A wave of nationwide strikes has brought Israel’s academic landscape to a standstill, as universities across the country shut their doors in protest against proposed government reforms. The strike, spearheaded by the Histadrut labor union, aims to pressure the government to reconsider controversial changes to the judiciary.

The strike, affecting universities from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, has brought a halt to lectures, research, and administrative operations. Students are left with disrupted schedules, and academic staff find themselves unable to perform their duties. The move comes after months of growing unrest over the proposed judicial reforms, which many view as a threat to democratic principles and the independence of the judiciary.

The closure of universities underscores the severity of the ongoing conflict. Students, faculty, and staff are united in their concern over the potential implications of these reforms, viewing them as an erosion of the checks and balances that safeguard democratic institutions. While the strike has brought about a tangible disruption in academic life, it also serves as a powerful symbol of the widespread opposition to the proposed changes.

The outcome of the strike and the fate of the judicial reforms remain uncertain. However, the closure of universities serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of political disputes on the fabric of Israeli society, extending even to the hallowed halls of academia.