In the first months of the current war, 6,657 Tel Aviv University (TAU) students were called up for reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), more than in any other Israeli university, including 2,228 women — 34% of the total. Moreover, in January 2024, after most reserve soldiers had been discharged, 2,545 TAU students, including 755 women, remained in active service.

Of the female reservists, 481 were from the Faculty of Medicine, 394 from Engineering, 373 from Life and Exact Sciences, 308 from Social Sciences, 167 from Law, 100 from Humanities, 96 from Management, and the rest from other units. Of the men, 1,139 came from the Faculty of Engineering, 804 from Life and Exact Sciences, 483 from Medicine, 333 from Management, 301 from Social Sciences, 259 from Law, 238 from Humanities, and the rest from other units.

According to the University, all students called up for reserve duty are entitled to a grant of 2,000-9,000 NIS ($544-$2,449 USD), based on their needs and the type and length of their service. The grants express TAU’s appreciation for their service, as well as the understanding that when these students return, they will need to concentrate on their studies, with little time left for work.

“I was called up for reserve duty right after the war broke out and served as a researcher in the Ground Forces’ Learning Unit,” says Shir Shachar, 28, a master’s degree student at the Faculty of Medicine. “Our team included both men and women, and it was very exciting, with each of us contributing significantly to the common war effort. The commitment, dedication, and determination of all reservists in their tasks, whether in the field or behind the lines, are very important to success in combat. Only working together, with everyone doing all they can, can we win the war.”

“The moment I was called up I didn’t think twice,” Carmel Cohen, a third-year student at the Department of Theater Arts, says. “I reported to the Homeland Command and served for about three months. Every day we helped civilians impacted by the war, and it felt great, everyone doing all they can for the army and the country. These are hard times for us, and we try to help as much as we can. I recently returned to TAU, and I want to realize my dream and become an actress who makes people smile. Of course, whenever I’m called up again, I will go.”

Professor Neta Ziv, VP for Equity, Diversity, and Community at TAU, applauded the reservists on campus. “Indeed, women’s great contribution is apparent in all spheres of life: the military, the public, and of course the civic arenas,” she says. “TAU acknowledges and honors the contribution of female reservists and does everything in its power to help all students who served or are still serving in the reserves to successfully resume their studies in this challenging academic year.”