Despite the challenges of studying during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Afeka Academic College of Engineering held its largest graduation ceremony to date on Feb. 10, with nearly 720 graduates receiving their degrees in a ceremony at Menora Mivtachim Hall in Tel Aviv.
The event celebrated undergraduate and master’s degree students, as well as honored their resilience and ability to overcome unprecedented challenges over the course of their studies.
As the largest graduating class in the college’s history, these students now join Afeka’s alumni community of 9,500 graduates—more than 1,400 who have graduated after the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023—and are poised to enter the Israeli workforce at a time in which their engineering skills will be critical in supporting the Israeli high-tech and defense industries’ recovery and growth.
With some 44% of its students, as well as faculty and staff members serving in the reserves of the Israel Defense Forces throughout 16 months of war, this milestone achievement would not have been possible without the comprehensive support package the college provided for reservist students.
A flexible hybrid teaching and learning model, dedicated condensed courses, tutoring, scholarships and mental-health counseling are all part of a package funded by Afeka and donors from around the globe through the school’s “AsOne” campaign.
The struggles faced and overcome since the onset of the war have highlighted Afeka’s role at the forefront of strengthening the connection between academia and national security, as well as the vital link between technological innovation and national resilience.
“You began your journey during the COVID-19 crisis, learning through Zoom, in isolation, in complete uncertainty,” Ami Moyal, a professor and president of the academic institution, told the new graduates. “And now, after more than a year of war, pain and loss, you are here, forming the largest graduating class in Afeka’s history. Seeing you all here fills my heart with immense pride—not just for your achievement but for who you are as individuals.”
Afeka also revealed this year’s Honorary Fellows—a title traditionally awarded to trailblazers who have left a significant mark in science, technology, national security and society.
Joining past recipients on this prestigious list, which includes the late Israeli statesman Shimon Peres, the ninth president of Israel; Israel Prize laureate professor Ruth Arnon; and Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze and Unit 8200—were two distinguished individuals:
● Oren Sagi, CEO of Cisco Israel and Chairman of the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of his longtime dedication to advancing Israel’s high-tech sector and pioneering technological innovation, his profound impact on bridging technology literacy gaps across Israeli society, and his role as an inspirational leader who exemplifies excellence, integrity, and innovation in Israeli industry.
● Yehuda Eder, musician and Founding President of the Rimon School of Music, in recognition of his lifetime dedication to shaping Israeli musical culture, for his profound impact on bridging music and technology through visionary educational leadership, and his role as an inspirational leader who exemplifies creativity, mentorship, and innovation in nurturing artistic excellence and inspiring generations of young musicians.
In addition, Afeka, for the first time in its history, and as a special tribute, awarded the Honorary Fellow title to its 1,700 students who served in the war as reservists or on active duty. The decision to honor them reflects Afeka’s appreciation for their dedication to defending Israel while maintaining their academic commitments.
Addressing the students, Moyal said: “Your exemplary demonstration of determination and perseverance will lead you to success and maximize your contribution to Israeli industry and national resilience, serving as an inspiration for generations of students who will follow in your footsteps. I salute you.”