Designing war

The Department of Industrial Design at HIT was mobilized for the war effort in developing, planning, and production of combat gear for the IDF forces.

Just a week before the new academic year started, the terrible events of Black Saturday happened on October 7, which led to the outbreak of the "Iron Swords" war. The Department of Industrial Design, led by Ofer Zick, joined the national effort.

The unique "Gear Shop" established at the Institute exemplifies the strong desire and motivation of students, lecturers, and graduates of HIT to mobilize and help with the war effort. The creative studio, regularly used for students' projects, started to be used for planning, developing, and producing combat gear on demand for special units fighting on the front. Hip pouches for grenades, gun holsters, a paramedic bag for a defibrillator, and a protective vest are just some of the developments that the HIT team managed to provide daily to IDF special units, the police forces, the Ministry of Defense and the fire and rescue teams.

In this unique workshop, students work, as well as lecturers, graduates, and even professional artisans or designers who decided to respond to the Institute's open call.

HIT Holon Institute of Technology is proud to initiate and take part in many important initiatives for the benefit of our armed forces. The Institute attributes utmost importance and value to our country and people at such difficult times, expresses its condolences to the families of those who were killed in battle, strengthens the families of our hostages kidnapped to Gaza and prays for their quick and safe release and return home.

Prof. Eduard Yakubov, President of "HIT: We will continue to implement this important initiative and other initiatives for the benefit of our soldiers on the front, the supporters on the home front, and our students."

Prof. David Rawet, Dean of the Faculty of Design: "When the war began, we knew we couldn't sit still. Some students and lecturers joined as reservists, and others wanted to help and support in any way possible."

Ofer Zick, Head of the Department of Industrial Design: "I'm proud of our students, graduates, and lecturers. I'm proud of all the volunteers who work day and night, and above all, I'm proud that we succeed in helping our combat fighters. We will continue as long as they need us."