BGU is preparing for the start of the 2024 academic year in the shadow of the Iron Swords War

This decision was made from a commitment to the future of the State of Israel and an aspiration to enable teaching and research even during this challenging and difficult period, alongside a commitment to the entire community of students in reserve duty.

A gathering will be held to mark the beginning of the school year in the shadow of the Iron Swords War on the first day of classes, and in the week leading up to it, a variety of activities will be held aimed at enabling a return to studies in the shadow of the war.

For example, the psychological service and the Office of the Dean of Students will hold dialogue circles and support groups for coping with anxiety and returning to school. Every day and throughout the day there will be mindfulness workshops, courses on organization and time management, tools for preparing for the school year, LinkedIn and more. Refresher courses will be held in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management. The debate club will also open its doors and the chess club will hold a simultaneous showcase game.  The new complex in the sports center will be open free of charge.

The first day of classes will begin with a ceremony to commemorate the murdered and fallen members of the university community, identify with those serving in the reserves, and show support for all students and faculty as a community.

"We are thinking of and waiting for all the soldiers and faculty members who were drafted or evacuated," said Dean of Students Prof. Orna Almog. "We will do everything to enable the reservists to finish the 2024 school year in the best possible way, using maximum discretion and flexibility."

The Student Union at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev will aid in all bureaucratic matters as well as host a series of small events in good taste. In this atmosphere, there will be a stand-up comedy show on mental health, a lecture by Noam Horev, a screening of the film "Operation Grandma" with the participation of the director, an evening of appreciation for the reservists, as well as workshops such as: carpentry, macrame and plantings. On the program as well – a jam evening around the campfire, picking produce in one of the communities near the Gaza Strip and even the Student Union bar, "The Hump," will open its doors.

"We have given a lot of thought and attention to how to welcome the student community at the university while maintaining contact and the rights of reservists," explained Einav Fish, head of the Student Union's information department. "We're starting the year, but we don't forget our friends. The abductees, the fallen and those in the reserves."

"You, our heroes and heroines, are important to us," noted Ben-Gurion University of the Negev President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, "We look forward to your safe return to studies and research, as we support you and provide a tailor-made support package for each and every one of you during this challenging time."