Chen Oliki: Juggling Service and Studies at BGU
A graduate student, 380 days in reserve duty, a new baby — and an unshakable commitment to country and research
Chen Oliki, an MSc medical science student at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a standout volleyball player for ASA Ben-Gurion, recently concluded a significant chapter in her life, spending 380 days in reserve military service. Her tour of duty in uniform ended not with a demobilization order, but with the birth of her first child, Nevo.
Chen is one of 180 students, men and women alike, who served at least 236 days in the reserves during the previous academic year. In recognition of their extraordinary contribution to national security while pursuing higher education, each received a $1,000 academic scholarship, generously donated by supporters and friends of Ben-Gurion University in France and the United States.
Chen's story, however, is particularly striking.
Chen met her husband Geva, himself a BGU alumnus, during her master’s studies in Beer-Sheva. The two were on their honeymoon in South Africa on October 7. The decision to cut their trip short and return to Israel was made on the spot. Even before reaching the airport, emergency mobilization orders (Tzav-8) flashed across their phones.
News of the massacre in Kibbutz Nirim had reached her in real time.
“My friends were murdered,” she recounts. “And people I know from the kibbutz were abducted to Gaza. Until everyone is brought back home, nothing can be considered resolved.”
On October 9, 2023, Chen donned her uniform and joined her unit, which operates under the Home Front Command in the Eshkol Regional Council. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into semesters. Nine months after being called up, Chen’s world was transformed once again, this time in the maternity ward.
On October 23, 2024, she gave birth to her son, Nevo. Reflecting on how she managed to sustain such a demanding commitment for so long, especially under such circumstances, she offered a calm and measured explanation:
“The beginning was incredibly intense, but once I found my rhythm, I managed to balance things. The demands of military service required a constant juggling act between our temporary home in Kibbutz Or HaNer, my unit, and the University. I developed an emergency routine, and I was fortunate to have support from everyone around me: my family, fellow soldiers, and friends from studies.”
Even as her personal circumstances shifted dramatically, she chose to remain in service.
“When you’re deeply committed to a goal, and can somehow manage to squeeze in a few hours of sleep, nothing is truly impossible. Am I the woman with the highest number of reserve days? Possibly. I’ve never actually checked.”
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the University held a moving recognition ceremony in the A. Minkoff Senate Hall. Reservists from across the University, some still in uniform on brief leave for the occasion, gathered for an evening of gratitude and solidarity. Some returned to their units immediately after; others had only recently resumed campus life before being called back up again.
At the event, BGU Vice President Jeff Kaye addressed the students with heartfelt words:
“We recognize the tremendous sacrifice you make, navigating the near-impossible combination of reserve duty, academic demands, and family life. This is our opportunity to say how deeply we value and admire you. Thank you—for all you’ve done for us, and for what you will no doubt continue to do.”
