Resilience and Innovation: Afeka's Ofek Fair Returns to Campus

In a powerful display of resilience and community spirit, Afeka College of Engineering's campus recently came alive with the return of its cornerstone event, the Ofek Fair. The fair's successful execution carried special significance this year, having been impossible just twelve months ago when 42% of the student body was called to reserve duty.

The vibrant atmosphere at the fair reflected Afeka's commitment to providing a comprehensive engineering education that extends far beyond traditional classroom learning. As Adv. Karen Ben Haim, Head of Ofek-Skills Development Centers, explains, "We don't like the word 'extra' in extracurricular. The degree itself and the classroom experience can be rigid, which is why we put so much emphasis on the skills you can learn during your academic career. The extracurricular activities have the freedom of doing anything they want to do any way they want to do it. And this gives practical experience so they learn more than just what's needed for their degree".

Under the umbrella of the Ofek Skills Development Centers, four distinct units work together to create what Ben Haim describes as "a holistic academic experience that is relevant, meaningful, and empowering". These units - the Learning Advancement Center, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Social Engagement Unit, and Student Clubs Unit - were all prominently featured at the fair.

The event showcased an impressive array of student initiatives, including the Robotics Club, AI Club, and the Automotive Club, which proudly displayed Israel's first student-built solar vehicle that has gained international recognition. The Innovation Center demonstrated their creativity with an ingenious Rube Goldberg machine constructed entirely from campus materials.

Perhaps most notably, the fair highlighted Afeka's commitment to community engagement through programs like "Engineering Experience", which brings hundreds of students to campus annually for hands-on science and technology workshops, and "Robot Comes to Class", where students bring humanoid robots to school classrooms.

For students like Ben Eilaty, a mechanical engineering student recently returned from reserve duty, the fair represented something deeper. "I did reserve duty last year. It feels like you're in a cage. I was there for about 90 days. We served there so that people here can live their lives", he reflected. "We need to continue to hold fun days like this. In the beginning of the war, it was difficult to hold celebrations. But we need to get back to that slowly but surely".

"This is the Afeka community", says Omer Marcus, a member of the Robotics Club. "You're not going to get community by just sitting in a classroom. A community is built with moments just like this one. You need to meet new people and find the true student experience".

Afeka President Prof. Moyal emphasizes the strategic importance of these activities: "Afeka serves as a platform for students to pursue their passions. Studying Engineering is extremely challenging, but we want to provide our students with an academic journey that is relevant and meaningful while preparing them with all the knowledge, skills and values they need to succeed in the workforce".

The success of this year's Ofek Fair stands as a testament to Afeka's commitment to nurturing both the professional and personal development of Israel's future engineering leaders, even in challenging times. Through innovative programs, community engagement, and unwavering support for its students, Afeka continues to shape the next generation of engineering excellence.

 

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