Open University Student Union Withdraws From National Association
The Open University Student Union has withdrawn from the National Union of Students, citing severe representation discrepancies, a deep crisis of trust, and political overreach.
The Open University Student Union, representing some 46,000 students, announced on Sunday that it is terminating its membership in the National Union of Students. The decision stems from long-standing grievances regarding unequal representation, a deep crisis of trust, and a shift in priorities that the union argues no longer serves the student body. The union has also raised serious questions over what it terms the blurring of lines between student representation and political involvement.
Union Chairperson Mai Hangel submitted the official resignation notice to the national organization this morning, following a vote by the union council. The leadership emphasized that the move is not a personal dispute or a reaction to a lost vote, but rather the culmination of a protracted process centered on three major issues: disproportionate representation relative to fees paid, the allocation of resources, and the internal organizational culture.
At the heart of the dispute is what the union describes as an unacceptable discrepancy. While the Open University funds the national body through fees collected from its roughly 46,000 to 47,000 students—totaling about half a million shekels annually—its voting power and influence within the organization are calculated using a significantly lower student count.
Concerns Over Political Involvement and Allocation of Resources
In addition to financial and representational grievances, the Open University Student Union criticized the national organization for directing excessive time and resources toward internal political squabbles rather than academic rights, the cost of living, military reserve duty, housing, and employment. The union also pointed to what it called a growing trend of blurring the boundaries between student advocacy and partisan political discourse, citing a budget allocation for a campaign on the military enlistment law.
While stressing that the union supports equality in military service burdens and expanding the circle of those who serve, Hangel questioned the mandate of a representative body funded by all students to finance campaigns touching on divisive political issues. Recent publications, including a video addressing the elections and the political landscape, further cemented the feeling that the line had been crossed.
A Serious Personal Incident and Police Complaint
The crisis of trust was compounded by a severe personal incident. During internal discussions among national union figures, a remark was made referring to dragging Hangel's "corpse in a carpet." Saying the comments caused her and her family to fear for her safety, Hangel filed a complaint with the Israel Police and informed relevant authorities.
Concluding her remarks, Hangel stated: "Our responsibility is first and foremost to the tens of thousands of students we represent. We did not leave to run away from a fight, but when we concluded that trust was lost, our duty was to choose our students. We will continue to work with the Knesset, the government, the Council for Higher Education, and all relevant public bodies to fight for the rights, resources, and representation our students deserve."
