I commend Joel Magalnick for his perceptive column “Seattleites win education prize” (Nov. 11) as very informative. Glad to hear that Robert Beiser, the campus/Jconnect director was recognized nationally by the Covenant Foundation and awarded a prize of $15,000 over the next three years to further his education. Also glad to hear that Gilah Kletenik was awarded the prize as well.
I consider the awards were appropriately made to very able and talented individuals. I was especially delighted to meet and talk with Beiser. He is an excellent role model to the youth at Hillel and a strong advocate for Israel. His advocacy with others to promote fair trade in the sale of chocolates from organizations that monitor the exploitation of children from slave trade is commendable.
I hope parents will buy chocolates from companies that engage in fair trade that enables children to be free from enslavement and go to schools. Beiser rightly says, “it’s the ethical, responsible thing.” I do wish Beiser much success with his job at Hillel. I also wish Kletenik much success with her work at Ramaz Upper School in New York.