News Bites!

• Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Minister of Education Limor Livnat and Ashkelon Mayor Shabtai Tsur formally began the new school year at the ORT Henry Ronson comprehensive High School in Ashkelon, where the Prime Minister was impressed by a bio-tech presentation.

As part of the program, Mr. Sharon mentioned Ashkelon's vulnerability as a target for "Kassam" missiles fired from the Gaza Strip and promised measures for peace and security. He also emphasized the need to motivate Israeli youth to join the military and enlist in the top combat units.

In her comments, Minister Livnat stressed her admiration for the school's efforts in the field of technology coupled with Jewish heritage projects. Livnat also emphasized student achievement in competitions in the areas of chemistry, physics and computers, as well as overall improvement in matriculation scores.