YU To Hold American Dream Takeover For Second Straight Year
Yeshiva University will host a takeover of the American Dream Mall for undergraduate students and faculty members on Dec. 20th as part of Chanukah celebrations.
The takeover, organized and funded by the undergraduate student councils and the Office of Student Life (OSL), will include access to the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park and the mall’s ice skating rink, as well as planned activities such as a communal Chanukah lighting at 9:45. A photo booth will also be brought in. The planners intend to build upon the work and lessons from last year’s takeover of American Dream Mall.
The American Dream takeover held last year was spearheaded by then-Assistant Director of the Office of Student Life Rabbi Herschel Hartz.
Jonathan Schwab, director of OSL, told The Commentator his intent to improve upon last year's event by increasing quality while cutting unnecessary spending.
“We always want to improve experiences further,” Schwab told The Commentator, “and we have been working to both improve the event and lower costs where we can without sacrificing quality.”
Buses to the event will leave from Beren Campus at 5:30 p.m. and from Wilf Campus at 6:15 and 8:15. Buses will leave the mall at 10. Chickies will be on site, selling dinner combinations of sandwiches, fries and drinks.
Although the event is primarily intended for undergraduate students, faculty members were invited and encouraged to attend with their families.
As of Sunday evening, over 1250 total people, including over 900 undergraduate students, had signed up for the event.
Many expressed excitement about the event.
“I’m personally looking forward to the event with great anticipation… I’m counting down the days until the 20th!” Schwab told The Commentator.
“I'm really excited for this year's takeover! It's always so much fun to get to go ice skating and to an amusement park for free, especially with your friend!” said Flora Shemtob (SCW ‘24).
Several students expressed disappointment regarding scheduling concerns.
“Students shouldn't have to choose between attending significant student life events and their classes,” said Yitzhak Graff (YC ‘24), who would have to skip one of his evening classes to attend.
Others were concerned about preparing for finals.
“I'd be interested in attending, but I don't have that kind of time,” said Rami Levin (SSSB ‘24).
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Photo Caption: American Dream Mall
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
