March 25, 2025 – As part of its enduring commitment to honor the memory of Israel’s fallen heroes, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) held two moving ceremonies this week. These events served as powerful moments of remembrance, gratitude, and unity—bringing together the academic community with the families of Israel’s brave defenders.

Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University, said, “These ceremonies are a powerful reminder that behind every name is a life of purpose, courage, and commitment. By awarding these scholarships, we are not only honoring their memory—we are entrusting their legacy to a new generation of students who will carry their values forward into the future.”

Scholarships Awarded to Outstanding Reservists
This week, the University awarded scholarships to outstanding reservists in memory of Israeli soldiers who gave their lives in defense of the country. Each scholarship, valued at $2,000, was made possible by the generous support of the Rothberg Foundation.

Attendees included Heidi Rothberg (USA), Jacob Rimer, and Prof. Asher Cohen. For the first time, scholarship recipients had the opportunity to meet the families of the fallen soldiers they are honoring—making the event even more deeply personal and meaningful.

Soldiers commemorated included:
•    Captain Shlomit Yair (z”l)
•    Major Bar Falah (z”l)
•    Sergeant Guy Bazak (z”l)
•    Sergeant First Class (Res.) Michael Gal (z”l)
•    Sergeant Eran Aloni (z”l)
•    Sergeant (Res.) Ran Yavetz (z”l)

Each scholarship stands not only as financial aid but also as a living tribute to the values, bravery, and selflessness of Israel’s defenders.

Remembering Major Sagi Golan z”l at the School of Public Policy
In a separate ceremony, HU’s Federmann School of Public Policy commemorated Major Sagi Golan z”l—an alumnus and a team commander in the elite LOTAR counter-terrorism unit—who was killed while heroically rescuing dozens of families during the defense of Kibbutz Be’eri.

In his memory, the School has established an annual merit-based scholarship awarded to top-performing students after their first year of study. During the ceremony, the University presented Sagi’s family with a special commemorative booklet featuring heartfelt messages and biographical sketches of the scholarship recipients.

Launch of the “Sagi Project” by the School of Business Administration
To further honor Sagi’s legacy—as he studied courses at the School of Business Administration—the University launched the “Sagi Project” in 2025. This initiative offers 20 full scholarships for an MBA exposure semester to wounded IDF and security forces personnel.

The program supports recovery, academic reintegration, and personal growth. It includes four MBA courses (some online), academic counseling, and both group and individual support. Credits earned during the semester can be applied toward a full MBA for those who choose to continue.

“Through the Sagi Project, we express our deep appreciation to those who defend our society,” said Prof. Orly Sade, Dean of the School of Business Administration.

“Since the outbreak of the war, we’ve launched various initiatives—commemorating the fallen, supporting affected businesses, teaching financial literacy to children in nearby communities, and offering dedicated scholarships to wounded soldiers. The Sagi Project, in particular, provides these brave individuals with a taste of a master’s in business administration. We view this work as both a privilege and a responsibility to the society in which we live and serve.”

The Hebrew University community stands united in remembrance. Through these scholarships and projects, a new generation of students will carry forward the legacy, values, and spirit of those who gave their lives for Israel and its people.