When They Come Home

Afeka - The Academic College of Engineering in Tel Aviv hosted an international webinar, When They Come Home: Supporting Israel's Student Reservists Beyond the Battlefield, in partnership with the American Friends of Afeka (AFA). The event brought together supporters from around the world to explore one of the most significant challenges facing Israeli higher education today: helping student reservists successfully return to academic life after prolonged military service.

The webinar featured Prof. Yossi Rosenwaks, President of Afeka, Tom Wasserstein, brother of the late Afeka student Roi Wasserstein, and Omer, an Afeka student reservist who shared his personal experience of returning to campus after military service.

Opening the discussion, Prof. Rosenwaks described the unprecedented reality facing Israeli higher education since October 7. With thousands of students repeatedly moving between reserve duty and campus, universities are called upon not only to provide academic accommodations, but also to help students navigate the emotional, personal, and social challenges of returning to everyday life. "It is our moral responsibility to do everything we can to help our students return, recover, and succeed," said Prof. Rosenwaks.

The college has therefore developed a proactive and holistic support model that combines academic assistance, mental health services, peer support, and community-based initiatives designed to identify students in need before they reach a crisis.

Prof. Rosenwaks also reflected on the profound impact of the loss of Afeka student and reserve combat medic Roi Wasserstein, whose death by suicide after returning from military service became a catalyst for deeper reflection. Through an ongoing dialogue with Roi's family, Afeka strengthened its commitment to student wellbeing and developed new initiatives, including Ohel Rei (The Quiet Tent), a dedicated space for reflection, resilience activities, and emotional support, as well as the Student Buddies Program and expanded mental health resources.

Sharing his own experience, Afeka student reservist Omer described the emotional transition from military service back to campus. "The transition between the battlefield and campus can be overwhelming. It is crucial for anyone who is suffering to ask for help," he said.

The webinar reflected Afeka's broader commitment to sharing its experience with institutions and communities around the world while continuing to develop meaningful solutions for student reservists rebuilding their lives after military service.

Afeka extends its sincere gratitude to Tom Wasserstein, Omer, the American Friends of Afeka, and everyone who joined this important conversation.

Watch the webinar >> 

If you would like to support Afeka's efforts to help student reservists return, recover, and succeed, we invite you to make a tax-deductible gift in support of these vital initiatives >>