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Semiprotection

[edit]

I have semi-protected the article for a period of two weeks because several users (two anonymous and one registered) have repeatedly made the same edit which is a blatant WP:BLP violation. I have a feeling that the protection period may have to be extended in the future, but will try to raise it in a more public forum if the problem persists. If new or unregistered users wish to make constructive contributions to the article, please feel free to leave a comment detailing the proposed change. —Ynhockey (Talk) 00:36, 14 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Edit request 18 September 2025

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This article needs updating and expanding on issues such as leadership, security, emergency response to October 7, and social impact.

Please leave  the first sentence and replace the rest of the paragraph with the following text:

It is one of Israel’s largest public colleges and the largest employer in the Gaza Envelope region. The college has 7,500 students from a diverse range of backgrounds in academic and vocational programs; and employs 1,300 faculty and staff members. Named after former Israeli Finance Minister Pinchas Sapir, the college offers programs intended to support regional development and improve access to higher education.[1]

In the History section, please leave  the first paragraph  and replace the rest of the article’s text with the following text:

Academic Programs

Sapir offers B.A. or BSc degrees in:

Sapir also grants M.A. or M.S.W. degrees in:

Social Impact and Community Engagement

Sapir College offers programs and initiatives with a focus on regional development and social issues:

  • Sapir B’Kehilla: students contributing to local recovery efforts, particularly after October 7. Participants are eligible for tuition scholarships.[4]
  • Legal Aid Clinic: Law students, under supervision, offer legal assistance to underserved residents.[5]
  • Small Business Clinic: Economics and Marketing students provide services such as: market research, branding, and business planning to local entrepreneurs.[5]
  • Cinema South International Film Festival: Established in 2001, this annual festival showcases independent films with a focus on underrepresented voices and southern Israeli life.[6]
  • Poalim L’Atid: this program includes a course on the region’s history and socio-economic background; workshops in financial literacy, teamwork, and local development strategies; along with mentors. Its main objective is to prepare students to address regional challenges and participate in community initiatives.[7]
  • Kol HaNegev Radio: Operated by Communications students, this station serves the region and functions as an emergency broadcaster during crises.[8]

Campus Inclusion Programs:

  • Arab-Bedouin Student Services Unit: Offers tutoring, workshops, and academic support for Bedouin students (approx. 15% of the student body).[9]
  • Accessibility Center: Provides personalized assistance for students with a range of disabilities.[10]
  • Retention Center: Offers remedial courses, cultural adaptation and financial support to help reduce dropout rates.[9]
Emergency Response and Support

Following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, Sapir launched an emergency fund for basic needs and emotional support. It also offered special aid for displaced students, reserve soldiers, and trauma-affected individuals.[1]

Due to the Gaza war, the 2023-2024 academic year took place at locations throughout Israel and online. Sapir re-opened for in-person lectures and campus activities on November 3, 2024.[1]

Security Challenges

Sapir College, located just 2 miles from the Gaza border, has faced continuous rocket attacks since 2003. Dozens of rockets have struck the campus. To enhance safety, the government allocated NIS 25 million for reinforced buildings and emergency shelters.[11][12]

Leadership
  • Prof. Zeev Tzachor (1993–2010)[13]
  • Prof. Reuven Ilya 2010[14]
  • Prof. Jimmy Weinblatt (2011-2014)[15]
  • Prof. Omri Yadlin (2014-2019)[15]
  • Prof. Shai Feldman (2019-2022)[16]
  • Prof. Nir Kedar (2022)[17]
Post–October 7 Developments and Future Vision

During the 7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel, 47 members of Sapir community were brutally murdered: faculty, staff, students and alumni. The College conducted efforts to evacuate staff and students, establish emergency funds, and provide psychological support. [1][18]

As a result of the war, Sapir College created a new mission to lead the revitalization of the Gaza Envelope and Western Negev. In April 2024, the Israeli government announced a five-year regional recovery plan, allocating NIS 200 million to Sapir College for reconstruction and development.[19]

Key initiatives include the Faculty of Technology, a new academic division focusing on hi-tech industry, agri-tech and innovation (opening October 2025) and National and Regional Research Center for Trauma and Resilience. Launching October 2025, This center’s aim is to use applied research for shaping national policy and therapeutic practices in trauma.[20][21]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Sapir College hopes to become major trauma research center after Oct. 7 | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2024-10-13. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  2. ^ "Sapir College - Bachelor's degree". The Council for Higher Education.
  3. ^ "Academics". Sapir College. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  4. ^ "ספיר בקהילה". המכללה האקדמית ספיר (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  5. ^ a b "מרכז החדשנות והיזמות ח"י בספיר במכללה האקדמית ספיר מסכם שנה". www.b7net.co.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  6. ^ "Cinema of the South Festival turns 18 | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2019-05-31. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  7. ^ "פועלים לעתיד". המכללה האקדמית ספיר (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  8. ^ "Radio Kol HaNegev". OnlineRadioBox.com. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  9. ^ a b "Arab & Bedouin Student Services Unit". Sapir College. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  10. ^ ""בימין וגם בשמאל יש תודעה דמוקרטית עמוקה" | כלכליסט". calcalist (in Hebrew). 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  11. ^ "טיל קסאם נפל בשדות קיבוץ כפר עזה". ערוץ 7 (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  12. ^ "סטודנט נהרג מפגיעת רקטת קסאם במכללת ספיר". ynet (in Hebrew). 2008-02-27. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  13. ^ "הלך לעולמו פרופ' זאב צחור, נשיאה הראשון של מכללת ספיר". ynet (in Hebrew). 2017-01-23. Archived from the original on 2025-04-24. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  14. ^ "חודשיים לאחר שנכנס לתפקיד: התפטר נשיא מכללת ספיר". Ynet.
  15. ^ a b סיידלר, שירלי (2014). "פרופ' עמרי ידלין ימונה לנשיא מכללת ספיר". Haaretz.
  16. ^ "Shai Feldman, director of the Crown Center for Middle East Studies and Brandeis professor of Politics, named president of Sapir College". BrandeisNOW. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  17. ^ "נשיא חדש למכללה האקדמית ספיר: פרופ' ניר קידר - וואלה כסף". וואלה (in Hebrew). 2022-06-21. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  18. ^ "שנה לטבח הנורא: המכללה האקדמית ספיר מתאחדת עם זכר 47 מאנשיה שנרצחו ונפלו". www.maariv.co.il (in Hebrew). 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  19. ^ ""תוכנית שאפתנית וחשובה": סכום הענק שתקבל מכללת ספיר לשיקום אחרי שבעה באוקטובר". www.maariv.co.il (in Hebrew). 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  20. ^ "מכללת ספיר תנצל את המענקים למלגות סטודנטים - מי יהיה זכאי להן?". www.maariv.co.il (in Hebrew). 2024-05-19. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  21. ^ "Technological center for security and resilience launched in Western Negev". ctech. 2024-06-20. Retrieved 2025-09-18.

Adig-pt (talk) 18:11, 18 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]

 Comment: The list of degrees may violate WP:NOTPRICE (point 6). I'd recommend summarising or picking a few notable ones. Thanks, Encoded  Talk 💬 21:38, 22 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]
 Comment: These edits would likely put this article into the Israel-Palestine contentious topic realm, and for that reason alone I think this should be denied. I would appreciate comments from independent editors. @Encoded Meepmeepyeet (talk) 23:00, 24 September 2025 (UTC)[reply]
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