Tel Aviv University continues to recognize its reservist soldiers. Recently the university decided to grant Matanel Siri, a student from the Buchmann Faculty of Law and the Trailblazers Program, an annual tuition scholarship for his exceptional bravery on Oct. 7.
When the Hamas attack began, the sirens found Matanel at home in Petah Tikva. About half an hour later, he received a phone call from his friends at the Nova Festival, who said: “You must come and help us.” Matanel didn't think twice. He left everything, and set out immediately. When he reached the Gaza envelope, he joined the forces already there, took part in battles, and helped rescue about one hundred civilians and soldiers with varying degrees of injury. For his remarkable courage, Matanel received the Israeli President’s Medal for Exceptional Bravery a few months ago.
Matanel Siri thanked TAU for the award and said: “I am very moved by the recognition and warm embrace. But from my perspective, I simply did what was obvious. In those moments when my friends were in distress, it seemed very natural to get up and go help them, especially in a place like the Gaza envelope, which I know very well from my military service. In the army we were always taught the values of seeking contact with the enemy and purity of arms, and I have no doubt that many others would have done exactly what I did for their friends and for the State of Israel.”
The scholarship granted to Matanel follows another TAU decision whereby undergraduates and master's students who served in the IDF reserves for more than 200 days in the past year will be entitled to a tuition scholarship covering 100% of the annual tuition fee.
In collaboration with Tel Aviv University