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On 8/7/25, Israel’s Maariv newspaper published and article entitled “Learning to Live Again” by reporter Yuval Bagno. The article describes Ono Academic College’s program that integrates wounded IDF soldiers into academia as part of the rehabilitation process.
Last year, Ono Academic College began an extraordinary experimental program together with the Balev Ehad/With One Heart organization.
The “Realization Program” is a personal and educational path for wounded IDF soldiers, providing them with a different route to rehabilitation: not through treatment rooms, but instead through lectures, learning, and belonging to an educational framework. The program is designed to provide a solution for warriors who were seriously injured in the fighting, physically or mentally, even if they have not yet officially been recognized as such by Israel’s Ministry of Defence.
Each participant receives a personal program tailored to their abilities, along with a dedicated course called “Gateway to Academia,” which was provided for free by the college’s senior lecturers. In addition, emotional support, rehabilitation, and academic enrichment was provided by professional teams. This ranged from occupational therapy to assistance in navigating the bureaucratic of the various campus offices.
Twenty warriors have participated in the program so far, including G., a reserve soldier who was injured during the Iron Swords War. G. shares: “We came here twice a week, one day for the professional programs and another for the enrichment workshops. The entire team here embraced us and supported us. The “Balev Ehad/With One Heart” organization was always there for me, in the most difficult moments and the most frustrating times throughout this semester.” He adds: “There is no better program like this. It is a first step before beginning studies, to examine and test what is appropriate for me.”
S., another warrior who was injured in the fighting to save Kfar Aza on October 7, says: “The program gives you the feeling that you are not alone. There is a real embrace and support here, both from the organization and the college. It was very, very significant for me.”
Dr. Shelly Magber, Dean of Students at Ono Academic College, said, “The program expands the heart and gives light and hope. Those who have met the course requirements will be able to continue as full-time students at Ono, with credit for courses they have already completed. The program will soon be extended for another year, this time in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.”
Dr. Haim Zicherman, Director of the college’s School of Real Estate, adds: “Every soldier who was injured in the war and wants to come and study academically, we will give him everything he needs.”
Photo Caption: Reservists from the “Realization Program,” note: ” The entire team here embraced us and supported us.” Courtesy of the Ono Academic College
