exist. Oh, well, times are different, Arad is certainly not the same as it was 30 years ago, and neither is WUJS I’m sure, but just the same—it’s a shame that they have chosen to end a program that has meant so much to so many.
I still recall the moment I received my WUJS brochure, describing the program, showing the environs of Arad. That excitement continued as I participated in the July 1975 Machzor, and remains with me today. Being situated in Arad was a major factor in the success of the program. It fostered the students’ relationships with the community- with adopted families, Israeli dancing in the Mercaz, practicing our Ivrit in the stores. The backdrop of the desert was awe-inspiring. Rabbi Steve Roth added ruach and a spiritual richness to davenning. I could go on and on recounting the multitude of cherished moments, people, experiences, and life changing inspirations. The closing of WUJS Arad is a terrible loss. Jerusalem has too many distractions and is too large to create the same environment that we had in Arad. I am thankful that I was blessed with the opportunity to experience WUJS Arad.
I am very sad to hear about the end of WUJS. My late husband, Rob Wade, and I were part of the 1978 machzor. I have such fond memories of the experience.
I hope that a similar program will succeed.
Debbie Cohen
In 1997 I yearned for an opportunity to spend a year abroad learning. A very wise Sheliach that year made me aware of a special place called WUJS located in Arad, a quiet but very important part of the State of Israel. That year in Arad and all of Israel for that matter was just what I needed. Where else can a person learn Hebrew, take interesting classes on Israeli politics, eat Schnitzel for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and play hours of Ultimate Frisbee all in one day. And do it all with great friends from all over the world. I have very fond memories of 1997 with WUJS and will never forget the experience the organization provided. WUJS you will be missed.
Toda Raba,
Greg Sandler
Machzor June 1997
Very sad to hear of the closing down of the Arad program. Arad formed the perfect place without distractions to meld a group really different folks into a tight group which resulted in lifelong friendships and in our case marriage.
This year we took our kids to Israel and made a point of stopping in Arad to show them where it all began.
We wish the continued program in Jerusalem all the success in the future.
January 1977 Makhzor ????? ????? 1977
It is a great shock to learn about the end of WUJS.
?? ??? ???? ????? ?? ?? ???? ????. 1
Is there any way this can be reversed.
?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ????? 1
?????
???-????? ????????
Jesse A. Kleinman
I am saddened to hear of this decision. As part of the Summer ’83 Summer Machzor- I came to Israel as a lost soul after my mother (z”l)died. The WUJS experience in Arad helped me heal, allowed me to make friendships that i still enjoy today and put me on a course of understanding and yiddishekeit. It empowered me as a Jew, as a woman, and as a supporter of Israel. My eyes were opened in the beauty of that desert and with all those people who touched have my life. I have only the fondest of memories! Thank you WUJS!!
January 1984 Machzor
This news is just so sad. I echo the sentiments of many other WUJS alum; WUJS was the SINGLE best experience of my life – and although that experience was half a lifetime ago, WUJS formed who I am as a person and stays with me each and every day. I can’t imagine what my life today would be like without having experienced WUJS.
WUJS in Jerusalem may certainly attract more participants, but it just can’t possibly be the same without Arad.
Shalom,
Sorry to hear about WUJS closing.
I attended the April 1979 machzor, and decided to stay in
Israel. A year and a half later, I married a WUJS alumnae,
and we’ve raised our family in the north of the country.
Though I was only in Arad for five months, I still have fond
memories of the institution, its staff, and the people I knew there.
But look at the positive side – it’s impressive enough that
WUJS kept going for forty years, no mean feat in this country.
Shalom,
Yosef Branse
Rechasim
This is very sad and disturbing news….although not totally unexpected since the Young Judea/Hadassah take-over. Getting the newsletter for the past year or two from them felt very foreign as I had no connection to YJI (even though I am a Life Member of Hadassah – in name and $ only), especially in relationship to WUJS. I’m an “old” alum from the Oct.’71 Machzor with the most wonderful memories of my time in Arad and then in Tel Aviv. I’ve even recently renewed email and phone friendships with several good friends from that time – we’ll always have that special feeling for WUJS, Arad and each other. I do hope that the WUJS website with the alumni postings is somehow able to continue; it’s priceless!
It was a memorable time for me and many, many others. We’ll never loose that!
Lehitraot,
Suzy Katzman Levy
Oct. ’71 Machzor
Very sad to hear the news – like losing an old friend who knew me when.
I met my wife on WUJS and made Aliya 3 years later. So I pretty much owe WUJS everything.
It will always remain in my heart a special exciting, living, breathing place. An international oasis in the desert – packed with interesting people and unforgettable experiences.
Look back on your photos and remember.
Anyone who was on the Machzor of ’83 – please write!
Michael
I was in the January 1985 machzor and have remained in Israel ever since. WUJS still brings back many great memories for me! Its really sad to hear its closing.
Jan 1994 Machzor
WUJS churned out some fine quality Olim, such as myself and my wife. Not the usual riff raff that the other programs do.
The isolation aspect was vital to the character of the program. With internet and pelephone the quintessential WUJS could not exist. Of course if it had been better managed it would still be there.
I think the oil in the food, is to blame for all my hair going the same way as WUJS is.
I’m afraid I can relate to the hair comment;
Now I know why.
I am saddened and somehow resgined to this reality. As A.J. Heschel said, the opposite of Love is not hate, it is indifference. WUJS played a hugepart in my life, my Aliyah, and my eventual return to the states. But as we all loved WUJS, what made it special for each of us, were the people who were there at that time, and for all of us that is different.
I do not know if there is anything I could have done differently, either while I was still in Israel or from afar. But I know, that my failure to act in any way was a sin of indifference. A reality that other things take over in life.
I’m sure man of you heard the same story I did, about a group of Americans on their way to Eilat after the six day war, who ran out of gas in Arad, maybe it is time for a new group and a new story. And what we need, no matter where we are is to LOVE whatever it is that comes along.
WUJJS- ARAD June 200
Dear all, it took a while to place WUJS-Arad website (now 10 years old). This offered the ground to come in touch with “lost amigos”. Now WUJS-Arad seems to disappear. We all keep the best memories, because WUJS-Arad changed everybody by its beautiful environment from Massada to En Gedi, by learning a new common language and hands-on information about Israel and Jewish life style, by offering long-lasting friendships (incl. marriages) and job opportunities for newcomers. Again, thanks for the opportunity we had in Arad and looking forward to listen to an intelligent solution on the continuation of WUJS-programme.
Best regards, shalom
Lutz Herrmann
Machzor 1970/71
P.S. I am still looking for some “lost amigos”. See my details at WUJS-Arad/Guestbook Year 2005
I am so sorry to hear the news about WUJS. My claim to fame is that I was one of the handfull of volunteers that arrived in December 1967 as part of the advance guard to help set up the WUJS program and then was part of the first WUJS Machzor. The old building across from the Magen David Adom was only half complete so the classes were held in the MDA building and we ate up at the Arad Hotel behind the MDA. There literally was nothing in Arad in 1967 and the Ulpan and the police station were at the end of the town. No shops, no mercaz, no mall, no supermarket and certainly no pubs. It was very cold and wet but we had a great time. We were a very mixed bag as most of us originally came to Israel as volunteers after the six day war and we were told that WUJS was going to be a pilot program run by “Coppy” Copeland and Dr. “Justin”. I stayed in Israel after the program, got married and lived in Arad until 1977. In 2006 my family and I made our first trip back to Israel in nearly 30 years and of course we stopped off at the “new” WUJS building. We were amazed at the growth in Arad and the area. I tried to get the YJ folks interested in doing a 40 year reunion but they really did not seem to care. What a shame as all this wonderful history will soon be gone. I will always cherish my time at WUJS and look back to it as one of the happiest times in my life. We should really try and set up some sort of Alumni Association with a website. Is anybody out there interested. I have just retired (Yes there are WUJIES out there in their mid sixties)so I have time on my hands. Once again its awful to lose such and intergral part of my youth. Regards to all.
WUJS alum 1985
The year that changed my life forever.
January 1996
Not a day goes by in the 10+ years since I left WUJS that I don’t think at least once about the program, Arad, my friends and/or the experiences I had during those six months. Just this week I referenced it in a d’var torah I wrote since this week Arad is mentioned in parshat chukat, the weekly Torah portion. I distinctly remember choosing WUJS because it was in Arad–and not in Jerusalem–so that I could really learn Hebrew and experience Israel; I was not dissapointed one bit. I enjoyed every minute–the heat, the rain, the shnitzel, volunteering in the army, tiyulim. WUJS truly let me experience Israel from the inside and for that I am greatful. I honestly am not sure where I’d be today without that experience and the friendships I made while at WUJS.
I remember during graduation our madricha tellig us that leaving WUJS was not a sad good-bye; as a result she was not going to say “shalom” to us. Instead she would say “lehitraot” knowing that we would stay in touch with each other and with WUJS. At the time she was right.
Times clearly have changed. I’m afraid that this is no longer a “lehitraot” moment. This is a sad good-bye. Shalom. V’gam m’mash todah.
After noticing the Jerusalem Post article which appeared, disappeared and then reappeared again (without the quotes of us distraught WUJIES), I contacted WUJS directly to confirm the closure. I got back this letter which was sent to the incoming machzor. (I hope it remains legible after the formatting gets lost.)
———
“We cannot adopt the way of living that was satisfactory a hundred years ago. The world in which we live has changed, and we must change with it.” Felix Adler
Dear WUJS Institute participants,
Beginning with the September 2008 machzor (session), a significant change will take place within the WUJS Institute program that will affect you as a future program participant.
The Jewish Agency, who owns and manages the absorption center in Arad, has decided to close down the facility for organizational reasons. This affects the WUJS Institute program directly as the absorption center currently provides our accommodations.
Following extensive research, the WUJS Institute staff has made a decision to continue to successfully run the Land, Language and Society, Peace and Social Justice and Arts programs from Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem.
The Zman Tel-Aviv will also experience a change in that the program will no longer spend the first month in Arad. Instead the program will now be based in Tel-Aviv in its entirety. The intensive first month of Hebrew language ulpan will now be replaced with the option of a regular ulpan running twice a week throughout the machzor.
“Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” Harry Truman
Through struggle often comes opportunity and this could not be more true in this particular case. The WUJS Institute team intends to seize this opportunity with both hands, build upon the strong foundations of 40 years of WUJS Arad programming and create something even more dynamic and exiting than we were able to previously offer.
While the basics of all three programs above will remain the same, there are clear advantages to the program now being based in Jerusalem. Here is a taste of just a few.
Land Language and Society – We will offer a larger variety of educational courses, as we are now able to draw upon the faculty of the American Jewish University in Israel who are already teaching over 30 courses to other Young Judaea programs in Israel.
Arts – We will be able to more regularly incorporate the abundance of artists, museums, theaters and more that are available in the international city of Jerusalem within our programming.
Peace and Social Justice – We will be able to offer more opportunities to meet with influential characters within the field of peace and social justice during the first half of the semester.
Ulpan – WUJS Institute students in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv will now be placed in one of approximately eight levels of Hebrew language ulpan within the Young Judaea Israel Programs framework.
Accommodation – All WUJS Institute Jerusalem based participants will live in apartments close to Jerusalem’s fashionable downtown area. Participants will be within touching distance of the city’s cultural center including bars, restaurants, theaters, music venues, shopping and more.
Weekends and Free Time – Now based in the center of the country, participants can easily get to any other destination in the country during their free time.
Dates
The WUJS program will now be a 6-month program and not 5 months as was previously advertised.
Upcoming Program Dates:
September 1st 2008 – February 12th 2009
February 26th 2009 – August 13th 2009
…
What Happens Now?
A member of the WUJS team will be calling you in the coming days to give you the opportunity to ask any questions and share any concerns that you may have. Following that we hope and trust that you will continue in your desire to participate on the program.
Further information on both the Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv programs will also be sent to you in the immediate future.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider the changes within the WUJS Institute program. Be assured that we are working for the sole purpose of giving you the best experience possible in Israel. We are confident that the changes mentioned above will only reflect positively and we look forward to seeing you in Israel in September.
Yours sincerely,
The WUJS Institute Team