University directors have announced that the academic year at universities and institutions of higher education will begin as usual, on Sunday, 2.11.08; this follows a discussion held by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today  in his office.

Prime Minister Olmert decided that a NIS 450 million budgetary supplement will be transferred to the universities.  Moreover, NIS 50 million – to be paid by the state as per the plan to be submitted by the directors of the various institutions, under the supervision of Education Minister Yuli Tamir – will be allocated for development needs.

Prime Minister Olmert said: "The Government ascribes great importance to higher education, to cultivating excellence in Israeli society and in bring back the scientists and researchers who may be found at academic institutions around the world."