The Long-Awaited Degree Is Now Theirs

In emotional ceremonies, 887 diplomas were awarded to graduates of bachelors’ and masters’ degrees in engineering at SCE – the Sami Shamoon College of Engineering , at Be’er Sheva and Ashdod campuses. The evenings began with the provision of graduation gowns and caps for the graduates, followed by the traditional graduate parades.

Attending the graduation ceremonies were Prof. Yehuda Hadad, rector and founder of the College; Prof. Semyon Levitsky, president of the College; Adv. Meir Sahar, Chairperson of the Administrative Board; Prof. Eli Abramov, representative of the Administrative Board at SCE College of Engineering, Ashdod; and the mayors – Rubik Danilovich, Mayor of Be’er Sheva, and Dr. Yehiel Lasri, Mayer of Ashdod. During the ceremony at Ashdod, Ms. Orna Pesach, manager of the IMPACT scholarship program by the US Friends of the IDF (FIDF) organization, received special honors and an “honorary degree” from the college rector, for her work for Israeli society and students.

In the preface to his speech, Prof. Yehuda Hadad, rector and founder of the College, sought to commemorate ten of SCE’s graduates, whom have fallen in battle. “Additionally, we all pray and wish for the safe return of all IDF soldiers to their homes – and especially, we wish for the swift return of all hostages” said Prof. Hadad in the ceremony, then turned to congratulate the graduates. “Today, you join the community of engineers who must face complex technological, scientific, and social challenges. You are ready to go out into the real world and have a positive effect on it. You must believe in your strength, make an impact, and continue striving for excellence in innovation in anything that you may do”.

About 15% of all engineers in Israel are trained at the College’s campuses in Ashdod and Be’er Sheva. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics’ data for February-April, as published in recent weeks, there is a shortage of over 8,700 engineers in Israel – a 1% increase compared to the January-March data. College graduates contribute to the nation in contending with the shortage of engineers – especially in these complicated times of war – and in developing the South district, where hundreds of industrial and high-tech companies operate.

The SCE graduation ceremony at the Be’er Sheva campus was also graced with the presence of the mother of Itay Berdichevsky, of Blessed Memory, who was murdered in Kfar Aza and was supposed to receive the long-awaited diploma for completing his studies at SCE’s Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Ravit, mother of Itay, of Blessed Memory, received the Diploma at the ceremony on his behalf, on the central stage, and spoke of her sentiments. “It is terribly painful that he never got to enjoy the fruit of his labor. He worked hard, combining fatherhood with his studies. He put a lot of effort into his studies. He had a lot of support from home – his wife Hadar made time for him and rooted for him. He left amazing children behind, whom are now being raised by Hadar’s sister”.

It was one of the most chilling stories from the massacre of the Gaza Envelope residents. Itay and Hadar Berdichevsky hid their twins – who were ten months old at the time – in the Apartment Protected Space while terrorists broke into their home in Kfar Aza. They struggled against the terrorists, but were murdered. The twins were left alone for about 14 hours in the Apartment Protected Space until they were rescued by the armed forces. After the ceremony, the department staff and Itay’s colleagues also held an event in his memory.

Prof. Semyon Levitsky, president of the College, addressed the events of that Black Saturday,  and said “This academic year is not like any other. These days hang in the shadow of the events of that Black Saturday, as we continue facing an ongoing wartime situation, terrible losses in body and mind, hundreds of hostages, hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes, and the complex challenges of rebuilding and recovery. Amidst all these difficulties, this evening is an important, vital symbol for the recovery and healing of us all. This is a symbol of looking ahead – of the decision to stand up and continue nurturing and cultivating Israeli society and our future generation – as a value-driven, determined generation, with great abilities to lead and make a difference”.