Students have right to stay

Two students studying at Israel's Hebrew University will stay in the Middle East, in spite of concern from the Department of Overseas Study. After the recent outbursts of violence in Israel, an advisory group of senior IU international administrators and Jewish Studies faculty decided to ask the students to come home. Despite these concerns, junior Joe Osgood and senior Joel Goldsmith have decided to stay.\n While some might view the students' decision to stay as reckless, it's important to keep in mind that the images we see on television don't necessarily represent what daily life is like in the Middle East. Without actually being in Israel, it's impossible to say that the students are being irresponsible, especially when all television images are the only available standard to judge by. After all, television news stations often show only the shocking or disturbing images of the Middle East for the sake of attracting viewers and these can hardly be considered representative of the situation at Hebrew University.\nThat said, the decision by the two students to stay in Israel shows an admirable degree of solidarity. There is always an aspect of danger in studying abroad and taking that risk is simply a part of studying in Israel. By remaining, the students are showing a love of their roots that is to be commended.\nIt is fortunate that the Department is allowing the students to stay in Israel, rather than forcing them to return home. The students shouldn't be punished for doing what they believe is right, and in this case they believe the right thing is to complete what they began. Overseas Study is doing the right thing by recommending, but not demanding, that the students return to the U.S. The recommendation shows the Department is concerned for the students' safety, but allowing the students to remain will allow the students to display loyalty and their commitment to finish what they started.\nStaff vote: unanimous