Dear Fellow Students,

I am sure that we are all finally thankful that the end of the year is upon us, and that the summer is once again here. We will all be going our separate ways, spreading out to our respective homes and all hopefully enjoying some hard-earned rest. For some, Yeshiva College will be their home for the coming year and for others it will become our beloved alma-matter. However for all of us it will be a place that we cherish as the wellspring of our education and the source for long time friendships. I could go on here about the accomplishments of YCSC, and all the fun that we had over the years, but that would serve no immediate purpose (and because I have a separate article in this issue that gives a brief synopsis of our successful year.)

There is a Mishna in Pirkei Avot that states, "Azehu Chochom Halomed Mikol Adam" - "Who is a wise man; one who learns from all people." I think that this is a very appropriate statement to sum up my year as President. I worked with many people on numerous projects, and from all of them I learned valuable lessons. I wish I would not have to bore you with all the thank you's but I feel it would be unfair to those who truly deserve mention.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Editors-in-chief of the commentator for their hard work in putting out this year's issue. Mordechai, you have done an outstanding job, your sleepless nights and long hauls down town have not gone unnoticed, and it is truly an honor to call you a friend. As a student leader I know the proverbial hell that you go through in going with your gut and doing what you believe is right, and for that my hats off to you. Adam, your hard work and devotion did not go unnoticed. I am confident that next years Editors-in-chief, Aaron Klein and Alex Traiman will do an incredible job.

Dr. Nulman and Dean Himber, your office has been a bastion of advice and help both in regard to student council, and in dealing with the presidency. You have a way of putting things into perspective and I thank you for that.

It is impossible to mention the Office of Student Services and not recognize the administrations Rookie of the Year. Andrew, you have done it all. From booking rooms last minute to planning events, and from being the listening ear of the administration to the counseling voice of the students, you have done a spectacular job and for that the entire Yeshiva owes you a debt of gratitude.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the students, past and present, to wish a hearty Tzaischem Lisholom to Rabbi Cheifetz. Many people don't realize the commitment both Rabbi Cheifetz and his wife have made to Yeshiva students over the years. Rabbi Cheifetz's instituted such programs as Dorm Talks, and worked hard to make the Shabbat program what it is today.

Achron, Achron Chaviv, is my board. Howie, Shlomo and Hadar, your tireless efforts on behalf of the school require a lot more thanks than one person can give. It is easy for those not involved in student council, the bystanders and onlookers, to belittle the work that you guys have done. However, they have not stepped up to take on the onus, and they do not know what tremendous behind the scenes work you guys do. You are truly worthy of the brocha given to those who are Oskim Btzorchei Tzibur Be'emunah. It was my honor to work with you and call you lifelong friends.

This coming week is Yom Yerushalayim. Many of us weren't around in 1967 when the entire Jewish world prayed in unison for our friends and families in Israel. There was no other time in this century when the Jewish people were as united behind a single cause. In our fight to defend Israel we captured our most prized jewel, the capital city of Jerusalem. This is the city that has seen our entire history, from Akeidat Ytichok to the two Batei Mikdosh. It has been burned to the ground but has always risen from the ashes. Our hopes and dreams are in it, and it is the resting-place of the Shechina. It is the city of which every Jew vows, " If I forget thee Oh Jerusalem may my right hand be cut off." Yet now, that is exactly what is expected of us by the world. They wish to sever our right hands, and in doing so take away our precious city. There are few things in this world that truly unite our people. Jerusalem is one such thing.