The Radboud University suspends cooperation with two universities in Israel. The university in Nijmegen is taking this decision because the universities “contribute to serious and systematic human rights violations” in the Palestinian Territories.
The Radboud University is severing ties with Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University. According to the educational institution, the universities have “contributed to direct and specific violations of human rights.” In addition, they may have violated scientific integrity.
Tel Aviv University invests in armed drones, and Hebrew University teaches military technology. Moreover, both universities are said to train people for the Israeli intelligence services. Discussions with the Israeli universities have not changed the Radboud University’s mind.
Executive Board President Alexandra van Huffelen calls it a “clear and powerful signal.” She acknowledges that the decision goes too far for some and not far enough for others. According to her, it is impossible to make a decision that meets everyone’s needs.
Multiple Dutch Universities Stop Cooperation
Since the Israeli invasion of Gaza, there have been many protests on the Nijmegen campus. Demonstrators demand that the Radboud University completely sever all ties with institutions in Israel.
Last week, demonstrators set up a camp with about twenty tents on campus. Those tents are still there. On Thursday, demonstrators also disrupted the celebration of the university’s 102nd anniversary.
Earlier, the University of Amsterdam and Tilburg University decided to suspend exchanges with universities in Israel. The University of Utrecht wants to withdraw from a joint project in which the Israeli Ministry of Health is also participating.