Cover Story Special Occasion? But What's Normal? Israers universities are quiet, in contrast to violence across the country. Kathryn Dianos Come view the Spring Collection now at Scott Gregory. DON COHEN Special to the Jewish News T lectures given in their larger courses and offers special tutoring at no extra cost to students. In addition, because students have less time between school and the military to earn an income, there are scholarships for students who serve more than 30 days. pings are so normal in Israel, jokes Yitzhak Apeloig, presi- dent of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, that his university staff went on strike postponing the start of the school year Normal, But ... by a month. In general, life in Haifa also is nor- But adapting to the ongoing terror- mal. • ism is more difficult than adapting to "Events are not cancelled, though the strikes that often paralyze the pub- there are less people in the malls, lic sector. Israeli resilience certainly comes in handy. Apeloig says. "The effect on Haifa is smaller than other major "It's a serious situation, but life is like normal," cities because the reduction says Apeloig, who was in in tourism affects us less" because most tourist Detroit last week to meet groups don't visit the city. with the local Technion Israel's economic problems Society and other sup- have affected the city's bur- porters. geoning high-tech industry The sharp divisions across the political spec- more than the violence. A chemist by training, trum, and between Arabs and Jews, have not affect- Apeloig observes that his professional colleagues ed university life, as was feared, he said. • who have been to Israel previously have not "The campus and the Yitzhak Ap eloig .dormitories are very quiet changed their travel plans, but those who have never - at Technion, and there been to Israel have can- haven't been serious prob- celled trips. lems at any Israeli univer- Apeloig appreciates the sity," Apeloig says. support of the American Campus security, which is government for Israel's efforts to stop always tight with all visitors passing the violence, and recognizes the through checkpoints, is about the importance of American Jewish politi- same. cal activity,. But he doesn't hesitate to But events have affected students say what's most needed from and faculty deeply, he says. For exam- American Jews "Come see us. ple, a faculty member was the father "It is very important we don't have of one of the six soldiers killed at a a feeling of being left alone," he says roadblock the previous week. An and notes with pride that 40 foreign administrator has been assigned to members of the Technion board deal with such tragedies that touch attended a recent meeting. campus. "Everyone is involved on a daily Special programs also have been basis, but if you didn't hear the news instituted to deal with the longer you wouldn't notice any dramatic terms of mlluim, the yearly military service that each Israeli maintains after changes," Apeloig says. But when he learns of an attack in they finish full-time army service. Jerusalem, he reaches for a phone to Known as "Israel's MIT" for its check on his daughter who lives advanced technological training, there. Technion has a large number of male "Everybody reaches for their cell military officers as students. They phones and the system goes down for have to serve terms that now are often a while. There is one hour of big wor- more than a month, and they no ries before you find out everything is longer can be deferred to the summer. OK." ❑ In response, Technion now films " 6525 relep.. -aril Road 1."friat-ii I e Mc., n.-NN'et-i., 10-6 10-8 A • 10-6 DAVID ROSENMAN'S PTO alma. P111111C1111ASERS NEW & USED CAR BROKER Sales • Leasing • Buying (248) 851-CARS (248) 851-2277 Exceptional Living in West Bloomfield • Private Entrances • Outdoor Pool • Fireplaces Luxury 2 Bedroom Apartments from $1020/mo! • Attached Garages • Fully Furnished Apts. Available • Concierge Services • Complimentary Continental Breakfast ONE MONTH . FREE! low • 24 Hour Fitness Center • Cathedral Ceilings • Pet Friendly 6834 Chimney Hill Drive • 248-737-4510 Open 7 days * chimneyhillgmarqnet.com * ** * *STAIRWAY LIFTS* ** ** THE CAREFREE WAY TO CLIMB STAIRS TP id 0:4 3/8 2002 18 When you're disabled, or just not able to move around as freely as you once could, stairs can be a real problem. But there is a simple answer. The powered stairway lift. Easily installed to fit curved or straight stairs. They give you back the ability to move around your own home. Folds back-gets in nobody's way. CALL OR STOP BY FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION ACTON RENTAL & SALES LARRY ARONOFF (313) 891-6500 I love my Stairway Lift! It takes me up and down the stairs with the push of a but- ton. Call for details! (248) 540-5550 —