On October 7th, our world changed.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem community represents a large segment of Israeli society. With over 28,000 individuals, no one has remained untouched by the horrors unleashed by Hamas terrorists, whether directly or through friends and family members.
While we don’t yet know the extent of the tragedy and what the next phase of this war will bring, we do know that there will be many who need help. The Hebrew University will do everything it can to support those community members including:
Scholarships & Academic Assistance for Returning Soldiers
Thousands of students have been or will be called up to active duty. Even with the postponement of the start of the academic year, they will miss the opportunity to study and take exams, and they are putting their lives on the line for their community and country. As they serve us, we wish to serve them.
Counseling
The University is working to make counseling available for any members of the community who need it.
Aid for Special Circumstances
Students from the south have lost their homes and their belongings, others have tragic stories of injured or deceased family members and/or severe trauma.
Study Abroad Cut Short
Some Hebrew University students had already begun their study abroad when Israel was attacked. Many feel compelled to return to Israel to help, however they can, through active duty or in other ways. They need tickets home and initial financial support.
To support those affected by the war, and the aftermath of war, including activities such as those described above, the University is establishing the We Are One Fund. We welcome contributions of any amount, and the Dean of Students will make allocations in consultation with University leadership based on the changing needs on the ground.
These tragic times remind us of the human cost of war and the true blessings of family and friends. As we mourn those we have lost and prepare for difficult days ahead, we find comfort in community and strength in solidarity.
Within just three weeks, the university has successfully raised NIS 15 million for this critical cause.
To alleviate the immediate financial burdens faced by our students, the Hebrew University had previously announced that dormitory rent for students called up to serve in the reserves would be cancelled, and a 20% discount on dormitory fees would be provided to other students residing in dormitories during October and November.
Professor Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, stated, "We are unwavering in our commitment to support the 4,000 male and female students who have answered the call to serve their country. We will do everything in our power to ensure our students integrate well in the upcoming school year, with a focus on adapting their educational experience to the unique challenges they face. Concurrently, we are working diligently to establish an aid program for the rehabilitation of residents in the affected areas of the north and the Gaza envelope. These are challenging days, marked by anxiety and uncertainty. The university is determined to be a beacon of hope and to make an unequivocal promise to our university community that better days lie ahead. We are confident in our ability to prevail in the face of the current difficulties and continue our mission of building a better and more just world."
In addition, the Hebrew University has been actively involved in contributing to the national effort since the onset of the war, extending a warm welcome to evacuee families and providing support in various capacities:
Accommodation and Education for Evacuee Families: The university has opened its campuses from Eilat to Mount Scopus in Jerusalem to house families from both southern and northern regions who have been displaced due to the conflict.
Support for Gaza Envelope Region Residents: The Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat has organized activities for over 300 residents from the Gaza envelope region who have found refuge in the city.
Faculty Involvement in Agriculture and Education: Faculty members actively support agricultural farms in the southern region of the country by engaging in agricultural work. They also contribute to the community by delivering lectures and organizing diverse activities in the vacated hotels. Additionally, the university has donated approximately 450 computers to benefit children in the southern region.
Public Engagement with Webinars and Workshops: The university consistently hosts webinars and workshops on pertinent subjects for the broader public.
Medical, Dental, and Legal Aid: Students and faculty from the Faculty of Medicine have launched an assistance program to support hospital departments affected by staff shortages during the ongoing war. The Faculty of Dentistry offers complimentary dental first-aid services to evacuees from the southern regions and members of the security forces. Additionally, the Clinical Center at the Faculty of Law extends support, advice, and legal information to the community addressing a variety of legal matters arising from the Iron Swords War.
The Hebrew University is dedicated to the well-being of its students and the surrounding community and will continue to provide support and assistance during these challenging times.
We are grateful for your support.
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