Special Reflections from Open University Student, Gil Shahar

Gil Shahar delivered this speech on November 16, 2025. As he enters his final semester of his Bachelor’s degree, Gil tells his amazing story of being a student while working, being a parent, and being a reservist, and the support he received from his family and the Open University to continue through the challenges he faced.

Honorable President of the University, faculty and department heads, dear donors and distinguished guests – good evening.

I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to our donors. Without your generous support, this evening would not be possible. Thank you.

Your support is not only financial; it is a true tailwind. It is a message that says: “We see you — we believe in you — and we are with you every step of the way.”

For students like me – reservists, parents, people juggling studies with family, community and security responsibilities – that feeling of appreciation and support is as important and meaningful as the financial assistance itself.

Let me introduce myself…

My name is Gil Shahar, I’m 46 years old and I live in Kibbutz Almog just north of the Dead Sea. Kibbutz Almog is a beautiful and peaceful place, in quiet, desert scenery on Israel’s eastern border. It’s the lowest place on Earth, and sometimes it seems like the world has forgotten us…

I’m married to Irit, VP of the Tehuda association, which educates young people on informed sexuality and provides them with tools to prevent risk behaviors.

We are the proud parents of two wonderful children: Hod is 21 and a combat soldier in the elite Erez program of the ground forces. Lee is 17 and a half, a 12th grader currently in the midst of interviews and selections for a year of service before enlistment.

In my daily life, I work in the kibbutz as social and absorption coordinator. I am part of a Zionist mission to settle, develop and strengthen our community and region, because I believe that it is precisely at the edges of the map that true Zionism grows.

For the past three years, I have also been a student at the Open University’s School for Local Government Employees. I’m studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a diploma in Local Government.

Studying for this degree is not something I take for granted. It’s a dream come true for me and others like me. I dropped out of school at a young age and did not finish high school. So for me, completing a Bachelor’s degree with distinction – especially in a year like this one –  that’s something I never imagined was possible.

The truth is that for years I wanted to study, but I had no matriculation certificate. I didn’t know about the Open University and life led me elsewhere. But then I reached an age at which matriculation or psychometric exams were no longer a prerequisite, and I also discovered the Open University, which has no entry barriers. I said to myself: “Gil, it’s now or never.”

I found a program that was perfectly suited to me.  It involves in-person learning, a warm and welcoming class, and people who were in a situation similar to mine.

And I fell in love – truly. From the very first class, I realized that I had joined an extraordinary group: outstanding, cohesive, supportive, and above all – deeply human.

The first year was challenging. After nearly 30 years without studying, even holding a pen and notebook felt strange. But through hard work and with the help of amazing classmates, I succeeded, and earned a place on the Dean’s List.

Then came October 7th.

I was drafted into the reserves on the morning of that horrific day. Since then, I have served more than 550 days in the course of two tours of duty. I serve as the battalion HQ commander at a large logistics center that transports supplies to the soldiers in the Gaza Strip. It’s a very demanding role,  which leaves little time for sleep, and certainly not for studying. The constant transition between academic life and war is difficult to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced it. It is dramatic and often traumatic. It’s a reality thousands of students have faced over these past two years.

But even then, I didn’t give up. Or rather: they didn’t let me give up.

My wonderful classmates never forgot me. They took notes for me, sat with me at weekends, and encouraged me in every way possible.

My wife, Irit, who graduated with a Master’s degree with honors, also sat with me late into the night, corrected my work, encouraged me, and simply did not let me sink.

And of course, I must also mention the Open University and especially a remarkable woman – Sarit Avishai, Head of Operations and Welfare at the School for Local Government.

Sarit not only supported me — she walked with me every step of the way. She called, pushed me, reassured me, and made sure I received every right I was entitled to as a reservist student.

And of course, as soon as I was released from the reserves, she was the first person I called to thank, and I invited her for lunch so I could express my gratitude.

Today, as I stand here, I am proud to say: I am beginning the final semester of my Bachelor’s degree. For me, this is an emotional moment. Because behind every exam, every course, every late-night study session, stands an entire community that supports me, believes in me and lifts me higher.

Thank you to the Open University, for your flexibility, your open heart, and for creating a path that enables anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance, to pursue their dreams and achieve success. Thank you for not giving up on anyone.

And a heartfelt thank you to you, dear donors, for your support, trust and recognition.

And a big thank you to my family and my classmates, you are my inspiration!

Thanks to you, I am not just a student. I am an example of opportunity, of belief, and of the ability to begin again at any age.

And finally, I wish all my fellow students great success in the academic year.

Thank you very much.