National groups offer free trips to Israel

Birthright Israel is offering 40 Jewish students at GW the opportunity to visit Israel for free from Jan. 3 to 14.

Greg Schofer, assistant director of GW’s Hillel, said the University is one of 80 schools participating in the nationwide program.

“The program is intended to send people who haven’t gone (to Israel) before,” Schofer said.

He said students who went on family trips are still eligible to apply. The idea is to keep students who went on trips to Israel with Jewish youth groups and teen tours from applying, he said.

Schofer said he wants to encourage GW students to apply through national organizations as well because GW will only send 40 students.

The application deadline is Sept. 30. Applications can be found at www.israel2000.org.

-Francesca Di Meglio

Student groups co-sponsor blood drive

The Neighbors Project and the American Islamic Medical Students Association are co-sponsoring a blood drive Sept. 30 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The blood drive benefits the American Red Cross.

Event organizer Maliha Malik said 50 people already have signed up to give blood. She said that because of the recent storms that hit the East Coast the Red Cross is in greater need for blood to help the victims.

Malik said she has been in contact with the Red Cross, and they hope to get as many people as possible out for this year’s drive.

The blood drive will be held on the third floor of the Marvin Center.

-Alan Boal

Four Tops spin into GW

Motown will arrive at GW when the Four Tops perform at Lisner Auditorium Oct. 16 as part of Family Weekend and Spirit Week.

“The highlight concert event of Family Weekend and Spirit Week promises students and parents a `forever Motown’ evening of soulful ballads and groove,” according to a University press release.

The Four Tops were popular in the 1960s for hits like “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “I Can’t Help Myself.”

Tickets go on sale Sept. 15 and cost $10 for students, $17 for members of the Parents’ Association and $22 for the general GW community. For tickets, call 202-994-7411 or go to the GW Box Office in the Marvin Center.

-Francesca Di Meglio