To

Prof. Asher Cohen

President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Email: hupres@savion.huji.ac.il

To:

Prof. Tamir Sheafer

Rector of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Email: rector@savion.huji.ac.il

Regarding: Hoping for a Change in the Hebrew University’s Policy regarding the War in Gaza

The war in Gaza affects all of us in a profound, life-altering way. We hear testimonies of war crimes being committed as part of the fighting, and we witness the low standards with which lessons are being drawn from such events and with which such events are judged and publicly discussed. Further, it is clear that the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza is the responsibility of the Israeli government and poses serious moral and legal consequences.

The School for Peace is an educational organization that promotes peace. It has been offering courses integrating Palestinian-Jewish dialogue in universities since 1990. Recently, and following the universities’ request, we held roundtable talks for faculty on the topic of democracy, as well as a preparation workshop around the beginning of the school year amid the war. We believe the academic space should foster change and social influence, and believe academia plays a crucial role in leading society. In these times, it is academia’s duty to raise a clear voice against war crimes; a voice for peace, democracy for all, and human rights.

This week most of us heard about the suspension of Prof. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian from the Hebrew University following her statements against war crimes happening in Gaza. This action contributes to the atmosphere of silencing and oppression that still exists in the Israeli public. It should not be underestimated and it stands in contradiction to academia’s values.

We call on the Hebrew University’s management to retract its decision and to encourage faculty members and students to raise their voices in favor of peace and justice for Palestinians and Jews. It goes without saying that we will continue to act, hope and dream until we reach a situation where freedom, liberty, and real equality exist for everyone.

We will continue to be a home for all those who are silenced.

Hoping for a change,

Dr. Roi Silberberg

The Director of the School for Peace