Ono Academic College Leads Israeli Universities in Enrolled Disabled IDF Veterans

Ono Academic College hosts the largest number of disabled Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) veterans pursuing academic degrees in Israel, according to data presented at the "Horizon in Academia" conference organized by the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization. The Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department reports that 248 disabled veterans study at Ono, followed by Reichman University with 169 students, Ariel University with 102, and Ben-Gurion University with 95. Other institutions include Tel Aviv University (73), Open University and College of Management Academic Studies (66 each), Hebrew University and Peres Academic Center (63 each), Bar-Ilan University (61), University of Haifa (47), Technion (42), Afeka College of Engineering (34), Holon Institute of Technology (32), and Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design (30).

Dr. Sheli Megbar Levin, Dean of Students at Ono, emphasized the college's commitment to supporting disabled veterans, describing the comprehensive support system that includes cognitive and physical accessibility, personalized accompaniment, and holistic care beyond technical accommodations. Each student is assigned a case manager who provides ongoing personal guidance throughout their studies. Dr. Megbar Levin highlighted that academic studies are viewed not only as a path to a degree but also as a crucial part of the rehabilitation journey for disabled veterans, helping restore hope and build their futures.

The most popular fields of study among disabled IDF veterans are law, with 316 students, followed by business administration (189), economics (112), computer science (87), electrical and electronics engineering (74), psychology (71), medicine (59), education and teaching (56), and mechanical engineering and industrial engineering and management (49).