Hebrew U. raises NIS 15m. for fund to support students affected by Oct. 7

The dedicated fund will support those serving in the reserves, affected by the terrorist attack, and evacuated from the northern region.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 11:32

An aerial view shows the Dome of the Rock in front and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in Jerusalem, April 26, 2023 (photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS) — An aerial view shows the Dome of the Rock in front and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in Jerusalem, April 26, 2023

(photo credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

The Hebrew University has announced the establishment of a dedicated fund aimed at providing support to its students whose lives have been impacted by the October 7 terror attack in South Israel and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. Within just three weeks, the university has successfully raised NIS 15 million for this cause.

The scholarships from this fund are intended to provide assistance to students serving in reserve duty, students in the Gaza Strip affected by the attack, and students that have been evacuated from the northern region.

People gather and light candles to remember the Israeli victims of the October 7 massacre at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, October 12, 2023. (photo credit: Dor Pazuelo/Flash90)

“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,” stated President of the Hebrew University Professor Asher Cohen. “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.”

Hebrew University aiding the war effort

To alleviate the immediate financial burdens faced by students, the Hebrew University had previously announced that dormitory rent for students called up to serve in the reserves would be canceled, and a 20% discount on dormitory fees would be provided to other students residing in dormitories during October and November.

Hebrew University has been actively contributing to the national effort during the conflict by opening its campuses for displaced families, organizing activities for Gaza Strip residents in Eilat, involving faculty in supporting southern farms, donating computers to benefit children, hosting webinars and workshops for the public, and launching assistance programs for hospital departments, dental services, and legal support in the affected regions.

“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,” Cohen added. “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."