Erasmus University temporarily pauses new collaborations with Israel and Palestine

The Erasmus University Rotterdam will not enter into any new partnerships with Israel or Palestine for the time being. The university in Rotterdam will also test and reconsider its existing ties with Israeli institutions in the coming months, the university leadership announced, Rijnmond reports.

A special committee advised the Erasmus University Executive Board to take these steps, given Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Last academic year, students called on Erasmus University to cut ties with Israel. When the university failed to do so, students started protests on campus in May. Several university buildings were closed as a precaution due to the protests.

The university then asked a special committee to investigate the matter. It advised Erasmus University to reassess its existing connections in Israel. “It requires a complicated assessment that will take more time,” the Executive Board said.

In the meantime, students and staff can continue to maintain contact with Israeli institutions. Erasmus University also sees no reason to stop traveling to the country. “With regard to travel by students and staff in existing collaborations, we naturally always follow the travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Executive Board will immediately start discussions with the faculties about temporarily suspending any new relationships in Israel and Palestine.