Michigan Jewish Institute Raided by Federal Agents Amid Fiscal and Academic Questions

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Federal agents raided the offices of a Jewish college that has prospered from millions of dollars in federal aid even though almost all its students live in Israel and hardly any of them graduate.
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During a five-year period, MJI’s students claimed $25 million under the Federal Pell Grant Program, which is designed for the neediest American students.
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Almost all those students took degree courses in Judaic studies at yeshivas and seminaries in Israel that they never completed . . .
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Read more: forward.com/news/311591/michigan-jewish-institute-raided-by-federal-agents-amid-fiscal-and-academic/#ixzz3fdE5PABH

I don’t understand how students of religious school can get Federal Financial Aid.🤷
 
Dwyer said:
Read more: forward.com/news/311591/michigan-jewish-institute-raided-by-federal-agents-amid-fiscal-and-academic/#ixzz3fdE5PABH

I don’t understand how students of religious school can get Federal Financial Aid.🤷
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The comments concerning the article are interesting to read. In my view, at the very least, MJI gives the appearance of impropriety. (Very) long-distance students who live in Israel seem to be taking advantage of the financial aid and the school may be getting kickbacks used for new buildings that house many administrative offices but only a handful of classrooms. The connection to funneling funds to the Israeli government, which one commentator raised, is less clear to me.

The broader meaning of the possible fraud has several layers. One involves the corruption of academic institutions, including religious ones. Another is related to (some) Orthodox Jewish values, which run contrary to secular laws and norms of propriety. A third implication is that Jews are not at all a homogeneous group when it comes to politics, including support for Israel and responsibility for one another’s welfare. A final consideration deals with the reputation of the Forward, a highly respectable source of Jewish news, which is being held to account by some.
 
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