Breaking barriers

In an effort to bridge the gap between cultures and to eliminate stereotypes between ethnic groups, Hillel, in concordance with the Black Students Union, will be sponsoring a trip to Washington, D.C. The purpose of the trip is to teach African-American students about Jewish society and vice-versa. Leading up to the April 2nd trip will be several events held on campus. Students interested in going on the trip are encouraged to attend these events. On Feb. 18th, “From Swastika to Jim Crow” will be shown Feb. 26th, location TBD. It is a film about German refugee scholars who were cast out from their homeland by the Nazis and found a home, and a new life, at the historically Black colleges in the South. And then on Feb. 28th, the BSU will hold their annual Pan- African Exposition, a student-run event aimed towards celebrating the culture of people of African descent. It has been very successful in the past at educating the university community and the Greater Rochester Community. A week before the trip, at a time to be announced, the group will meet to discuss the state of race relations. The trip is scheduled to leave on April 2nd and return on April 4th, traveling on a fully accommodated bus. The cost is $50, and scholarships are available if needed. As of right now the itinerary planned is tentative with a visit to George Washington University for dinner and Shabbat services. Also scheduled is a visit to the National Holocaust Museum. Hillel has sponsored several trips to D.C. in the past, but this is the first planned jointly with the BSU. Applications are due by noon on Jan. 30th. For more information and the application form you can email Michelle Bass at mb007m@mail.rochester.edu.Goldner can be reached at bgoldner@campustimes.org.