Ben-Gurion University President Warns of Brain Drain and Political Interference
Ben-Gurion University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz warns of a growing brain drain and government pressure on academia as he concludes a turbulent tenure.
The outgoing head of Israel's Association of University Heads (VERH) and president of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, is warning of a growing "brain drain" and criticizing government interference in higher education as he concludes a turbulent tenure.
Reflecting on his relationship with Minister of Education Yoav Kisch, Chamovitz recalled a phone call just two weeks after the October 7 massacre. "I was convinced he was calling to ask how he could help," Chamovitz said. Instead, Kisch expressed anger over a letter signed by university presidents opposing the minister's push to mandate the expulsion of students expressing support for terrorism—a step universities had already taken independently.
"While we were burying our dead, visiting the families of our fallen, and dealing with a tiny number of instances of sympathy for murderers, you are advancing such a decision? We have lost faith in you," the university heads wrote at the time.
Chamovitz also revealed that his very first conversation with Kisch as minister focused heavily on political appointments. "He told me then, 'The only thing I have is appointments,'" Chamovitz recounted. The academic leader warned that utilizing loyalty-based appointments within the Council for Higher Education (MALAG) threatens to undermine the integrity of the system.
The Threat of Brain Drain and Political Pressure
Addressing the broader challenges facing Israeli academia, Chamovitz pointed to a steady decline in state funding per student within the OECD since 2000, which he identifies as the root cause of an increasingly alarming brain drain.
"Over the past three years, the phenomenon of Israelis leaving Israeli academia for positions abroad is no longer just a curiosity. It is a worrying phenomenon," he stated, noting that established researchers with labs and grants are choosing not to return after sabbaticals.
Chamovitz also cautioned against legislative efforts by coalition members, such as a bill proposed by MK Avichai Boaron and backed by Minister Kisch, which sought to restrict academic freedom. "Academia and research flourish when universities have the freedom to act and research," he asserted.
The Missing Millions for Reserve Soldiers
Another major point of contention involves unfulfilled government funding promises dedicated to supporting university students who served in IDF reserve duty during the ongoing war. According to Chamovitz, tens of millions of promised shekels—including a signed agreement for 80 million shekels from the Chief Reserve Officer—have yet to materialize.
Despite institutional frustrations, Chamovitz praised the dedication of the student reservists, noting that many managed to adapt, excel academically, and outperform the average student body.
In response, Minister of Education Yoav Kisch dismissed Chamovitz's remarks, stating: "Prof. Chamovitz is concluding a failed tenure as chair of the Association of University Heads. In the face of incitement and support for terrorism by students and lecturers, he led a weak and compromising line... It would be better if, in his farewell interview, he accounted for his failures rather than attacking the minister."
The Ministry of Defense responded regarding the reserve budget, stating that funds have been allocated for STEM students and that universities have been instructed to submit the required documentation to complete the budget transfer.
