Translation of Hebrew Commencement Address
By Ronie Gazit, Class of 2011
June 19, 2011

Dearest parents, fellow students, beloved teachers, and honored guests

Let me begin by telling you a few words about me. I come from a bilingual home in which both Hebrew and English are spoken fluently and regularly. The majority of my family speaks Hebrew, and this has a number of advantages. Whenever we travel as a family, whether it be through Europe, China, or even here in the United States we can almost always be certain that no one understands what we are saying.  There has been more than one occasion in which I might turn to my dad and say, “hey, look at that guy doing something embarrassing.” We have a secret language that most people do not understand - how wonderful! At Gann, however, sadly, or actually happily this is not the case. While walking through the hallways of Gann Academy it’s safe to assume that this “secret” language is one that every one understands.

Thinking about the bilingual nature of Gann, I realize how rare it is to be in a community in which almost everyone understands and speaks Hebrew and English. I feel that a great privilege was bestowed on me. I am able to walk down the halls, and speak in Hebrew with many of my teachers, and peers with ease and comfort. The knowledge of Hebrew is essential to a number of subjects taught here at Gann. More than once, I have acted as the “translator” whether it is in Hebrew class when I’m asked to define a new word, or during Tanakh class where I function as an interpreter of last resort when a verse needs to be translated. I’m always glad I can be of help to my peers.

I also like to think of Gann not only as a bilingual school, but also as a bicultural school incorporating both the American culture and the Israeli culture. For me, like many other students, and members of this community, Israel is not just any other country. Israel is a big part of my identity. 

Gann actively works to maintain a strong connection with Israel. As a community, we commemorate significant days in Israel such as Yitzchak Rabin’s memorial and Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day). Commemorating these significant days is important to me as it hits close to home. Two of my grandfather’s cousins were killed in the War of Independence in 1948, and my great uncle was injured in the Sinai campaign in 1956. We also celebrate Israeli holidays such as Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day) and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day). When celebrating Yom Haatzmaut, you can find students wearing blue and white and eating falafel during lunch. It’s almost like we created a mini Israel in the halls of Gann Academy. All that’s missing is a “tembel” hat on the head of each student (typical Israeli hat).

Another way in which Gann strives to maintain a strong connection with Israel is through a connection with Israeli students. I was able to form connections with a number of Israeli students in an exchange program with Ironi Hey students. A number of students from Haifa came to Gann for about a week during which time we toured Boston, Walden Pond, and created strong friendships.

I also very much appreciate that the discourse concerning Israel is not that of a blind reverence. Gann’s relationship with Israel is deeper and more meaningful because healthy debate is encouraged. For example, Gann gives a forum to both AIPAC and J Street, and encourages students to debate the issue surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As you have seen, Israel at Gann is not all about chips and falafel...even though it is delicious. We are encouraged to think critically. There is a deeper intellectual component that all students are strongly encouraged to pursue. I believe that Gann strongly emphasizes this connection with Israel because Israel is a fundamental part of our Jewish identity. As Ahad Haam said ““...the goal of a Jewish state is to address the spiritual and cultural challenges of the Jewish people and thus it needs to possess spiritual elements that would justify its existence.” Therefore. that is why the combination of the State of Israel and Jewish spirituality is so important.

Perhaps like many other students here, I have had my ups and downs throughout my time at Gann. Many times, it’s comfortable to become another face in the crowd, but I’ve found that at Gann I could not get away with that for long. The teachers at Gann never gave up on me, even when I might have. Looking back at some of my difficulties throughout my time at Gann, if I could change one thing it would be to ask for help when I needed it, and knowing that it was not a sign of weakness doing so. The teachers here care about our intellectual growth, as well as our growth as responsible young adults. The relationship with the teachers goes beyond the walls of the classroom. The sense of community at Gann is never lacking. Whether it is the larger Gann community, our grade, and even our advisor groups, we are constantly surrounded by a supportive community.

Wow! Did time fly by! As Yehudah Halevi said “know that your youth is shaken off like a straw.” I can remember the first time I walked into this building as a freshman. And yet, when I look at my classmates, I see that I am not the only one who has grown both physically, emotionally, and academically. We all have something to be proud of. But if there is one thing I can wish for all of you (my classmates), is to cherish our past four years at Gann. I couldn’t be more proud of our grade, and honored to be a member of the class of 2011.

Even though this is the end, it does not mean we don’t have new beginnings waiting for us once we leave Gann. Wherever our paths lead us, we should take with us the lessons, memories, and relationships we have made throughout our time at Gann Academy.

Thank you.