Defense Minister's Shield Awarded to Afeka College for Its Commitment to IDF Reservists

In December 2025, Afeka was presented with the Defense Minister’s Shield, a prestigious accolade given to organizations and institutions that have shown extraordinary commitment to reservists. The shield was awarded to Afeka for its broad, consistent support for students and staff who have been called up for reserve duty since the beginning of the Swords of Iron War.

The award was presented in a festive ceremony attended by Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir, and Chief Reserve Officer Benny Ben Ari. Accepting the award on behalf of Afeka were its CEO, Shoshi Zonband Tamari CPA, and its Vice President of Academic Affairs, Prof. Moshe Tshuva.

Since October 7th, about 42% of Afeka’s students have been called up for reserve duty, an unprecedented figure within higher education. Many were called up by instant summons and served hundreds of days, while coping with significant mental, physical, and academic strain. Behind these statistics are people, stories, battle experiences, and trauma – which continue long after being discharged.

Against this reality, Afeka considers support for reservists to be an institutional, ethical, and national duty. Since the war began, Afeka has built a comprehensive support system that includes individual academic adjustments, study plans and accommodations, tutoring, personal mentoring, emotional guidance, and financial aid, all while maintaining high academic standards and scholastic continuity.