In the Spirit of Renewal and Growth

Sapir College Opens the Academic Year with On-Campus Learning.

The 2024-25 academic year at Sapir College, located just 3.5 kilometers from the Gaza border, will open under the banner of renewal and growth. marking a year since the tragedy that struck the Sapir community and resulted in the loss of 47 of its members. The College is Israel's only academic institution in Gaza Envelope/Hevel Tkuma and it is the area's largest employer.   Courses will take place in-person on campus, with over 7,000 students participating in academic and vocational programs.
On the tragic day of October 7, 2023 and resulting war, the Sapir community faced a devastating blow with the brutal murder of 47 students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Among the 101 kidnapped, is Omri Miran, the partner of faculty member Lishay Lavi Miran. About 1,500 students and faculty members were evacuated from their homes. Since that fateful day, Sapir has engaged in numerous initiatives to strengthen the community, ensuring academic, economic, resilience, and security.
Sapir turned to amazing overseas and Israeli partners to raise emergency funds for basic needs, trauma treatments and scholarships; designed a flexible study framework to accommodate reserve soldiers and evacuees. In June 2024, Sapir established a dedicated Resilience Center; and on October 7, 2024, the College inaugurated a "Shared Memorial Space" to honor our students, alumni, faculty and staff who were viciously massacred.

Returning to Campus

On Sunday, November 3, 2023, Sapir College will kick off the new academic year. For the first time since the outbreak of war, programs will resume as usual, with in-person classes on campus. A special study framework will continue for reserve soldiers and evacuees. Despite the past challenging year, the College continues to expand and will launch a new Master of Laws (LL.M.) program specializing in Law, Information, and Technology.
As part of the return to campus learning, Sapir aims to deepen connections between students and the communities in the Western Negev, focusing the year on a series of joint initiatives for collective growth. This includes the "Sapir in the Community" scholarship program, which offers a funding to cover tuition fees in exchange for meaningful civic engagement aimed at rehabilitating Gaza border communities.
  In collaboration with Bank Hapoalim, the "Poalim L'Atid-Acting for the Future" initiative will be launched, reflecting the shared vision of both institutions. The program will foster significant connections and mutual impact between students, the community, and the region, encouraging them to remain after their studies. Over their three years of study, students will acquire tools and skills in project management, finance, entrepreneurship, and employability; investigate the needs of individuals, communities, and organizations in Gaza border communities; and lead practical initiatives that will improve quality of life and contribute to regional development. Through teamwork and collaboration, a strong community network will be established, contributing to growth and strengthening regional resilience.

From Crisis to Growth

In response to the tragedy that struck the college, President Professor Nir Kedar has led the development of a long-term visionary plan to position the college as a central growth engine in the Western Negev. This includes strategic plans for launching new academic programs, expanding the campus, integrating advanced technologies, and deepening ties with industries in the area. As part of this plan in collaboration with the Hebrew University, a Faculty of Health Professions is scheduled to open in October 2025 with degrees in premed and occupational therapy. Additionally, a Faculty of Advanced Technologies will be established, it will expand existing College programs to provide degrees in computer science, data science, industrial engineering and management, life sciences specializing in agro-tech and food-tech. Additionally, Sapir will open a new undergraduate degree in Art.

Professor Omri Herzog, Rector of Sapir Academic College, stated, "We are excited to welcome our students back to our campus and provide them with the unique experience of Sapir: vibrant campus life, meaningful social engagement, and excellent academic quality. This year, as part of the College's strategic plans, students will become active partners in the development and rehabilitation of the region while gaining professional experience and entrepreneurial skills—each according to their chosen field of study. The opening of the year will embody renewal, learning, and action, alongside the memory of our community members and the surrounding communities."