Electra Dorms at Bar-Ilan
New, state-of-the-art dorms in high demand
Two new dormitory towers on the Bar-Ilan campus are officially open! An event marking the occasion was held this week with the participation of Permanent Committee Chairman Shlomo Zohar, University President Prof. Arie Zaban, CEO Zohar Yinon, Deputy President Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, Chief Planning and Operations Officer Ofer Shragay, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer Naama Gat, Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama Hacohen and senior Ramat Gan municipal officials, Electra Group President and CEO Itamar Deutscher, Electra Concessions CEO Ronny Linover, Council of Higher Education Planning and Budgeting Committee representatives, and Haim Glick, CEO of NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System, which is handling the construction of the new light rail that will include a station adjacent to the dormitory complex.
One thousand seven hundred and twenty students from 60 countries are living on the Bar-Ilan campus this year and in a new complex which includes the Electra dormitories, restaurants that are also accessible to the public-at-large, and an amphitheater surrounded by a park extending approximately 30 dunams.
"This project is not just about engineering and architecture, but a cultural experience for students from all walks of Israeli society and from 60 countries around the world residing together in the dorms. I am confident that it will be the key to an ultimate student experience," said Bar-Ilan CEO Zohar Yinon.
From common meeting areas and resident-student gatherings to an urban square and the spacious park that blends with the local urban motif, the dormitory towers were designed to promote sharing and togetherness. The Electra project offers the most advanced residential experience for students in Israel. In the not-too-distant future, when the purple line on the new light rail system is complete, the complex will become even more accessible via public transportation.
The support of the Planning and Budgeting Committee of the Council of Higher Education and the government's RenTen initiative offers affordable, subsidized rental rates that create significant economic viability for students compared to other rental alternatives.
The project was also made possible thanks to the assistance of the planning and engineering units of the Ramat Gan municipality who have been partners in promoting the initiative since its inception.
"I feel at home here. This is my academic home," said Itamar Deutscher, Electra Group President and CEO. "I acquired my managerial foundations at the university while studying for a degree. I'm proud to see that the vision has become a reality and I express my deep appreciation to our partners and to the university for its commitment to this project. I was happy to discover the community atmosphere and optimal conditions for students here. We really did not skimp on planning and execution. The dramatic improvement in the university's attractiveness has led to an astonishing increase in the number and quality of students, and has contributed to unprecedented demand for the new dormitory towers. These are the best dormitories that a university in Israel offers its students today."
"We are proud of Bar-Ilan's development and try not to interfere but to provide assistance when necessary. We see that there is growing demand for student dormitories and we intend to open more in our city. When we do, we will come to learn more about the success of the Electra project at Bar-Ilan," said Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama Hacohen.
"This would not have been possible without optimal cooperation between Electra Group, the Ramat Gan municipality led by the mayor, and the university, with the support of the Planning and Budgeting Committee and the RenTen initiative. Despite the pandemic, the figures are impressive and there is a waiting list for accommodation in the new dormitories," said Permanent Committee Chairman Shlomo Zohar.
Dorm rooms include private bathrooms, furniture, lighting fixtures, appliances, and more. The WIFI system has been upgraded and large screens will be installed to suit online studies.