Dear Friends,
On October 7th, the Sapir Community faced unbearable horror in Hamas' terrorist attack. We extend our deepest gratitude to our philanthropic partners, including the Jewish Federations of North America, whose generous donation of $1,000,000, enabled Sapir to establish an Emergency Fund. This fund provided essential support for the basic needs and trauma treatment for our students and staff. This academic year has been marked by challenges, including the evacuation of 1,500 students and staff and the emergency deployment of 1,000 students for Miluim (reserve) duty. Despite these challenges, the College has remained steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence and community support. Sapir is Israel's only academic institution in Hevel Tkuma (Gaza Envelope), located 2-miles from the Gaza border. Due to our location, Sapir's classes started online, in the spring semester some classes take place on campus. The Jewish Federations of North America provided a second, smaller grant, towards the purchase of 75 laptops for Bedouin Community students, the most disadvantaged population, enabling equitable digital access.
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Looking Forward: Sapir's Vision for the Future of Communal Impact
Sapir is a proud partner with the Tkuma Authority. The College is the growth engine of the Gaza Envelope and the Western Negev, a catalyst for demographic and economic expansion. Sapir has been awarded multi-year government rehabilitation funding of NIS200 million, for student incentive funds, to attract young people to live, study, and volunteer in the region. First-year students will be eligible for full tuition scholarships, based on 60-80 hours of local community service in Hevel Tkuma working with diverse populations and needs.
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Exciting New Programs On The Horizon Include:
Social Impact Program: Starting in October 2024, up to 20% of Sapir's degree studies will be based on equipping and mentoring students to develop and implement with local residents innovative and sustainable solutions to regional challenges. This new program will provide students with the skills to create initiatives, such as: design and implement medical, mental health, technological, social, legal and cultural platforms for local populations; develop and provide small business' services, create agritech applications for local farmers; etc.
Medical Professions Faculty: Sapir is establishing this new faculty in collaboration with Hebrew University's School of Medicine, in response to local needs. In October 2025, Sapir will offer pre-med and occupational therapy studies, establishing the first medical sciences program in the Western Negev.
Advanced Technology Faculty: Developing the region's engineers and high-tech. The College plans to open this new faculty in October 2025. Degrees will include industrial engineering, computer and data science, agri-tech and food-tech to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields.
Campus Expansion: To accommodate these new programs, Sapir will be expanding its campus in collaboration with Sderot and Shaar HaNegev, adding an additional 50,0000 sqm and doubling its size.
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A Beacon of Hope and Progresst
In the wake of tragedy, Sapir College stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the revitalization of Hevel Tkuma (Gaza Envelope) and the Western Negev. Our commitment to excellence in education, community engagement, and regional development remains unwavering.
Looking forward to Shavuot, I am optimistic for the future, determined to not only regain what was lost - but to grow and thrive –in Hevel Tkuma.
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The Sapir community is united in its hope for the speedy return of all of our kidnapped friends and family members.
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Sapir College welcomes Jewish Federations' Missions and meetings with senior staff for briefings on revitalizing the College; its regional development and social impact plans; and meetings with faculty and students.
For more information, please contact Zohar Hochman, Director of Public Affairs: Email: zoharh@sapir.ac.il or mobile: 972-50-545-8448
Together, let us continue to build a brighter future for Sapir College and the communities we serve.
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