June 2026
More than 350 students, donors and community members gathered recently for Telfed’s Annual Scholarship Ceremony, celebrating over 490 scholarship recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year.
This year’s event was about more than academic achievement. It was a recognition of a generation that has faced extraordinary challenges and continues to choose service, responsibility and community.
Many of the students in the room have had their studies interrupted by military service, reserve duty and the realities of a country at war. Some have lost friends. Others have delayed plans and put their futures on hold. Yet despite these challenges, they continue to pursue higher education while contributing to Israeli society through meaningful volunteer service.
Addressing the audience, guest speaker Sir Mick Davis reflected on this unique moment in Israel’s history. Speaking about resilience, leadership and responsibility, he challenged students to think not only about what they have endured, but about what they will build in response.
“Endurance is not the end of the story,” he told the audience. “It is the preparation for the next chapter.”
His message centred on the idea that adversity alone does not define a generation. Rather, it is the choices people make in response to adversity that shape their future and the future of the society around them.
The ceremony also highlighted the contribution of Telfed’s PRAS scholarship recipients, who collectively dedicate thousands of volunteer hours each year to supporting Olim and communities across Israel. Through their service, students assist new immigrant families as they navigate the challenges of building a life in a new country, helping strengthen the social fabric that connects communities across Israel.
The evening included a moving tribute to fallen soldiers Captain Yaron Chitiz Z”L and Major Dor Zimel Z”L, whose memory continues to inspire through the scholarship programme established in their honour.
Looking around the room, there was a powerful sense of optimism. The hall was filled with young men and women who have already demonstrated resilience, commitment and a willingness to serve others. Future doctors, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, social workers and community leaders sat side by side, united by a desire to contribute to something larger than themselves.
Telfed’s scholarship programme is built on a simple principle: education and service go hand in hand. Scholarships help remove financial barriers to higher education while encouraging students to invest their time and talents in strengthening Israeli society.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the donors whose generosity makes these scholarships possible. Their support is an investment not only in individual students, but in the future of Israel.
Applications for the upcoming academic year are now open.
Click here to apply.
