Dutch universities do not want to cut ties with Israel despite protests

Dutch universities wrote in an open letter in Trouw that they have no intention of ending their cooperation with all Israeli partners. The rectors of the 15 universities stated they "protect the individual academic freedom of education and research."

Protests have recently taken place at many universities, with students demanding that educational institutions cut ties with Israel. In several cases, this resulted in vandalism. "We deeply regret this," said the universities. "Nevertheless, the question behind all these protests is legitimate: How do we relate to our sister institutions in areas where large-scale conflict is taking place?"

In the letter, the rectors wrote: "If the values enshrined in the academic ethos, with the possibility of open and academic debate as a minimum requirement, do not stand in the way of cooperation with Israeli and Palestinian universities, we see no reason to reconsider or break off these relationships. We believe it is important not to isolate critical Israeli academics, just as we are strongly committed to supporting our Palestinian colleagues."

The universities also stated that "under no circumstances" will they sever ties with an entire country unless the government orders them to do so, as was the case with Russia. In the letter, they wrote that they will adhere to a protocol of holding sister institutions that violate core values accountable and will distance themselves from those organizations "if such a conversation proves impossible."

Whether core values are at stake is assessed on a case-by-case basis. In the future, ad hoc or ethics committees will be set up to analyze and evaluate each case. The pioneer of this idea is Erasmus University Rotterdam, which has had a committee for sensitive cooperation since Friday. According to Trouw, the committee will now primarily deal with the Israel-Gaza war.

"The assessment differs per institution and also depends on the dialogue they want to enter. We want to give them space first," Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen of the University of Groningen explained, according to the newspaper.

Outgoing education minister Robbert Dijkgraaf said in a response that he is "pleased" that universities are in favor of "a careful weighing of partnerships." "That must be free from intimidation, pressure or threats of violence." According to the minister, it is important that the academic community jointly safeguards academic freedom. "It is a core academic value that scientists can freely determine with whom and on what questions they conduct research. In times of conflict, international academic partnerships can offer an opportunity to maintain an open line and raise critical dissenting voices."