American students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem who have been searching for a place to relax after a long day of studies have now opened an American Style Coffee House on the Givat Ram campus. Located in a converted dormitory game room, the Coffee House is purely American in mood and style. But it also appeals to Israelis, who, as word spreads, are turning up more and more frequently. Carl Viniar, a junior-year-abroad student from Cornell University, who conceived the idea and turned it into a reality, would like to see the Coffee House become a place where Americans and Israelis, who seldom meet socially, can get together. Communication between the visiting and Israeli students begins with quiet conversations, not with big seminars or sociological studies. The Coffee House affords an opportunity for an informal intermingling of cultures.
This cosmopolitan spirit is given explicit expression during poetry evenings in which French, English and Hebrew works are included. Started by overseas students on the one year program, the Coffee House is one of their contributions to student life at the University. Although supported by the University, it is a place for students, run by students. Sipping coffee while comparing thoughts on Dylan Thomas, Anwar Sadai, Bob Dylan, or Hebrew grammar till all hours is called “doing your own thing.” Now, this American collegiate form of entertainment has been in reduced into the Israeli campus by some energetic overseas students and it is going over big. The initiators are already thinking about the future. Students who will remain at the University are encouraged to get involved and are taking over the major responsibilities.
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