IDF Veterans with Post-Trauma Begin Unique Degree Program in Haifa
Twenty-eight IDF veterans with post-trauma have begun studying social sciences at Gordon Academic College in a special program held at a Haifa sailing club.
A group of 28 students recognized by the Ministry of Defense due to post-traumatic stress disorder has begun undergraduate studies in social sciences through Gordon Academic College. Unlike traditional academic tracks, their classes take place at the sailing club on Bat Galim beach in Haifa, within an environment specifically tailored to their needs.
A Unique Academic Framework
This marks the first cohort of a dedicated study program for post-trauma participants, launched through the initiative of the "Choosing Life" program in collaboration with the Haifa Rotary Foundation, the Organization of IDF Disabled Veterans, and Gordon Academic College. Participants are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, majoring in community and society, aiming to acquire higher education and develop employment opportunities while coping with their injuries.
The location was deliberately chosen to foster a calm, secure environment. Alongside academic instruction, students receive comprehensive professional guidance, logistical support, and tailored subsidies. The curriculum relies heavily on group learning, designed to encourage mutual support and foster a deep sense of belonging among participants.
Future Expansion Plans
The initiative was spearheaded by Dorit Tzemach, a graduate of the "Choosing Life" program, who successfully mobilized management, the disabled veterans' organization, and the academic college to establish the track.
"This initiative was born out of the belief that those coping with post-trauma also deserve the opportunity to dream, study, and fulfill themselves," Tzemach stated.
As part of the program's ongoing development, classes are scheduled to relocate next year to the permanent "Ma'agan HaBayit" facility currently under construction at the Kishon Port. Organizers hope this inaugural cohort will pave the way for additional academic tracks, expanding higher education opportunities for post-trauma individuals across Haifa and the northern region.
