What's New?

"We are proud of the students at Tel-Hai, who serve the nation faithfully and meaningfully, and don't look for excuses and exemptions," says College Managing Director Yossi Malka. "This is additional testimony to the quality of our students, who despite the high demands of their studies serve in the IDF Reserves, and are also exceptionally involved in contribution to the region and to the development of the Galilee as a whole."

The survey shows the high level of participation of Israeli students, male and female, in IDF reserve duty. Out of all students in the Reserves, 45% were called up for duty during their studies (an increase of 7% from the 38% reported in 2009). Almost three out of four male students (71%) serve in the Reserves, versus only about 25% who do not. A fifth of female students serve in active reserve duty, versus 79% who don't. The survey indicates that many more female students wish to serve, but have not been called up by the army.

The students serving in the Reserves complete approximately fourteen days of service on average per year. A third (36%) of those serving complete up to seven days yearly, a quarter (24%) serve between eight and fourteen days yearly, 21% between 15 and 21 days, 7% serve between 22 to 28 days, and 3% of students serve over 36 days a year.

In light of the survey, it is clear that many students in Israel interrupt their studies in order to serve in the IDF Reserves. This often causes setbacks in their progress, making it difficult for them to close the gaps that ensue. When asked about the best way to help them with this problem, the largest group of students (31%) responded that remedial lessons would be most effective, while others (26%) mentioned recorded lectures, and others still (25%) singled out written summaries of courses.