Fees rebellion by instalments

Israel's national student union this week intensified its campaign for lower tuition fees by calling on its members to rebel.

Half-page advertisements in all the leading newspapers encouraged students not to pay more than the first instalment of the 1998/99 tuition charges.

The statement also called for those taking part not to be afraid of threats from administration, pointing out that a first instalment guarantees registration on a course.

The rebellion marks a change in tactics by the union, which has been waging a moderate but largely ineffective campaign against the level of fees (currently more than Pounds 1,500) for many years.

Agreement on more direct action is believed to have been prompted by the failure of demonstrations and petitions. The only success the students can point to is a recent proposal by a parliamentary sub-committee to provide limited financial support for students from low-income families.

Earlier this week students clashed with police during a demonstration in Jerusalem. About 150 were marching to the official residence of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu when the clashes broke out.

Several protesters, including the heads of the student unions at Tel Aviv and Haifa Technion universities, were detained but released later. "Many students who can only just afford to start university end up with no degree because of increases in charges during their studies," said one demonstrator.

There is a widespread belief among staff and students that Israel's six universities are using high fees as a way of differentiating themselves from the growing number of colleges authorised to offer first and second degrees.

A spokesperson for one of the universities said that they had no plans to react to the fees rebellion.

This year Israel will have more students than ever before in 22 domestic universities and colleges. A further 11,000 students are expected to register on courses offered by overseas institutions.