Influential Philanthropist Backing New Hebrew Language Charter School In NY

The Forward reported this week that "mega-philanthropist" Michael Steinhardt is backing a group of individuals who plan to file an application in New York City to create a Hebrew Language Academy Charter School in Brooklyn. The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life will thereby lend its substantial weight to the movement to create public charter schools that teach Hebrew-language, Jewish culture and history and and acquaint students with modern Israeli society. Last year, the nation's first such school-- The Ben Gamla School-- opened in Hollywood, Florida to mixed reviews in the Jewish community. (See prior posting.)