Kansas Governor Sam Brownback made his first-ever visit to the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Tuesday, May 24. Brownback entered the Jewish Community Center Social Hall to a rousing rendition of Hebrew songs by the fifth grade choir, directed by Devra Lerner.
After the songs, Brownback gave a short address to the HBHA student body, faculty and parents. The governor praised the school for its work in education and raising good citizens, and spoke about the morals and values that the American Midwest and Israel share. These values included a strong belief in God, a love of the land, and valuing the heart along with the mind. Brownback mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current visit to Capitol Hill, in which he received several standing ovations from the U.S. Congress.
The governor went on to praise the “Arab Spring,” which has seen the toppling of oppressive dictators across North Africa and the Middle East. He said President Obama’s recent call for Israel to return to its pre-1967 borders, “would put Israel in a compromised state of security.” He went on to say that democracy, not the establishment of new states, should be the primary objective for the United States in the Middle East.
After his speech, Brownback was given a chanukiah made from Israeli pottery shards, and constructed by an HBHA lower school student. He also received a bag of HBHA memorabilia.
The students were excited about the governor’s visit.
“It was pretty cool to have someone with so much authority visit our school and us being able to perform during his visit was so much fun,” fifth-grade student Joe Porter said.
Brownback’s visit was also appreciated by Eric Kaseff, president of the HBHA board of trustees.
“I feel that it was important for the governor of the state to visit and show support for the school, and it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to meet their governmental leaders,” Kaseff said.
HBHA Headmaster Howard Haas had the same sentiments.
“It was extraordinarily positive for our school that the governor took that time to show his support today. It was great for the school and the Jewish community, and I personally feel honored to host such a personable leader of our state,” Haas said.
Following the assembly, Brownback went on to tour HBHA middle and high school classrooms.
In an interview with the Academy Voice, HBHA’s school newspaper, Brownback remarked about his most lasting experiences while visiting Israel. He said, “Looking over the Old City at night and seeing that incredible Star of David in the city that had not been there for nearly 2,000 years was amazing. Also, as a Christian, I was touched when visiting the Jordan River, seeing the place where Jesus is said to have been baptized, seeing Mount Nebo, where Moses saw Israel before dying, and seeing Jericho, a holy site to Christians, Jews and Muslims. That day really epitomized the importance and sanctity of the land in Israel.”