Prof. Berthold Fridlender, President of Hadassah Academic College

Dear students and students,

At the start of the academic year I wish to welcome you to Hadassah Academic College. I am proud and excited that you have chosen our College as a starting point for your future professional or academic career. You are currently at the threshold of a new exciting and challenging chapter of your life that will significantly impact your future. Every beginning has its challenges, which I and the academic staff will do everything in our power to help you overcome.

In addition, every beginning has its opportunities: acquiring fresh knowledge and new academic and professional tools for life, participating in a variety of social projects and being part of a multicultural community, getting hands-on practical experience in the field of your academic study and many other added values that accompany academic life on campus. I strongly believe that academic education is much more than just a means to obtain an academic degree.

Our College is located in the heart of Jerusalem and at the crossroads of different communities. I believe it is important that you learn to mutually respect each other.

We aspire for our students to be a part of the multifaceted community of this city, which will enrich them as active members of the society in which they live. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you success in your academic studies and reassure you again that we are always ready to assist you in every need.

Finally, I would like to quote one of the greatest leaders of the State of Israel who recently passed away, Prime Minister and former President, Mr. Shimon Peres said: "People who do not have a fantasy – never fulfill fantastic things"

This is the message I want to convey to you today, if you think big - you will succeed.

Professor Berthold Fridlender, President of Hadassah Academic College