Unwavering in its purpose and social work, the Volos University renewed its partnerships in order not only to continue granting its scholarships to excellent students but also to increase them. Last year, the decision of the rector's authority of the University of Thessaly to cancel the scholarship award ceremony for fear of incidents related to the war in Gaza had caused dissatisfaction in the Jewish community. Ultimately, the amounts of the 3 "Zacharias Sakkis" scholarships were paid to the beneficiaries without the established award ceremony taking place. An institution that has been operating for 15 years - and has offered much to needy excellent students, while contributing to scientific research - fell "victim" of populist associations and anti-Semitic ideals.
This year, the Volos University redefined the institution and held the event in collaboration with the Directorate of Secondary Education (DDE), at the Conference Center of the Dimitrias University, under the auspices of Metropolitan Ignatius of Demetrias. There, praise was given for the scholarships that have already been paid out and it was announced by the President of the Volos University, Marcel Solomon, that from this year the scholarships will be increased to 8 - with the addition of 5 additional scholarships sponsored by David and Jessica Politis - and that they will be given to the DDE to be awarded to honorees of the Panhellenic competitions, thus severing the collaboration with the University. As Mr. Marcel Solomon characteristically emphasized in his speech: "we decided that in the immediate future, at least as long as Mr. Billinis is rector, who seems to not want to, we will give scholarships to secondary education."
A detailed report from the event was published by local media, such as E-thessalia.gr, which is republished below:
Granting scholarships to top achievers in national competitions
On 7.11.25, the Israeli Community of Volos awarded awards to students of the University of Thessaly who have already received their scholarships for the academic year 2023–2024 at a beautiful event held in collaboration with the Secondary Education Directorate of Magnesia and under the auspices and support of the Metropolitan of Demetrias and Almyros, Mr. Ignatius.
As is known, the scholarships are awarded in memory of the Community's great donor, Zacharias Sakkis.
The Conference Center, in Melissatika, where the event took place, was filled with students, while the beautiful ceremony was also accompanied by the choir of the 1st Experimental High School of N. Ionia, with the musical guidance of Professor Maria Lagou.
The president of the Jewish Community of Volos, Mr. Marcel Solomon, stated that “we held the ceremony of awarding scholarships to students of the University of Thessaly. This ceremony had been scheduled for last March as part of our national holiday, but the ceremony at that time was canceled by decision of the rector of the University of Thessaly, Mr. Billini, because he feared causing incidents by students who had expressed this intention. However, we could not not hold this ceremony, which ultimately took place by only giving praise to the students, as the scholarship amounts had already been credited to their accounts.”
In fact, he noted that "last year's incident saddened us, as the scholarship institution had been in place for at least fifteen years and we had a very good relationship with the rectors, while the result was very good for the students and the local community."
He stressed that “we have decided that in the immediate future, at least as long as Mr. Billinis is rector, who seems unwilling to do so, we will give scholarships to secondary education. For the new year, a total of eight scholarships will be given to students who excelled in the national exams. The scholarships will be given in 2026 and will thus be awarded again to students who took the national exams and are now studying. Therefore, in the scholarships that will be given in 2026, in collaboration with Secondary Education, in addition to the three in memory of Zacharias Sakkis, another five will be given, with the kind offer of David and Jessica Politis, descendants of the donors and honorary members of the community, Victor and Ani Politis. Thus, the wish of the Sakkis family that their initiative will be imitated is fulfilled.”
Finally, Mr. Solomon warmly thanked the Metropolitan of Demetrias, Mr. Ignatios, and the Director of the Secondary Education Directorate of Magnesia, Mr. Socrates Savelidis, for their contribution.
The Director of Secondary Education of Magnesia, Mr. Socrates Savelidis, stated that with deep emotion and a sense of respect we welcome today the announcement of the Jewish Community of Volos to grant annual scholarships to the students of our schools. This is an act of generosity, ethics and historical consistency that connects the past with the present and the future of this city. These scholarships are not only a financial aid, but also a message of love to the new generation, it is an act of faith in the value of man regardless of religion. It is a testament of solidarity and humanity, as they water the pages of the place.
The Metropolitan of Demetrias, Mr. Ignatios, referred to the long-standing tradition of cooperation between the Metropolis of Demetrias and the Israeli Community of Volos and added that awarding children who have the will to progress and excel is something that is stimulating.
Source: e-thessalia.gr, 8.11.2025