Close to 2,000 BGU students served their country as reservists during this past summer's Protective Edge operation which took place at the peak of the exam period. On their return, the University granted those students substantial academic benefits and in addition were promised financial aid and given a gift certificate to be used in Beer-Sheva restaurants. 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.
BGU Rector Prof. Tzvi HaCohen announced the details of the funds students who served will receive thanks to a special $1 million Soldier Assistance Fund. Also in attendance were Dean of Students Prof. Moshe Caspi, and Chief Officer of the IDF Reserve Corps Brigadier General Hoshea Friedman, who expressed his gratitude to the BGU students and their families and noted that BGU will be honored by the Ministry of Defense for its commitment to students and employees who do reserve duty. Chairman of BGU’s Student Council Avi Benalal said that they were proud that the students had served in the operation and were happy to organise an evening for them, thanking BGU management for their support. Students have also received additional tutoring and other academic support to help them catch up.
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.
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