Tel Aviv University International students volunteering and support group

This post will be bittersweet. Things happened in these days, but we haven't had the time to discuss and to write them down. Now that I have some more information and time, I can give a picture of the current situation. Let's start from the Postdoc bonus: we tried a strategy to demand it from the PI with an official paperwork of the university, to give something to the ones who are really in need of help. Once SEGEL sent out the email encouraging people to ask, the secretaries of the various departments started checking on what's going on, and they eventually declined to proceed with the documents  (the ones signed by the PIs). Not because the papers are not valid, but because this procedure is not meant for the postdocs. One secretary notified us that postdocs cannot receive the one-time payment, but they are in an easier position to receive a bonus directly from the PI, who can independently raise the scholarship for up to 200% (or 225% with special approval) for one mont...

Main highlights of the post (for the rushing people 😆) This article discusses a situation involving research scholarships and postdoctoral positions at a university. The SEGEL organization, representing students and researchers, had been advocating for fair scholarship adjustments based on the cost of living. The university administration initially failed to raise scholarships according to the consumer price index (CPI), leading to protests. After negotiations, the university eventually agreed to increase scholarships for the upcoming academic year. However, postdoctoral fellows were excluded from the compensation. The international community raised concerns about this disparity and engaged with university administrators. Despite discussions, the university remained dismissive of the situation and released new scholarship conditions without additional compensation. SEGEL proposed a "forfeit bonus" as an interim solution for postdocs facing financial challenges. This bonus w...

In this post: Forfeit bonus as a CPI compensation to the outgoing postdocs Further initiatives to raise our voices and get some more! A collaboration with the International Office: the Rosh Hashana happy hour! Forfeit bonus as a CPI compensation to the outgoing Post docs (updated 28.08.23) -->The forfeit bonus became available to all of the post doc fellows as a CPI compensation (Plan B)! With this initiative, we want to help the postdocs who are leaving the country before the next academic year and who cannot benefit of the 10% raise of scholarship.  The idea behind is that we find necessary a compensation to these people, since the university management refused to give any CPI compensation to its postdoc fellows, while PhDs and Master students got a little help (the bonus compensation in May). With the increasing prices in the last months, we all lost the game: we had to pay more, with the same money, while the average wage was adjusted (+12.5%) to cope with the inflation in t...

 This noon we met with Dan Peer and Milette Shamir, two recipients of our campaign on the post doc issues. Among the participants, there were 9 people, of which 4 were postdocs. The meeting went smooth, with an adult and welcoming attitude from both sides. After a brief explanation on the conditions of the post docs and the step we took to start this initiative, we highlighted the most important demands and core issues: Compensation for the raise of the CPI for the postdocs, especially for the ones who are leaving soon before the next academic year. Need to raise the basic level (100%) of the scholarship for post docs and also other scholars. Need to have more transparency on the guidelines and the obligation for the postdocs in their scientific project. Clearer point of references, rules, suggestions, advertising for opportunities etc... Guidance on Maternity leaves, sick leaves, vacation leaves References to the body who can represent the working rights and the administrative or ...

ARNONA payers benefit the Resident's card: as you pay ARNONA (the municipality tax), you are actually entitled to obtain the Resident's card, which can give you a series of benefits. Among the many, there is the possibility to have student discount on the apartments; discounts on culture, sports, arts and recreation facilities; https://www.tel-aviv.gov.il/en/Live/ResidentsCard/Pages/default.aspx Apparently, as an International resident in Tel Aviv, it is possible to get  the card by going directly with your (house) contract and passport to the municipality of Tel Aviv. Info on TAXATION in Israel --> check this Link ! In case ever someone of you needs a certificate for fiscal residence in israel : go to the 20th floor in the ministry of finance/tax (misrad hamisim) and ask for the form "Biksha lekabalat ishur toshavut lzorkhei mas"  בקשה לקבלת תושבות לצורכי מס - יחיד. The same form can be sent in return by mail to the ministry (they will tell you which mail) This ...