Universities push back start of fall semester amid ongoing war

The new academic school year at Israeli universities will begin on October 22, instead of October 15, the Committee of University Presidents announces.

Many students and faculty members have been drafted into reserve duty, the committee says in a statement.

“Our hearts are with the families of those who have been murdered. We send wishes for a quick recovery to the injured and are full of hope that those who have been kidnapped, the taken and the missing will return quickly,” they say.

The university school year in Israel usually begins after the High Holidays, so the fall semester usually begins significantly after the university system in the US or Europe. Affected by the delay are the Hebrew University, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Tel Aviv University, and other major research universities in the country.

Earlier today, it was announced that primary and secondary schools around the country would be closed at least through Tuesday.