Koran cover. Photo: wiki commons.

Israel’s Bar-Ilan University, long associated with the ideals of religious Zionism, will soon establish a dedicated prayer room on campus for the center of higher learning’s 500 Muslim students, it announced Thursday, Israel’s Channel 10 reported.

Until now, Muslim students who wanted to worship throughout the school day had to find an empty classroom or unused patch of grass somewhere on the university grounds.

The university’s announcement comes as the result of one particular student’s diligence and dedication, according to the report.

Abbad Sharqiya, a member of Bar-Ilan’s Associated Student Union, appealed to the university administration to provide a permanent place to allow Muslim men and women to pray.

“In every country, and certainly in Israel, respect for all religions and freedom of worship is critical, ” said Matan Bar Noy, chairman of the Student Union. Bar Noy added that the university’s decision “represents a significant step that will provide all Bar-Ilan students with full equality.”