Jan 5, 2009 -- Rabbi Ari Solomont, a native of Boston, has been named director of the Yeshiva University S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program. The program enables hundreds of young men and women every year to incorporate their study at more than 45 participating yeshivot and other educational institutions in Israel into their college years, enhancing their academic experience. The program is supervised by the Israel Program staff at the YU campus in Jerusalem. “Our primary goal is to serve the 800 Yeshiva University students who are studying in Israel at any of our 45 affiliate yeshivot and seminaries,” said Rabbi Solomont. “We also serve as the primary interface in Israel for students on issues relating to admissions, financial aid, registration, and career and academic advisement.” Dr. Hillel Davis, vice president for university life at YU, expressed his optimism about Rabbi Solomont’s ability to “expand the presence of Yeshiva University in Israel.” He complimented Rabbi Solomont’s previous work as the Gerald & Mary Swartz International Director of Recruitment and Outreach in the Mechinah and Basic Jewish Studies Program at YU and said that despite over 30 applicants for the job, “Ari was the most talented applicant and clearly the best choice for the position.” The YU office in Israel serves as a resource for both students and parents. Throughout the year, YU sponsors and runs a variety of events for students in Israel, such as holiday celebrations, community service events, battle of the bands, a choral competition, and shiurim. Rabbi Solomont and his wife, Sarah Beth, live in Jerusalem with their four children. Before making aliyah five years ago, he served as the executive director of New England NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth) for ten years. To learn more about the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, go to www.yu.edu/jip.