Mentorboost Is Back and Seeking Mentors

After four months of reserve duty that began immediately following October 7th, Sagi Brook (27), then a third-year student in the electro-optics and signal processing tracks, returned to the Faculty of Engineering – and quickly realized he was unfocused. "On October 8th, my entire unit reported to Nachshon base, but we only really entered Gaza about two months later, and since then we experienced some very difficult events. In one incident, RPGs were fired at us and three of my friends were wounded, one of whom is still not doing well. In another, we were ambushed and 11 soldiers from the accompanying force went down, I don't know how many of them were killed," he recounts. "Two months after we entered Gaza I was discharged, returned to my studies, and realized I was completely out of it. I tried to get back into a study routine and couldn't, and in the meantime I received another summons for the summer. The university helped me immensely; I was assigned a tutor and the lecturers were accommodating, and thanks to them I somehow managed to get through it. Then, in the second round of reserve duty, I spent two months in Rafah, came out straight into the start of fourth year, with exams and assignments, and I was stressed about finding a job and couldn't figure out how to do it all at once. That's why I was so glad when the Mentorboost program was announced."

The Mentorboost program was established with the goal of supporting students serving in reserve duty by connecting them with a mentor, a graduate of the same study track. These graduates, who have already integrated into leading industry positions, can advise on matters such as CV writing, interview preparation, and networking. "As a result of the war, students in advanced years who served on reserve duty found themselves with a gap not only in their studies, but also in the job search process, and the program's goal is to help them integrate into the industry," explains Sigal Harel-Mor, Head of the Alumni and Friends Impact Engagement Department. "The program enlisted senior high-tech alumni to assist reserve-duty students, not by committing to placement, but by providing tools, emotional support, sharing professional experience, and personal connections within the field.

The Struggle, the Challenge, the Significance

Thirty-three students – 11 of them from the Faculty of Engineering – participated in the program's first cohort, which launched in April 2025. Sagi Bruck was paired with mentor Aaron Taub, 33, a graduate of the combined electrical engineering and music program. Taub, married to Adiella and father of Annael and Eitan, has worked at Apple for the past six years. "When I was asked to join the program, I was glad for two reasons," he says. "One, I have a great deal of affection for Bar-Ilan and the Faculty of Engineering, they gave me so much and I'm happy to give back. The second – the matter of reserve duty is close to my heart. I myself am a reservist, a combatant, serving as an officer of a sniper team in a special unit. I am also a master's student in computer science, and since the war I too have been disconnected from the world for too many of days. I understand very well the difficulty, the challenge, and the importance of this program. So I said yes without hesitation."

It wasn't easy. Aaron was himself called up for reserve duty during the program's opening event. "When I heard he had been called up, I called him to say thank you very much for volunteering, but given the circumstances, I was happy to release him from his commitment and we could meet up at happier times. He insisted on continuing the program regardless, and suggested holding the sessions with Sagi remotely," recalls Sigal. Bruck himself admits he was a little anxious at first when he realized Aaron was also in active reserve duty, "but Aaron really made time for me. He called me constantly, helped me prepare for job interviews, revised my CV, helped me get my thoughts in order – I was coming to interviews with a great deal of mental clutter, and Aaron genuinely helped me with what to say and how to conduct myself. It was very important to him that I succeed, and he never stopped encouraging me and building up my confidence. It addressed a need I was very much in want of at that time, and I am deeply grateful to Aaron and to the university."

No Shortcuts

Over the recent months, Sagi has been working at one of the defense industries as an electro-optical systems researcher. "It's a really nice change of pace, after four very demanding years I feel like I'm starting to relax and decompress," he says.

Aaron, who has previously mentored in various programs, consistently commends Mentorboost's organization. "I know for a fact that a great deal of good work went into preparing the program, investing resources and tools, defining goals, and securing guidance both for mentors and mentees. It was all very smooth and professional," he says. "This program helps people who deserve all the help in the world: students who are serving their country. It doesn't make allowances or offer shortcuts; it simply helps them get where they need to be. Especially in times like these, our people and our country need to show gratitude to reservists and support them. I think Bar-Ilan does a great deal to help and give these students the sense that they are not alone, that they matter, that despite the challenges they can do it all. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to take part in this program, and I would be happy to help in the next cohort as well."

Mentors Wanted

Alumni, would you like to be a mentor too? The second cohort of the Mentorboost program is opening soon, and students eager for guidance are waiting for you. For further details, contact Sigal Harel-Mor. 

For more information about the program