TAU: Over 5,000 students called up for IDF reserve duty will receive an initial grant of NIS 1,000

There are about 5,000 Tel Aviv University students – out of a total of 30,000 – who are serving in the reserves, and the university announced on Monday that within a few days, it will give each of them a grant of NIS 1,000.

The grant is a gift representing its appreciation for their service and to help ease their burden when they return to studies. TAU also intends to make substantial additional grants, especially for those serving in combat or combat-support units. It will also provide additional aid to students on reserve duty in both the North and South who are facing immediate financial problems.

At the beginning of the war, TAU established an emergency fund to relieve the economic burden of students, faculty members, and their families, and to assist evacuees and the wider community. The fund is being supported by TAU donors from around the world and is led by the Blavatnik Family Foundation.

Rent suspended in dormitories

Students living in the dormitories who were called up are exempt from rent payments for October and November. TAU will also give out hundreds of scholarships to help with the rent payments of dorm residents who have not been called up, based on socioeconomic considerations.

TAU president Prof. Ariel Porat said: “TAU is obligated to help its students who are personally impacted by the hardships of war. Naturally, first in line are students now on reserve duty, as well as students from the South and North of Israel who are encountering immediate financial difficulties. We are starting with a modest grant and intend to increase it later on.

“Beyond financial assistance, we will also offer academic support once the academic year begins. Our reserve soldiers and students affected by the war will not be left behind!”