At the 14th annual commencement of Gesher Yehuda, held in Bnei Yitzhak, you could feel the love and warmth the school possesses as they honored the tremendous accomplishments of the graduates.
Alan Maleh was the host for the evening. In opening he said, “I am honored to be the emcee for the evening. While in Bnei Yitzhak, I was approached to help Gesher Yehuda with its need for marketing and exposure. After one or two meetings, I realized the need for a school like Gesher Yehuda that builds the self-esteem, pride and confidence of its students.”
Alan went on to introduce Vivian Stok, the director of Gesher Yehuda. She pointed out that in the 14 years since Gesher Yehuda opened its doors, this is the largest graduating class. With extreme pride she thanked her staff for their devotion, and for giving so much of themselves. She also went on to thank pivotal members of our community who continue to make Gesher Yehuda the fine school it is: Claudia and Jack Setton, Alan Maleh, Michael Cayre, and Frieda Tawil and her entire family for planning this year’s graduation.
“I truly appreciate each student. Each student added something special to the fabric of our school,” said Vivian Stok.
Rabbi Eli Mansour then addressed the crowd. “This is a remarkable night. I am so proud of the boys; they have reached a majority of their potential. All the rabbis are thrilled with their achievements.”
Sammy J. Sutton, parent of graduate Joseph Sutton, felt privileged and honored to be there on this special night. In a touching moment Joseph presented his grandmother, Eileen Sutton, with the Distinguished Service Award. “Every parent’s dream is to see their child graduate and celebrate who they are. Success does not happen in the elevator, you must take the stairs,” said Eileen Sutton upon receiving her award.
Students Sammy Mograby and Daniel Safdeye gave a special ‘thank-you’ to all the teachers who helped in all areas of their life, and to Rabbi Mordechai Tesser, who travels from Lakewood everyday, is always available, and has been a great inspiration.
Rabbi Tesser then blessed the graduates to give their parents nahat (pride and joy), grow in mitzvot (commandments), and that Hashem should give them good parnassah (livelihood).
The founder of Gesher Yehuda, Jack Setton, presented student Joey Antebi the Triple ‘C’ Award, from the state of New York, for always possessing kindness.
The graduates were then given their diplomas. Congratulations to: Joey Antebi, Robby Chattah, Ricky Chehebar, Albert Cohen, Albert Dweck, Elliot Dweck, Max Franco, Oren Hakimisefat, Sammy Mograby, Daniel Safdeye, Yaeer Sankari, and Joseph Sutton for their major accomplishment!
Special thanks to: Melissa Sutton, Nathan Tawil, Isaac Tawil, Miriam Lewin, Rebecca Harary, Shirley Mansour, and the board and staff of Bnei Yitzhak for all their hard work and efforts to make the evening special.
