Ono Academic College Receives 2026 Defense Minister’s Shield for Supporting Reservists
The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that Ono Academic College has been awarded the prestigious "Defense Minister’s Shield" for 2026. Ono is one of only three academic institutions selected from approximately 60 across Israel to receive this honor. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate professional excellence alongside exceptional commitment and sensitivity toward reservists and their families.
The award ceremony will take place in September, attended by the Defense Minister, the IDF Chief of Staff, and the Chief Reservist Officer. Ono Academic College was honored for establishing a comprehensive support system for reservists, including significant financial investment and dedicated programs to assist thousands of students and staff called up since the outbreak of Operation Iron Swords.
Ono operates three campuses in Jerusalem, Haifa, and Kiryat Ono, serving over 26,000 students, including hundreds who serve in the reserves. Many have completed extensive reserve duty, with some exceeding 1,000 days since October 7. The college provides personalized accommodations and runs institution-wide initiatives such as the "Hagshama" and "Hatzav, Resilience and Growth in Academia" programs, offering close support to students coping with post-trauma related to the conflict.
Additional resources include social worker meeting spaces and the "Transparent Uniforms" group for reservists’ families to help manage academic challenges. The college also organizes recognition events, lectures, workshops, and other activities in collaboration with the student union. Ranan Hartman, founder and CEO of Ono Academic College, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting reservists and their families during these difficult times.
In related news, Alon Moreh Yeshiva also received the Defense Minister’s Prize, highlighting the broader educational sector’s efforts to support reservists.
