The Shorashim program was launched in 2016 at Reichman University (formerly the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya) to support wounded IDF veterans in their rehabilitation process. The aim of the program is to integrate injured IDF soldiers who are in the early stages of their rehabilitation journey into academic life, providing them with fundamental learning skills and unique enrichment content. Project participants enroll in two university courses and are paired with student mentors; throughout the program, they are provided with support and assistance with all the academic and administrative aspects of university life.
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Shorashim (“Roots”) Program for Wounded IDF Soldiers
Shorashim (“Roots”) Program for Wounded IDF Soldiers
Student Regulations-
- “Academix” — spotlight on the Shorashim program. Featuring Netanel Segev (program graduate), Amit Ayalon (program mentor), and Rachel Thomas-Reznik, director of the Lea and Naftali Ben-Yehuda Accessibility & Study Skills Center.
To listen, click here >>
- Shalev Doron, a graduate of the Shorashim program, shares his personal story.
To listen, click here >>
- Ziv Shilon speaks about the Shorashim program.
To watch, click here >>
- Netanel Segev, a Shorashim graduate, discusses the tools and opportunities the program offers.
To read, click here >>
- Amit Ayalon, a program mentor, shares his experiences.
To read, click here >>
- In honor of the Shorashim program’s ten-year anniversary, “Academix” hosts Rachel Thomas-Reznik, director of the Accessibility & Study Skills Center and head of the program, along with program mentors Noam Shayer and Yuval Tamir and program participant Ro’i Moshe. Join them as they reflect on the journey, challenges, and tremendous impact of the Shorashim program.
To watch, click here >>
- Liam Spielman, 2024-2025 Shorashim program graduate, shares his experience.
To watch, click here >>
- “Academix” — spotlight on the Shorashim program. Featuring Netanel Segev (program graduate), Amit Ayalon (program mentor), and Rachel Thomas-Reznik, director of the Lea and Naftali Ben-Yehuda Accessibility & Study Skills Center.
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- Provide wounded IDF soldiers with an opportunity to engage with the academic world while taking a step back from their rehabilitation routines.
- Equip participants with tools for professional development and personal enrichment as part of their rehabilitation process.
- Integrate suitable participants into academic studies.
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- Injured IDF soldiers aged 20-35 who hold a full high school matriculation certificate and have not previously earned an academic degree.
- Participation is subject to the program’s eligibility criteria and a screening and admissions process conducted by Reichman University.
- The number of available places in the program is limited.
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Participants benefit from a support framework that includes the acquisition of academic learning skills, guided by the staff of the Accessibility & Study Skills Center as well as student mentors. The program also offers specially designed enrichment sessions throughout its duration.
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- The Shorashim program runs for the duration of one semester.
- The program requires participation and full attendance in two academic courses (taught on the Reichman University campus) and the completion of a final exam/paper (in accordance with the course requirements).
Choosing courses:
- Courses are selected from a designated list, in coordination with the Accessibility Center and based on the courses offered at Reichman University that semester.
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The program is managed by the Lea and Naftali Ben-Yehuda Accessibility & Study Skills Center and the Dean of Student Affairs Office at Reichman University.
Itamar Heller
Law and Government Student, Mentor in the "Shorashim" Program
"In my eyes, the most important part of rehabilitation is engaging in things unrelated to the injury. Within the program, there is an opportunity to 'take a break' from dealing with the injury."
Liam Spielman
Shorashim Program Alumnus
"The beauty of the Shorashim program is that it provides an equal opportunity to be a student first, despite the major changes in my life. As I undergo intensive rehabilitation, the chance to move from a rehab environment to a forward-thinking academic one at Reichman University is invaluable. The tools I’ve acquired here support my daily recovery and my academic future."
Yuval Pataiev
Shorashim Program Alumnus
"In the midst of a long recovery after being wounded on October 7th, this program gave me a reason to rise. It provided a much-needed sense of self-efficacy and a way to experience academia before starting a full degree. It allowed me to focus on my potential rather than my injury."
Aviv Dekel
Shorashim Program Alumna
"The program provided me with an incredible support envelope and the opportunity to explore the academic world without having to commit to a full degree. Beyond that, I got a taste of student life, including friendships within clubs and special programs."
Roee Moshe
Shorashim Program Alumnus
"For me, the program established a routine that isn't just medical treatments and appointments, but a refreshing routine that provides 'room to breathe' within a complex reality. Additionally, the program allows for a soft landing into the world of academia."
Nadav Attias
Shorashim Program Alumnus
"During my rehabilitation, I encountered situations where my self-esteem was low and friends were few. Be ing in a framework with other wounded veterans create s a sense of a 'second family'—I am not alone in my injury, and I am not alone in the academic system."