by David Werdiger

Created on: April 20, 2009

I am a student again. Recently, I decided to embark on a post-graduate degree. When considering my options, I attended an information evening at the university to hear about the course I was considering. When asked questions about the difference between this course and similar ones at other universities, the speaker responded with a message that still remains with me: "Whether you choose to do the course with us or elsewhere is your choice, but whatever you decide, do keep studying!" This reflects the ethos of any good academic institution - that learning is essential for human growth, and you are never too old to learn. For me, it reinforced my decision to return to formal study at a relatively advanced age.

In 2008 in Jerusalem, eight students, aged 15 to 26, were gunned down by a terrorist as they were sitting down for dinner. They studied at Mercaz Harav, a religious seminary founded in 1924. It is a highly regarded institution, where students dedicate themselves to advanced study of classical Jewish texts such as the Talmud.

Just a week earlier, a man from the town of Sderot was killed as a result of a rocket that was launched from Gaza. The rocket landed in the parking lot of college campus, and he was struck in the chest by shrapnel. Sderot, a town of some 20,000 residents, has been terrorized by the continued fire of thousands of rockets that has continued unabated since the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The recent offensive went a long way to reducing these attack, but still they continue.

These two fatal attacks that deliberately targetted civilians brought home to me the fundamental difference between the two sides in this war: It all comes down to the issue of education.

Israeli and Jewish society rewards and prides itself on academic excellence. No matter what end of the political spectrum students come from, whether they are attending universities or religious seminaries (or a combination of the two), the principle is the same: they are there in search of knowledge. Perhaps to open up career opportunities, to make a better life for themselves, or perhaps just for its own sake as academics.

In addition to whatever subject matter you choose to pursue, some fundamental values are taught either explicitly or implictly at any college or university: respect for fellow students and the diversity of their opinions, the ability to debate and reach consensus, and the value of knowledge.

These values are what help create the vibrant democracy that exists

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