Reichman University awarded diplomas to approximately 2,600 graduates during its annual commencement ceremony on June 9, drawing around 9,000 attendees, including graduates, family members, faculty, and guests.
The Class of 2025 completed its studies during a period marked by prolonged conflict and security challenges. According to the university, many graduates recently returned from extended reserve duty, while others took leave from active military service to attend the ceremony.
The event was held following hours of uncertainty amid recent security developments involving Iran, ultimately proceeding as planned.
Among the graduates were approximately 1,900 recipients of bachelor's degrees and about 740 recipients of master's and doctoral degrees.
Reichman University said roughly 20% of the graduating class came from the Raphael Recanati International School, representing students from 90 countries. Despite the ongoing war, they chose to remain in Israel and complete their studies.
During the ceremony, the university paid tribute to 19 students and alumni who have fallen while serving in the defense of Israel since the outbreak of the war. Five of them were members of the Class of 2025 and were expected to graduate this year: Idan Shtivi, an undergraduate student in Sustainability and Government; Sgt. First Class David Schwartz, a graduate of Law and Government; Maj. Dor Zimel, a graduate of Law and Government; Sgt. First Class Omer Balva, a graduate of Economics and Business Administration; and Sgt. First Class Yosef Gitarts, a Computer Science student at the Raphael Recanati International School.
Among those attending the ceremony was Liri Albag, who came with her parents to honor her sister, Roni Albag. While pursuing her degree, Roni Albag campaigned for her sister's release from Hamas captivity and graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in law and business administration.
Addressing the graduates, Reichman University founder and chairman Prof. Uriel Reichman said, "I have no doubt that you, our graduates — who have demonstrated the camaraderie and unity forged in battle, alongside creativity and excellence in your studies — are both worthy and capable of leading and giving new meaning to the Zionist mission."
"We tell our students: believe in yourselves. Be entrepreneurs. Write your own life story, and never be afraid to challenge conventions or embrace change," he added.
University president Prof. Boaz Ganor told graduates that "from among you will emerge the next generation of Israel's leaders."
"Never before has the State of Israel been in greater need of a new generation of leaders who are principled, courageous, wise, and creative," Ganor said. "You have already proven yourselves. Like a phoenix, you rose from crisis and continued to grow."
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, student speaker Nimrod Carmel reflected on the impact of the war on students' academic experience.
"The Israeli reality over the past few years has not allowed us to just be students; we were called upon to demonstrate responsibility and leadership in the real world," Carmel said.
"Many of us repeatedly traded our notebooks and laptops for military uniforms and months of reserve duty. Despite the uncertainty and the challenges, we moved forward together."