Tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers have seen combat in the Gaza Strip since last October, but not all of them leave the war behind when they come back home. Many suffer combat and operational stress, reactions that could lead to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and even suicide. Now, cutting edge research by Dr. Leah Shelef, Dean of the School of Social Work at Sapir College, is seeking the most effective way to treat – and prevent – these dangerous outcomes.

The State of Israel is gearing up to rebuild the communities of the Western Negev, and Sapir College will play a key role in the effort. The government’s Tkuma Directorate for the reconstruction of the Gaza Envelope has approved a special NIS 200 million budget to strengthen the college's programs for students. This investment demonstrates a long-term commitment to Sapir as the social and economic nerve center of the Western Negev. Sapir is the largest employer in the area, with a payroll of 1,300 and an extensive network of local suppliers who bolster the regional economy.

Partnership with the Jewish Community in Florida After the horrific events of October 7th, we learned that the Sapir community is not just limited to Otef Yisrael (Gaza Envelope)/Western Negev or Israel. We now have a growing global Sapir community, people who care deeply about our students and our region. Trudy and Seth Fine, a wonderful couple based in Florida (cousins of a faculty member), joined together with their community at Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El and Rabbi Uriel Romano to raise funds for Sapir College.