We are very pleased to announce CFHU’s Scholarship Recipient for Summer 2024.
Manousha Dhiwaghar is currently a third-year student at Carleton University in Ottawa doing an honours B.A. in Anthropology. She was awarded a scholarship from the Ronson Family Scholarship Fund to attend the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem this summer. She will be taking a course called The Emergence of the Modern State of Israel.
Dear Jeremey and Rhonda Ronson,
I hope that this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for selecting me as the recipient for the Ronson Family Scholarship Fund. Your generosity is providing me with the opportunity to travel to Israel for the first time and study at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
I have been deeply interested in the study of anthropology, politics, and history for the past several years and have been dedicating my efforts towards pursuing a doctoral degree in the future on the intersection of the aforementioned subjects. I am currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Carleton University in Ottawa, pursuing the Bachelors of Global and International Studies, specializing in anthropology with minors in Jewish Studies and politics.
My interest in Jewish studies, particularly the history of Judaism and Jewish philosophy has been longstanding, probing me to independently study Judaism it’s rich history of enlightenment thought. Growing up in Sri Lanka and Malaysia, I had little exposure to a Jewish Community. I learned about Judaism and Jewish history through books and the internet, yearning for a day when I could finally visit Jerusalem and experience being surrounded by ancient history at every glance.
The resilience of the Jewish people has always resonated with me deeply as a Tamil and I am thrilled at the opportunity to engage in deep and meaningful conversations about identity, faith and community. The course I will be taking, “The Emergence of the Modern State of Israel”, perfectly aligns with my academic interests and I am eager to delve into its complexities and nuances. The study of nation-building and statehood is of deep interest for me.
Furthermore, I am also excited to share that my interest in Jewish studies extends beyond academic curiosity. I have been long drawn to the rich traditions and teachings of Judaism, and I am considering the possibility of conversion. Studying at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem presents a unique opportunity for me to immerse myself in Jewish culture and deepen my understanding of its spiritual and historical significance at the heart of all Jewish life- Jerusalem.
Learning about your parents, Lou and Hilde Ronson, and their legacy of dedication towards human rights and education is inspiring and I honoured to be associated with their remarkable legacy through this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship not only alleviates the financial burden of pursuing higher education, but also fuels my dedication to excel academically and contribute to the values upheld by Lou and Hilde Ronson.
Once again, I extend my sincerest thanks to you, Jeremy and Rhonda Ronson, for your generosity. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey with your endorsement.
With warmest regards,
Manousha Dhiwaghar