Israel’s major universities have launched multifaceted support initiatives, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to their communities under crisis.
Israel’s major universities have launched multifaceted support initiatives, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to their communities under crisis.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated significantly on October 7, has had a profound impact on the academic landscape in Israel. The ongoing war, which has claimed thousands of lives in the Gaza Strip, has led to a significant military mobilization and the displacement of thousands of civilians.
In response to the crisis, Israel’s major universities have launched multifaceted support initiatives, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to their communities.
One of the most notable impacts of the conflict has been the call-up of approximately 30 percent of university students for reserve duty, along with many faculty and staff. This mass mobilization has disrupted the academic calendar and posed unique challenges for students and institutions alike. To address these challenges, universities have established emergency funds and support systems.
Both Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Bar-Ilan University, for instance, have offered financial grants to students serving in the military. These grants are intended to alleviate the burden of housing and tuition costs while also providing emotional support and extra study hours.
The grant will be “applied towards housing and tuition, emotional support, and additional study hours during the academic year,” the university said in a statement.
Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have also allocated funds for similar purposes, focusing on aiding those in combat roles or facing immediate financial difficulties.
“TAU intends, moreover, to make substantial additional grants, especially for those serving in combat or combat-support units. TAU will also provide additional aid to students on reserve duty or those from the north and south of Israel who are now facing immediate financial problems,” the university stated.
The Hebrew University has notably set up a significant emergency fund of NIS 15 million (USD 3.82 million) to support its students, particularly those from areas heavily affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Other institutions, like the University of Haifa and the Technion, have followed suit with their aid packages, showcasing a concerted effort across the academic sector to support their communities.
Additionally, these universities have transformed their campuses into logistical and housing centers to aid displaced persons and those affected by the war. The Hebrew University, for instance, has opened its campuses for evacuee housing and has mobilized its resources to provide assistance in various fields.
Similarly, the Technion is housing evacuees from the Gaza area, and the Weizmann Institute of Science is using its logistical capabilities to support war efforts.
Ben Gurion University, the nearest major university to the Gaza border, “immediately opened its campus and dormitories to soldiers, doctors, and visiting family members at no cost… A variety of psychological services are also available to students, faculty, and staff,” the university told The Times of Israel.
Moreover, universities acknowledge the academic disruption by offering credit for military service and postponing the academic year’s start. Ariel University’s approach to providing academic credit and additional support services exemplifies this adaptive response.
Government warnings suggest that the war could last for several more months. Meanwhile, an insider from Hebrew University indicated that discussions on academic adjustments due to potential delays in the academic year’s start are premature.
In contrast, some international English-taught programs have initiated online classes via Zoom or are planning to do so shortly.
The Rothberg International School at Hebrew University has already commenced its semester. The Raphael Recanati International School at Reichman University in Herzliya also announced plans to start a combined online and in-person semester on November 19.
“Hundreds of international school students have remained in Israel and participated in volunteering and outreach activities on campus,” the school said.
University leadership globally has been actively responding to the increase in antisemitic incidents on campuses. In a recent open letter to universities in the USA and Europe, the Association of University Heads said the need for a significant shift in the academic approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
These actions by Israeli universities reflect a deep commitment to community and national support in times of crisis. They also highlight the universities’ role in offering stability and continuity amid the upheaval. The situation has necessitated a delicate balance between supporting the national war effort and maintaining the integrity of academic programs.
Looking ahead, the universities’ response to the prolonged conflict might set a precedent for higher education institutions worldwide in dealing with crises. Their approach offers valuable insights into the role of academic institutions in national emergencies, particularly in providing support to their student bodies and wider communities.
While the conflict continues, these initiatives by Israeli universities stand as a testament to their resilience and commitment to their societal roles.
