After years of boycott:
The Forum of University Heads today (Sunday) officially recognized Ariel University in Samaria and accepted it as a full member of the Committee of University Heads (VRA).
This is a voluntary body established by the heads of Israel's research universities.
To date, it has had only eight academic institutions, including the universities of Tel Aviv, Hebrew Haifa in Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion in the Negev, Bar-Ilan, the Weizmann Institute and the Technion (the Open University as an observer) - with Ariel University in Samaria left out.
Although the VRA forum is a voluntary body, it has an impact on the world of academia and also on the education system - whose graduates come to institutions of higher education. Among other things, it responds to educational issues and gives various recommendations.
This is significant news in the world of academia after for years the Ariel University (which started as a college) was considered an assignment.
"A university with excellent researchers and impressive academic achievements."
Education Minister Yifat Shasha Bitton, Photo: Gideon Markowitz
The other universities piled difficulties on it, did not consider it part of the decision-making process, tried to prevent the establishment of a medical school in the institution and underestimated cooperation with it.
Teachers stated this evening that: “After discussing the application and relying on legal advice given on the issue, it was decided to attach the university to the forum.
"A notice regarding the decision was given to Prof. Yehuda Sheinfeld, the president of the university."
The chairman of the MLAG, Minister of Education Yifat Shasha Bitton, also commented and said: "I congratulate the Committee of University Heads on the justified and very important move.
Ariel University is a university with excellent researchers and impressive academic achievements.
"Bora Bora" is a great privilege, like all other universities.
"This is an overwhelming response to all those who called only a few weeks ago for a boycott of academia, commerce and life in Ariel."
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