HAC Volunteer Work and Community Support During Iron Swords War

06/12/2023 | International Office

HAC Volunteer Work and Community Support During Iron Swords War

Since October 7th, 386 students and 22 HAC staff members have been called to reserve duty, and almost all remaining staff, faculty, and students have been volunteering every day to aid fellow Israelis in any way possible. More than 150,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Southern and Northern Israel, including many of our students. They are living temporarily in hotels or with family and friends.

While we are continuing preparations for the beginning of the fall semester and maintaining a work routine as much as we can, we are also assisting with civil support of victims and survivors of the attacks:

HAC staff – have been traveling to communities around the Gaza Strip to assist in fieldwork, including picking and packaging crops, where the regular workers are not available (some were kidnapped to Gaza as well, and some had to leave the area after the October 7th attack).

Optometry Department – Faculty and alumni visited hotels to which survivors were evacuated, aiding those who fled their homes without their glasses. In a collaborative effort with several suppliers, the Department examined over 800 patients and provided about 700 pairs of spectacles and contact lenses. In addition, the Department is offering evacuees in Jerusalem free eye exams and glasses.

Communication Disorders Department – Our audiology clinics are offering free examinations and hearing aids to evacuees. Additionally, the Adler Center for Aphasia has been holding online support meetings for people with aphasia and their family members.

Medical Laboratory Department – Faculty and students have been volunteering in hospitals and medical centers, reinforcing medical staff in their task to identify victims of the October 7 th attack. Specifically, they are aiding with DNA and genetic testing which provide identification of victims whose bodies have been mutilated.

Social Work Department – Faculty and students are providing vital support and consulting in nursing homes, shelters, and in the community

Logistics – As the semester has been delayed, the HAC campus hosts high students of Emunah High School, whose school was destroyed by terrorists, providing them with full access to classes and amenities on our campus. Furthermore, since many educators have been called to reserve duty, lecturers from our Inclusive Industrial Design Department and other departments have been guest lecturing in various classes.

The Inclusive Center – has been reaching out to each of HAC's students and staff who are either on reserve duty or have been evacuated. The one-on-one calls are both keeping track of everybody's situation and providing support, both emotionally and logistically.

HAC International – our staff, while small, has been participating in HAC's volunteering activities. In addition, we are making use of our international platform by reaching out to our partners individually and inviting them to FAQ Zoom meetings. It is our hope that these conversations will shed light on the devastating situation here in Israel and provide validated information regarding the war against Hamas terrorists.

We appreciate your friendship, support, and willingness to stand by our side in these tough times.