Most university students in Israel headed back to classroom for the new semester on Sunday, 28 Tishrei with the exception of students from Hebrew University due to a strike.

The 23,000 students registered to begin the new academic year at Hebrew University were met with disappointment as the Jerusalem and Rehovot campuses are striking, a strike that is expected to continue into mid-November as negotiations continue between the university and the treasury. Classes will resume earlier if agreement is reached. The university is seeking relief for its 180 NIS million debt, which officials explain is preventing the opening of the new academic year.

The treasury has signaled a willingness to provide minimal aid providing the university agrees to its austerity plan but this has not been accepted by university officials.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)