$$News and Reports$$

Dec. 15, 2014
 

BGU Rector Prof. Zvi HaCohen accepted the Magen HaMiluim (Shield of the Reserves) award on Thursday night on behalf of the University at a ceremony saluting reserve soldiers organized by the Israel Defense Forces and Minister of Defense. The University was recognized for its exceptional support offered to students and staff members who do active reserve duty.  

The ceremony at Tel Aviv University was held in the presence of Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz, IDF brass and senior Defense Ministry officials.

Miluim.jpg
Above: BGU Rector Prof. Zvi Hacohen (right) with Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon  (left) and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz (center) at the ceremony at  TAU on Thursday night.
(Check the photo album of this event on our Facebook page.)


Around 2,000 BGU students were called up for reserve duty during Operation Protective Edge this past summer. Many of them were called up for most of the duration of the 50 day operation, which began just as exams for the spring semester were supposed to commence. More BGU students were called up than at any other single institution. 
 

On their return, the University – together with the Student Union – worked to ensure they were not penalized for being away. BGU granted those students substantial academic benefits and in addition have been promised financial aid and given a gift certificate to be used in Beer-Sheva restaurants. A special wartime assistance fund was established and generously supported  by funds raised from American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and other worldwide associates.

A special evening honoring the reservists took place last week in Beer-Sheva’s Forum club with students enjoying dinner and live music by the popular singer Muki and a dance party late into the night. Students have also received additional tutoring and other academic support to help them catch up.   
 

“I am determined that not a single one of our students will drop out of their studies because of this conflict,” BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi declared. 

Over the last few years the Student Union has pressed for improvements in the service given to students serving in reserve duty. Only a few months ago a reserve duty office was opened on campus, the first of its kind in an academic institution in Israel. 

The other eight institutions recognized included: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., The Israel Electric Corporation, SanDisk, Meitav Dash Investment House, Emek HaYarden Movers, the law firm of Meitar Liquornik Geva Leshem Tal, IDC Herzliya, College of Management – Rishon Lezion.