Radboud University advised to cut ties with two Israeli institutions
A special committee advised Radboud University to cut ties with two Israeli institutions, concluding that the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv University contribute to “serious and systematic human rights violations” in the Palestinian territories. Whether the Nijmegen-based university will follow the advice is not yet clear, RTL Nieuws reports.
Radboud University asked the committee to investigate the two Israeli universities and advise it on continued collaboration. The committee advised against this, citing several ways in which the Israeli institutions contribute to human rights violations.
For example, the Hebrew University has courses on military technology. Tel Aviv University invests in armed drones. And both train personnel for the Israeli intelligence services.
The Radboud University board will consider the advice and decide on continuing to work with the Israeli institutions at a later date. Students and employees can give their opinion on the matter and a consultation on Monday.
Radboud University has been working with the Hebrew University since 2015 and the Tel Aviv University since 2016. According to the Dutch university, it currently has no Nijmegen students on exchange at the Israeli institutions or vice versa.
The University of Amsterdam paused its student exchange program with the Hebrew University last month.
