Before October 7th, reserve duty was disruptive but manageable. Today, combat reservists are expected to
serve at least 60 days per year, double the pre-war baseline, with some special units expected to serve
even longer stints.
At the University of Haifa, the new reality is already being felt across campus. Over the past three years, more
than 1,000 students have been repeatedly mobilized, many serving in combat roles for extended periods and
returning to missed coursework, lost income, and mounting expenses.
In response, the University of Haifa is launching the Protect Them Fund, a $1 million initiative providing
direct financial support to students facing extended reserve service. The goal of the Fund is to support students
struggling to balance their service with their studies. By alleviating financial pressure, it helps them stay in
school, regain lost ground, and continue their studies with stability and dignity.