Tel-Hai Becomes University, Aiming to Boost Northern Israel's Economy
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Tel-Hai Academic College has officially become the University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee, following a government decision from 20 years ago. The university aims to be a regional growth engine, attracting students and fostering economic development. Approximately 5,000 students are expected for the upcoming academic year, and the institution will receive 570 million shekels in dedicated funding over five years, alongside significant donations.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Tel-Hai Academic College has officially become the University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee.
- The university aims to serve as a regional growth engine and boost the local economy.
- Approximately 5,000 students are expected to enroll for the upcoming academic year.
- The university will receive 570 million shekels in dedicated funding over five years.
- Significant philanthropic donations totaling nearly 600 million shekels have been secured.
- The university emphasizes research, community engagement, and industry partnerships.
After two decades, Tel-Hai Academic College has officially been recognized as the University of Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee, a move intended to serve as a regional growth engine. The decision, approved by the Council for Higher Education in January 2026, follows a government resolution from May 2005 to establish a university in the Galilee. The institution, which will welcome approximately 5,000 students for the upcoming academic year, aims to foster economic development, strengthen community ties, and encourage industry collaboration.
University President Professor Eliezer Shalev, an expert in women's medicine, highlighted the transition from a college focused on teaching to a university incorporating research. He emphasized the goal of creating a "university that will make a change in the North," drawing parallels to the growth spurred by universities in Beersheba and globally. Shalev noted that the institution already employs 1,500 local residents and its expansion is expected to stimulate surrounding businesses and services.
Shalev described a unique model for the university, integrating teaching, research, and a "third leg" focused on community and industry engagement. While currently, about 70% of students come from outside the immediate Galilee region, the university aims to increase local enrollment and retention, preventing young people from leaving the area for higher education and future employment.
The university is actively fostering partnerships with both large corporations and small businesses, including startups, and provides office space to attract companies to the region. Student involvement in community activities is also a priority, with over 2,000 students participating in volunteer work in the Eastern Galilee and Golan Heights. The university has expanded its faculty by 20 new members in the past year, bringing the total to over 150, with plans for further growth.
Financially, the University of Kiryat Shmona will receive a dedicated budget of 570 million shekels over its first five years. Additionally, significant philanthropic efforts have secured nearly 600 million shekels in donations, primarily from Canada, over the last 18 months.