OTTAWA — My name is Ella Sabourin. I’m in Grade 10. I’ve attended a Jewish school for 11 years. I am writing this article right after finding out that that journey is over. The Ottawa Jewish Community High School, formerly called Yitzhak Rabin High School, is rejecting all new applicants for the coming school year. Only current Grade 10 and 11 students will be allowed to finish, which would leave the entire high school next year with 12 students, give or take.
I have witnessed this high school’s struggle for students first-hand and have participated in the constant efforts to increase attendance within the Jewish community. It breaks my heart how many people have passed it up without a second thought.
Of my Grade 8 class of 37 kids, only six of them continued on to the high school. I’ve published articles in the Ottawa Jewish Bulletin, created advertisements, and made a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hoojcs) to raise awareness of this school and the wonderful opportunities it provides.
Now, I’m reaching out to the international Jewish community. I’m making one final effort to save something beautiful and to provide a Jewish high school to the community of Ottawa.
This support isn’t only because of religious beliefs. I’m a Reform Jew, and I don’t go to synagogue nearly enough. It’s because this school is something special. It’s such a shame to watch it crumble and be powerless to hold it together.
When I first heard it was closing, I didn’t think of what I’d do or where I’d go. All I could think of was an image in my head of an empty funeral. You see, even though this will devastate those who have experienced the former Yitzhak Rabin High School first-hand, the vast majority of the Jewish community in Ottawa won’t even notice the change.
So, why am I reaching out to you, the international Jewish community? Well, I’ve always been an idealist. I’d like to raise funds for the Ottawa Jewish Community School through the Jewish community at large.
I know the odds are against me, but I’d feel better going out having tried my best.
I got this idea from Don Draper, the character on Mad Men, who also put an article in the news when he was in a tricky predicament. He said, “If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.”
I’ve created an account for the school on Go Fund Me, which is the world’s No. 1 fundraising site. You are welcome to donate at www.gofundme.com/saverabin. The money that is donated will be used to sustain the school. If enough is provided, the seven Grade 8 students who were planning to attend the high school will be able to.
Every donation is appreciated.
Ella Sabourin is in Grade 10 at the Ottawa Jewish Community High School.
