First of All Be Rich. Then We'll Consider If You Deserve Being a Jew.

24 David Elazar Street

Holon, Israel
December 9, 2009

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Ms. Gilat Symon

The Principal Office

Kugel High School

1 Mota Gur Street, Holon

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Dear Madam,

Every year, students throughout the Israeli nation are given the opportunity to explore the harrowing history of the Jewish people under a magnifying glass by allowing them to be a part of a unique expedition to Poland. Many students wish to participate in this unequaled journey, but are compelled to relinquish this desire due to their parents' scanty pocket. Therefore, I would like to complain about the unreasonable price set for the trip, which prevents students from going through this life-shaping journey.

No History coursebook can school students better about the Holocaust enormities than the journey itself. Students must have the capability to pay a visit to the places of horror, where six million of their brothers and sisters were mercilessly brought to slaughter by the accursed Nazis. It is not righteous that a minor portion of students will receive a better education merely because their financial status is better than this of their friends.

At the heart of this delicate subject, I truly anticipate you take action to lower the price of this vital journey. It has been testified more than once that the journey teaches its voyagers lessons of love, brotherhood and peace. On the whole, I believe that it is the government's unquestionable duty to subsidize this journey, but since my request is unrealistic at this point, the least that can be done is cheapening the cost of the journey.

I look forward to your prompt reply.

Sincerely yours,

Keran Auster

Excellent work!

(100)

Daphna.

R-I-P

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The Show Must Go On.

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A Summer's Reading

George Stoyonovich is the main character of the story "A Summer's Reading", a short story written by Bernard Malamud. Throughout the entire story, George endeavors to alter his sluggish behavior and become a level-headed person.

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George is a twenty-year-old boy, who lives in a humble New-York borough. Having negated the opportunity to earn education at school, unemployed George cannot apply for an honorable job. He usually spends the afternoon hours reading second-rate magazines, but when the evening comes, George meanders along the streets in order to flee from his tangled reality. The apathetic environment George grows up in makes it tremendously difficult for him to blossom and prosper in life.
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George has a very convoluted personality. He is amazingly passive and immature. He dismisses every single opportunity to make a significant change in his life. He dislikes being under the supervision of dictating teacher. Regardless of this, he wants to be highly esteemed by the neighborhood people. But, all of a sudden, George opens his eyes and realizes his mistakes thanks to his neighbor, Mr. Cattanzara. Being the single person to be thoughtful of George, he spreads positive rumors across the neighborhood. This fuels George with confidence, and eventually, helps him begin a new chapter in his own book of life.
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At the beginning of the story, George wasn't a character I could cherish much. George permitted himself to tell a lie more than once, until at length he became addicted to lying. I also belittle George's passiveness and desire to blossom without earning it decently. Striving for success without hard work corresponds to trying to harvest where you haven't planted. Though, as the story evolved, I learned to love George for the fact that, finally, he brought himself to change. I felt supreme happiness and tranquility as George headed towards the library, leaving the remnants of childish George behind him.
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The Boy Who Was Arrested For Knowing Too Much

We were all raised on the probe that gaining knowledge is not a crime. Well, Vikas Swarup shatters this well-known myth in his engrossing novel, Q&A. The book's suspenseful plot and distinctive structure spellbound me and conquered the highest rank in my own list of 1001 books I must read before I die.

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The novel narrates the life of Ram Mohammad Thomas, an 18-year-old orphaned boy, who becomes the first contestant to correctly answer dozen random questions on "Who Will Win A Billion?". The TV producers, who do not have a billion rupees to reward the winner, have the boy arrested by the police, for reaching the jackpot in a corrupt manner. Truth to tell, Ram managed the entire quiz because each question prompted a different flashback to a genuine event that occured in his turbulent life.

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The author attempts to uncover the underbelly of the Indian society we tend to avoid without devoting a second thought to this vile issue. Homophobia, brutality, decrepit living conditions and racism are merely needles in a haystack Swarup wishes to enveil in his book.

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Q&A is, beyond doubt, one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. I highly recommend this book, as it is much more than a worthwhile activity to pass the long afternoon hours with. Q&A is a mirror shaped into a book, which reflects badly on us as a society.
~

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Great, although I believe your third paragraph needs some clarifications.

(95)

Daphna.

You Are What You Eat

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with more than one billion adults overweight. Should food manufacturers be held responsible for the alarming statistics? I, personally, shift the blame on us, the light-headed consumers who recklessly head toward the unhealthiest shelves in the supermarket, for several reasons.

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People have the right to choose what to eat. Consumers across the universe can benefit from an unprecedented variety of food products. A broad range of healthy food products is already waiting to be snatched from the shelves, but the vast majority of consumers prefers purchasing the unhealthy products because they bring far more delight to the belly. In this case, consumers must be liable for the forthcoming consequences of their unrestrained food consumption.

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Furthermore, preventing companies from manufacturing any kind of food is a ludicrous course of action, which bears the potential of worsening the worldwide economy. This might decelerate the economic activity even more, which is already in recession due to the severe financial crisis of 2008.

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At the heart of this, I don't believe we should rail against the various food manufacturers for producing unhealthy food. We are the owners of our own bodies! We, as consumers and human beings, should bear responsibility for what we eat. I do believe that the food manufacturers should specify what their products consist of, so that we could derive the most of following a healthy lifestyle.
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(100)

Daphna.

Letter To The Editor

24 David Elazar St.
Holon
September 17, 2009

The Editor
Aftonbladet Newspaper
63 Arenavägen St.
Stockholm, Sweden
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Dear Editor,

Concerning the article "IDF Troops Killed Palestinians For Organs", I would like to state my resolute disapproval of the ill-founded blood libel published recently in your tabloid.
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Donald Bostrom, the author of the article, said that he was primarily prompted by the concerns triggered by the possible credibility of the report. He had no solid evidence regarding the veracity of the story. As an empowered and honorable author, I would expect him to examine the issue under a magnifying glass and confirm the details. He shouldn't publish a misleading report unless he has fulfilled the aforementioned assignments.
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Not only could Bostrom damage his own reputation as an author, but also Aftonbladet's reputation as a trustworthy source of news in Sweden. Similar situations in the future may lead to Aftonbladet's loss of readership.

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I have no doubt that you wouldn't want to see the occurrence of this as the prime editor of the newspaper. Therefore, I outspokenly suggest you denounce the report and talk Bostrom into delivering a frank apology to innocent and offended Israel.
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Sincerely yours,
Keran Auster

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Excellent! I think you should publish your letter.

(100)

Daphna.

13.9.2009

May these two good souls rest in peace.

Pride & Prejudice

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The 2nd of August will be rememberred as a black-letter day for the gay community.

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On a Saturday night, a camouflaged gunman entered the Israeli *LGBT Association's center in Tel-Aviv. Equipped with a M-16 rifle, he began opening fire on the participants of the event. The atrocious massacre came to an end with a sore outcome: two fatalities and fifteen wounded people. The assailant fled from the scene of the crime on foot, still remaining at large.

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The event has evoked complete astonishment among members of the gay community, since no evidence confirms homophobic activity in Tel-Aviv, the most liberal city in Israel. Hundreds of Israeli homosexuals held a rally and lit candles in tribute to the victims of the massacre.
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According to the police, there was no terror motive behind the event. To my mind, the fact that the assailant was prompted by a homophobic factor merely demonstrates that the level of tolerance among the Israeli multitude is meager. The thought of belonging to a shallow and bigoted society saddens me. Hence, I believe that the value of accepting diversity should be delivered to people when they are still in diapers and lack the ability to pick up a rifle and shoot someone due to his supposedly different identity.

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*LGBT = Lesbian Gay Biseuxual Transgender

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This essay was based on the article below:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3755400,00.html
http://www.sovo.com/2009/8-7/news/localnews/10450.cfm

When Love Is Suppressed... Hatred Takes Its Place!

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August 17, 2009: A Swedish tabloid, called the Aftonbladet, claimed that Israeli troops killed Palestinians and harvested their organs. According to the report, bodies of Palestinians were being returned within five days with stitches running from their abdomen to their neck. This has evolved a severe diplomatic controversy between Israel and Sweden.
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The author of the article, Donald Bostrom, spoke to Israel Radio, telling he was concerned by the allegations made public. Bostrom said that the article's purpose was to call for an investigation on suspicion to trafficking in organs. Despite this, major Swedish sources have criticized Aftonbladet for publishing a groundless anti-Semitic conspiracy theory.
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The baseless report sparked a furious reaction by Israel's Foreign Ministry, who associated the article with the medieval blood libel. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has tenaciously clarified that Israel is not asking for an apology, but for Sweden's official condemnation of the report.
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Bostrom's report is nothing but a composition filled with mendacious utterances to the brim. As a democratic country, Sweden stands for the freedom of speech, but every positive thing must have its own limitations. Recycling historic blood libels is certainly not a way of using that precious tool. I would be more than delighted to read in the forthcoming days about Aftonbladet's deprecation of the report, and of course, Bostrom's sincere apology for Israel.

~

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This essay was based on the article below:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/middleeast/news/article_1496925.php/Israel-Sweden-crisis-over-organ-harvesting-claim-intensifies

The Face of Facebook

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200 million people across the globe are registered in Facebook, the most common social networking website, which allows people to communicate with relatives, friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, Facebook has recently become a forum for hate groups. I strongly condemn this phenomenon and believe that the current situation has to change.
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We must not adopt a positive attitude towards this phenomenon. It is distressing to see how people abuse the marvels of technology to make their radical opinions public. Teenagers are an easy prey for hate groups since they are not equipped with enough alertness to the flood of hazards in the boundless world of websites. A teenager may not comprehend the severeness of joining a group of The Holocaust Denial, and thus persuade his peers to join the group along with him.
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The ministry of education has chosen to handle this worrisome problem by giving lectures to students concerning the hazards of surfing the net with least caution. Unfortunately, the healthy messages that the lectures convey will not be assimilated in teenagers' minds since they tend to turn off their ears during a lecture.
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In the light of the information aforementioned above, some would suggest to confiscate Facebook, as the best solution to this phenomenon. I believe that the perfect solution is to remove these groups from Facebook. The key people of Facebook, who brought this brilliant concept to the world, have the capability and power to remove hatred promoters and make a spacious room for peace lovers.

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Excellent work, as always.(100)

Daphna.

...

"Lucky I'm in love with my best friends..."

Simplify Mornings or Violate Freedom?

"I love my school uniform. It is so comfortably lovely."

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According to recent statistics, more and more school administrators adopt uniform policies. The vast majority of students disapprove this policy, while others believe that wearing school uniforms is a substantial requirement.
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A permanent dress code helps the students perform academically better. Students spend most of their mornings deciding on their wardrobe, and due to a ceaseless occupation with clothes, they abandon their school requirements. With a predefined outfit, students can concentrate more on their studies rather than on how to make a fashion statement. Secondly, children tend to be ridiculed by their peers due to the kind of clothes they wear. Wearing the same type of dress helps blur the socioeconomic differences between the students, and this will help prevent erroneous judgment towards students whose parents cannot afford fashionable brands.
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People, who voice their disapproval of school uniforms, claim school uniforms curtail students' freedom of choice and expression. Clothes are a common tool for expression of thoughts and feelings among teenagers, and when school administrators dictate students what to wear, they violate their freedom of choice and curb their self expression. There is also the issue of cost. Many parents shop for their children's clothes at used and discount stores. Uniforms can cost more money than these families might be able to afford, and this may double the amount of money a family would spend that they would without the concept of school uniforms.
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I strongly believe in school uniforms, since it helps reduce fashion contests and contributes to a healthy academic environment, where children can learn completely free of distractions.
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(95)
Daphna.

...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PIGLET!!!

Love At First Fight

Mr. McCall is clearly not the perfect husband most women dream of, for he is the complete opposite of Prince Charming. Mr. McCall is a short and clumsy man with eccentric habits and unconventional means of entertaining himself. He isn't the prince who comes to the rescue of the damsel in distress, his wife Mrs. McCall. On the contrary, he seeks for his wife's attention by using physical and verbal violence against her.

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Mrs. McCall is a tall, thin woman with smoothed black hair. She is characterized with an incredible tranquility for she tolerates her husband's atrocious cruelty to her. Mrs. McCall is apparently not a companionable person for the townspeople never call her by her first name, Venita. It is rumored among the townspeople that the couple married not due to endless love, but due to Mrs. McCall's desire to depart her miserable and noisy hometown.

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At the beginning of the story the relationship between the married couple is horrible and brutal. Mr. McCall has no regard for his wife's feelings. He keeps using physical and verbal violence against her. Mrs. McCall tends to remain calm and passive despite her husband's frequent use of obscene language. She would only stare at him with her penetrating black eyes since it makes Mr. McCall feel awkward and bewildered.
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The turning point in the story takes place when Mrs. McCall shrewdly makes her husband think she is going to revenge him for his heartless behavior by poisoning him. Her cunning plan is about to change her marriage life forever. Mr. McCall becomes incredibly openhanded towards his wife for he has bought her a prestigious sealskin coat. Last but not least, Mr. McCall ceases his constant use of physical violence and verbal vulgarity against his wife.
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To my mind, couples who are currently enduring divorce procedures should read this story. The relationship between the McCalls may teach them a crucial lesson about relationships - put your quarrels aside and try to materialize the love between both of you even though you believe your relationship is doomed to fail!
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I loved it. Well done, Michal. (95)
Daphna.

We Don't Need No Education, Do We?

Homework has always been a fundamental part of students' lives since the beginning of formal school. However, the practice has sometimes been accepted and other times repulsed. Some educationists believe homework shouldn't be given to students. Others claim five hours at school is insufficient and must be supplemented by some work at home. To my mind, it is not the homework that is objectionable, but it's nature and amount which provoke criticism.

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Students go to school and gain knowledge in subjects they haven't encountered before, and the only way for the material to be assimilated is by practice. Since the atmosphere in class is quite noisy, one's home is the ideal place to reinforce the lessons covered in class that day. Secondly, homework, given in humanistic subjects such as History and Litreature, may instill a sense of curiosity so that students become lifelong learners.
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Homework can benefit children also in the personal level. It can foster positive character traits, such as self-reliance and responsibility. Homework utilizes the leisure time of the children, which otherwise would have been wasted for nonsense. Thus, homework can teach children how to manage time wisely. It may also establish the habit of working hard and regularly.
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I believe that the significance and necessity of homework cannot be minimized as long as homework is given in the right moderation. It is an essential component of learning since homework carries an enormous burden of benefits. I can guarantee you that homework is not a slavish task, but a wonderful recipe for success and prosperity.

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Dogs Really Eat Homework...

Pros and Cons of...

SPACE EXPLORATION

How would it be to plan a holiday to some tourist destination in the outer space? Wouldn't it be stuperfacient? Definitely, yes! It sounds unbelievable, but it has the potential of becoming a reality! The dream once dreaded is seen with thrill today. Nations have sponsored manned and unmanned space flights to destinations unexplored in view of making the impossible - possible! But is space exploration really a rosy picture? Or do some dark clouds shadow this field?
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Space exploration has the potential of discovering the yet undiscovered facts about space. It has a huge potential of resolving mysteries that surround the outer space. Through the exploration of space, we may find new minerals and new precious materials. Exploring space may lead us to the discovery of better evolved creatures and even humanoid species living in the outer space.
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One of the major cons of space exploration is the vast amount of money spent in the research. Space exploration involves both astronomy and space technology. Both require a huge amount of money to be spent on the journey to space. Why not spend this money to reduce poverty in the undeveloped countries? Why not channelize the national fortune towards the betterment of the downtrodden lot of society? Apart from the expenditure of money, manned missions to space compel a huge risk of human life. Astronauts have to face harsh conditions and challenge themselves to adapt to hostile environments. Unmanned missions and the usage of robots to explore space are a solution to risking the human life. But robots mean another new technology, thus incurring further costs.
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Space research is undeniably a giant leap for mankind. But I wonder whether it is equitable to spend on space exploration when many cannot even meet their basic needs of life. Is it rightful to devote endless endeavors to land the first man on Mars, but not endless efforts to rescue an African child seeking for food that won't be found? I'm afraid that the answer is no.

Intriguing! (100)
Daphna.

UNDER PRESSURE

Peer pressure is a societal situation when your friends persuade you to do something you're not desirous of doing or don't have the valor to do. One of the major problems of peer pressure occurs when you are towed into something you didn't really want to do but due to certain circumstances - become dependent on. It might be positive, but most of the occasions end up with an adolescent smoking a Marlboro cigarette during school break.

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The adolescent suddenly finds himself in a situation of being constantly tested and evaluated not by adults, not by official authorities, but by his peers. He has to prove that he is trustworthy, courageous and not subject to parental dictates. Therefore, the adolescent may find himself doing things he doesn't like, merely in order to be respected by his peers.
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The adolescent may study less than he used to since hanging with friends has become more significant to him. He may skip classes at school in order to avoid a test. He may begin smoking or drinking beer in alehouses even though he can't bear the taste of the cigarette or the beer but won't admit it. He may even be tempted to use drugs. This behavior may be disastrous, and the adolescent may wake up from the dream when it is too late.
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You probably wonder what is the best way to combat peer pressure. Well, all you have to do is arm yourself with wisdom and some decision making skills and remember once and for all - knowing who to listen to and who to avoid is the biggest step in struggling unwelcome negative peer pressure!

Excellent work, Michal. I enjoyed it very much. (95)

Daphna.

Dear Daphna,

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Pardon me for not fulfilling my entire commitment to prepare the seventh writing assignment on time! I wouldn't lie to you by telling you stories that my computer had collapsed, but I want you to know that I didn't mean to disdain this assignment! I deeply apologize and I hope you would accept my sincere apology.
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Michal :(

No need for such an apology. I know you. This could happen to anyone, including me. So, keep up your great work and don't feel too bad about it.

Daphna.

MQueen's Advice Column

25/1/2009

Dear Janet,

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As a fifteen-year-old teenager, I am more than familiar with your problem. I've myself encountered that kind of quandary - I had to choose between my passion to prosperity in school and assisting my friends. I was torn between these two difficult decisions until I decided to take action and do something for my own sake.

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On the one hand, due to the moral principles you feel proud to hold, you consider swindling during the test something which is corrupt and beyond your powers! This is the reason why you're not thrilled to help your friends by allowing them to copy from you. On the other hand, you love being surrounded by society, which is something you won't waive with ease. You know that unless you help them, they will cease their connection with you! You must agree with me that being committed to both school and society make the decision even harder!

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Why not talk to your friends and tell them that you won't tolerate this situation anymore? They may not understand your furious reaction at first, but I believe that eventually they will realize that they were mistaken.

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I suggest you talk to them as quickly as possible! The conversation may not be genial, but I'm certain that you will come to terms and put this matter aside. When I was in a similar situation, I didn't hesitate and talked to my friends. Thanks to that conversation, things got better and better and so did my grades!

Sincerely yours,

Michelle

Very good work! (100)
Daphna.

FEAR NOT! BE STRONG!

FEAR NOT! BE STRONG!

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My name is Michal and I am a fifteen-year-old student, studying at the Kugel High School in Holon. I would like to demonstrate my undoubtable support in Israel's warfare against the nefarious terrorist organization, Hamas.

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In this very moment, myriads of Israeli soldiers are walking through the narrow paths of the Gaza strip, examining each and every Palestinian house in a demanding struggle against Hamas. I support our government's decision of attacking Hamas mainly because Israel has finally woken up. Citizens in the southern part of Israel live already the eighth year under the voices of the Red Color system. This is the routine innocent children in my age are accustomed to - hearing the Red Color and immediately finding a good shelther! Is that rightful? Is this a thing called JUSTICE? Negotiation with the Hamas terrorists is bootless! We mustn't hesitate to use force unless those monsters understand what we have to offer for them in words!

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To sum up, I believe the war against Hamas is more than essential! We don't fight innocent Palestinian women and children - we fight a phenomenon called TERRORISM!