The Israel-Hamas war posed an unprecedented challenge to student welfare in Israel. The Hebrew University took steps to support its students during the conflict, offering financial aid, mental health and emotional support, and academic accommodations. The university also played a role in supporting Israeli society as a whole, with faculty and staff volunteering to help evacuees and wounded soldiers' families. The university also upheld its commitment to free speech and political association, despite the challenges of wartime. The article concludes with a call for future leaders to uphold values of meritocracy, social solidarity, and peace.