Some have second thoughts over winter trips to Middle East

and LAURA LIEBERMAN With the Persian Gulf crisis continuing into its fifth month, several students are opting to stay closer to home over winter break, rather than travel to the troubled Middle Eastern region in college programs. Their concerns over a possible war in the region have escalated with last week's United Nations resolution calling for the use of force if Iraq does not withdraw from Kuwait and release all foreign hostages by January 15. Students and their parents said this week that they are worried about the imminent threat the deadline poses to neighboring countries such as Israel. And as a direct result of this security threat, the number of students enrolled in Israel programs has declined since last year, program administrators said. Although they do not have any specific numbers yet, many said that several have canceled their winter break trips -- which are often inexpensive because they are highly subsidized. While the University does not sponsor any trips to Israel during the winter break, dozens of University students have regularly signed up with outside programs. "It's a shame people have canceled trips," said Dana Jill Kurtzman, Greater Philadelphia Hillel coordinator for Israel programs. "It's the parents, not the students, that seem to be the biggest problem." The Kibbutz Aliyah Desk of Philadelphia has also noted a decline in applications for its programs, especially among college students. "I think that the situation has caused people to put things on hold," explained Kibbutz Aliyah Representative Itai Hameiri. Although some people are frightened, some students still say they are willing to take the risk of traveling to Israel. "People think it's [Israel] more dangerous than it really is," said College junior Eytan Bar-Chama, who will spend eight days in Jerusalem on a United Jewish Appeal-subsidized trip. "More crime happens in West Philadelphia than happens in Israel every day." Bar-Chama, who has previously studied in Israel, said he is a little hesitant about the trip, but added that he wants to show his support for the country. "Yes, I am scared a little," he added. "I speak to Israel once a week. Life goes on as usual. The Israelis, deep down, I think, are very worried." Earlier this fall, Israel distributed gas masks to all of its residents and warned them of a possible chemical weapon attack from Iraq. But the Gulf Crisis also has had an effect on other programs to Israel. The Nursing School normally runs a program through Hebrew University in Israel during the spring semester, but this year the program was canceled as a direct result of the crisis. Assistant Nursing Dean for Administration Kristin Davidson said last night that students and parents had told administrators that they were hesitant about going to Israel. She said they were hoping to attract some students for an independent study abroad program over the summer.

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