Israel’s academic year began on Sunday morning 22 October but senior lecturers in 17 public colleges are demanding improved benefits and have opted to strike rather than to report to work. It is estimated that approximately 55,000 of the 309,000 students attending an institute of higher education in Israel are impacted by the strike in 17 schools. According to the Ynet report, about 2,000 doctors and professors are striking.

A senior college lecturer earns the same salary as a lecturer in a university but claims to have to work almost twice as many hours.

The strike only impacts senior lecturers. Classes taught by junior lecturers continue on schedule.

Colleges hit by the strike:

Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yafo

Afeka College of Engineering, Tel Aviv

Ahva Academic College, Ahva

Ashkelon Academic College

Azrieli College of Engineering, Jerusalem

Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem

Holon Institute of Technology

Jerusalem College of Technology – Lev Academic Center

Kinneret Academic College

Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yazriel

ORT Braude College of Engineering, Carmiel

Rupin Academic Center

Sapir Academic College

Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, Ramat Gan

Tel-Chai Academic College

Tzefas Academic College, Safed

Western Galilee College, Acre

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)