The Insider
NEWS & VIEWS
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The Cap & Gown Mystique
T
he graduation season is almost
upon us — and, at the Jewish
News, that can only mean Cap &
Gown season (after Passover, of course!).
The annual section in May that spot-
lights high-achieving Michigan Jewish
high school seniors has become one of
the most-anticipated sections in the JN.
At its inception two decades ago, High
School Year Book (as it was called back
then) listed some 40 students. Last year,
228 were highlighted. In addition, they
and many others were congratulated
by family in our gallery of Cap & Gown
advertisements.
The section has grown as parents and
grandparents have celebrated a rite of
passage with the Jewish News. It isn't easy
seeing your little darling growing up,
asserting independence as a young adult
— often getting ready to go off to college.
The brighter side is marking the occasion
and bragging to the world.
That's why, over the years, we have
slightly broadened the rules to allow
even more graduating seniors to publish
their high school achievements in Cap &
Gown. And for those who don't meet our
grade-point minimum, the congratulato-
ry ads are an additional keepsake, adding
to the ambiance of our "yearbook"
Cap & Gown has become one of the
largest and best-read Jewish News edi-
tions of the year. We know you are look-
ing forward to the 2009 version, which
will be published May 21.
And, if you have a high school senior
graduating in June, go to our Web site —
JNonline.us — click on the Cap & Gown
button on the home page, and learn how
your family can participate in the fun.
We wouldn't want you to miss it!
— Alan Hitsky, associate editor
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orty U.S. campuses, including three in Michigan,
"While addressing the politics of the recent conflict in
will get up to $3,000 each per semester for 2009
Gaza is important, and was certainly a priority of our stu-
dent leaders, it was also important that we not lose sight
to host events that inform and inspire students
about Israel. The StandWithUs initiative, "Israel at 60 and of the types of campaigns that we envisioned at the start
Beyond," is meant to spotlight Israel's achieve-
of the year," said Kuhn, a specially trained SWU
ments and contributions on the global stage.
Emerson Fellow.
It's a needed program with great potential.
Next up at MSU is Israel Culture Night on
April 29 as part of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli
Many of the campuses – such as the University
of California and the University of Michigan – are
Independence Day.
Other SWU student leaders in the state are
known for their anti-Israel sentiment.
"A rising tide of well-organized, anti-Israel
Ben Kaminsky of Hong Kong, a U-M sophomore
events and rhetoric misinforms students and dis-
business major, and Amit Harris of Kalamazoo, a
Western Michigan University sophomore political
torts Israel's image on campuses," Roz Rothstein, MSU's
international director of L.A.-based StandWithUs
science major.
Daniel Kuhn
Israel supporters at MSU, U-M, WMU and other
(SWU), declared in announcing the grant program
on March 11. "It's important for supporters to stand up
Michigan campuses now have a financial base to embrace
the Jewish state through meaningful programming. You
and teach the campus community about the real Israel."
It sure is.
can be a Zionist without being in lockstep with the Israeli
The grants will enable SWU student leaders to present
government. Diaspora support shows the rest of the
activities that celebrate Israel's social, political and sci-
world that the sliver that is the ancestral Jewish home-
entific accomplishments and that accurately underscore
land isn't alone.
how Israel has responded to Palestinian terror. Emphasis
Kuhn put it well: "Israel is a flourishing democracy that
is on balance and responsibility, not lies and deception.
faces challenges unparalleled by any other country on the
planet – a tiny country that has continued to contribute
Daniel Kuhn of West Bloomfield is the SWU student
leader at Michigan State University. He understands the
more than its share to tikkun olam, to making the world a
better place."
turbulent nature of being both a pro-Zionist and a college
student today. "Israel advocates have been challenged in
With young leaders like Daniel Kuhn active in the wings,
I'm optimistic about the future of Michigan Jewry.
a way that many students have never experienced," the
senior international relations major told the JN.
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— Robert Sklar, editor
Our JN Mission
The Jewish News aspires to communicate news and opinion that's useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. It strives to reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints while also
advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, caring, enjoyable work environment that encourages creativity
and innovation. We acknowledge our role as a responsible, responsive member of the community. Being competitive, we must always strive to be the most respected, outstanding
Jewish community publication in the nation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, contented employees and profitable growth.
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April 2 0 2009
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