DOER
PROFILE
SAMANTHAR OLLI\GER
Employer: Israeli Consulate
Kudos: Campus Liaison
You're a former Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Detroit and U.S. State Department intern who
graduated last April with a B.A. in Judaic studies
from the University of Michigan. What inspired
you to become Midwest director of academic affairs
for the Consulate
General of Israel in
Chicago?
"Considering the unfor-
tunate circumstances that
Jews in Europe, Argentina
and Ethiopia find them-
selves in today, we,should
not only care about Israel,
but also be appreciative of
her ability to provide for
all Jews, anywhere in the
world and from all walks
of life."
Your intent is creating a deeper connection with
- campuses by giving students and faculty a dearer
picture of Israel under the Palestinian int-ifada
(uprising). Are you optimistic given the pro-
Palestinian thrust on many campuses?
"I firmly believe everyone can find a connection
with Israel — if they are open to it."
In Ann Arbor, you co-chaired Hind's American
Movement for Israel and the U-M's Academic
Israel Conference. You spent last summer at Camp
Ramah Darom in Georgia, creating an Israel guide
for counselors in training. In Jerusalem, you stud-
ied at a Conservative yeshivah and helped a family
victimized by terror. How do you explain that
there's more to Israel than terror?
"I hope to help students and communities recog-
nize and appreciate Israel's greatness and accomplish-
ments — particularly welcoming newcomers from
all over the world, aiding other countries, women's
rights, gay rights. For a country of only 56 years,
Israel deserves a gfeat deal more credit than many
people realize."
.
— Robert A. Sklar, editor
Samantha Rollinger is the daughter of Susan and
Robert Rollinger of Wiest Bloomfield.
Let's Slow Down Rush
power to set policy on eligibility for membership.
he University of
A
delay on rush of some four months, from the
Michigan is consider-
fall
to the winter semester, would not appear to be
ing a measure that
an
especially
onerous or unreasonable exercise of
would delay fraternity
this power.
and sorority rush until the second
Some students promise to call in the American
semester of freshman year.
Civil Liberties Union to support their opposition
This is absolutely the best thing
to this policy. The ACLU does many fine things.
the university could do . to address
This.would not be one of
GEORGE the problem
them, and the academics who
CANTOR
of underage
provide the core of its legal
Reality Check drinking on
support must know that. This
campus. It
is a case that would not do
also is
credit to that organization.
something I have advocated
Other public schools, such
repeatedly in speeches and
as Indiana University, have
articles ever since the death
such policies in place and
of my daughter in Ann
defend them on the basis of
Arbor in 1998.
the academic interests of the
It is simply the height of
students.
They have been suc-
stupidity to hurl first semes-
cessful in court arguing on
ter freshmen into the social
those grounds.
pressures of rush.
The fraternities and sorori-
Many of them are living
ties insist that they are being
away from home for the first
singled out for special treat-
time. They are not yet sure
ment. But there is good reason
of their place in the univer-
for this. Every 'study I know of
sity community. They are
concludes that these organiza-
acutely aware of the peer
tions are the core of underage
pressure that lies at the heart
and binge drinking on cam-
of rush. They are seeking
pus.
acceptance while casting off
Many of them have taken
parental restraints.
U-Ms bid to delay freshman rush would let no-drinking pledges.
All this is a toxic brew.
new students get their bearings for a semester. Unfortunately, that often has
Many students, pre-
proven to be meaningless.
dictably, feel they are being
',Both the sorority and fraterni-
picked on with this proposal. Self-pity has been
ty involved in thefparty that preceded my daugh-
the favorite pose of college students since the `60s.
ter's
death had taken such pledges, and still the
They argue that their freedom of association
champagne
flowe4l, purchased with bogus IDs that
would be impinged upon if it were enacted.
were printed in the fiat house itself.
That logic is a bit shaky. The university has the
If you have a child or grandchild who is a fresh-
recognized right to regulate organizations that
man at U-M, I would urge you to express your
exist on campus under its auspices. If a fraternity
support of this proppsal to the university.
ignores the rules, for example, the university has
Campus drinking is a tough proposition.
the power to expel it from campus and disband its
Students
who want to refrain need to be aware
local chapter.
that there are many others who feel just as they
The power to regulate would also imply the
do. But in the social maelstrom of rush it is hard
to keep their bearings:,
George Cantor's e-mail address is
They need help from the university. This
gcantor@thejevvishnews.com
measure provides it. It should be passed. ❑
Shabbat Candlelighting
"When I light the .Shabbos candles, I feel a certain peace and serenity enter our home. My husband and I no
longer worry about the week. Problems just melt away."
— Eliana Loomer, Oai Peirk, Jewish Vocational Service job coach
REPORT A DOER...
Know. a Doer — someone of any age doing interest-
ing, meaningful things in their life outside of their
job? Share suggestions with Keri Guten Cohen, story
development editor, at (248) 351-5144 or e-mail:
kcohen@thejewishnews.com
2/ 6
2004
10
Candlelighting
Candlelighting
Friday, Feb. 6, 5:34 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13, 5:43 p.m.
Shabbat Ends
Sha b bat Ends
Saturday, Feb. 14, 6:46 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 6:38 p.m.
•TO submit a candlelighting message, call Miriam Arnzalak of the Lubavitch Women's Organization at (248) 548-6771 or e-mail• manizalak@juno.com