Hebrew University Launches Scholarship Fund for Released Hostages

Hebrew University Launches Scholarship Fund for Released Hostages
27th January 2025 Moriah Aharon

In a transformative step toward healing and renewal to support the rehabilitation and recovery of individuals who endured captivity in Gaza, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is offering full scholarships for a three-year academic degree in any field of study to all released hostages.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is offering full scholarships for a three-year academic degree—covering both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes—to all released hostages, along with a dedicated fund to ensure children who were held hostage can access higher education in the future. The initiative includes personalised academic guidance, psychological support and career counselling, aiming to provide a foundation for their recovery and reintegration, while reflecting the University’s deep commitment to social responsibility and the transformative power of education.

This comprehensive programme also includes the establishment of a dedicated fund to secure the eligibility of children who were held hostage by Hamas, ensuring they can access higher education at the University when they reach adulthood.

Beyond tuition funding, the initiative provides an extensive support framework, encompassing personalised academic guidance, psychological assistance and career counseling workshops. The programme is designed to serve as a cornerstone for these individuals’ return to normalcy, equipping them with the tools to achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

The University emphasises not only the academic aspect of this initiative but also the importance of creating a warm, supportive community. This holistic approach aims to restore a sense of belonging, rebuild self-confidence and facilitate a smoother transition back to everyday life. The initiative also sends a broader message of unity, encouraging Israeli society to extend its support to those who endured unimaginable trauma.

Professor Tamir Sheafer, Rector of The Hebrew University, stated: “We are committed to standing by all who experienced the horrors of October 7th and the prolonged captivity under Hamas. It is our responsibility to support them in every way possible. We aim to help them rebuild a hopeful future and provide a solid anchor in their long rehabilitation journey. As Israel’s leading academic institution, we believe in the transformative power of higher education and its potential to drive personal and societal change. This initiative reflects our deep ethical and social commitment.”

This programme complements a range of efforts undertaken by The Hebrew University since October 7th to assist reservist students and their families, students displaced from their homes and prospective students who served as combat soldiers. These efforts include significant resource allocations, doubling courses and dedicating specialised staff, underscoring the University’s unwavering commitment to bridging academic excellence with profound social responsibility.


For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.