June 4, 2007, New York, NY - American Friends of The Hebrew University announced today it is encouraging citizens worldwide to reject a proposed boycott against Israeli universities by Britain's largest faculty union. The announcement comes in response to last week's decision by Britain's University and College Union, which represents 120,000 British educators and academics, to support an international boycott of all Israeli academic institutions.
Peter T. Willner, National Executive Director of the American Friends of The Hebrew University (AFHU), said:
"In the name of academic freedom, we call on concerned international citizens every-where to say 'no' to this boycott and demonstration of hypocrisy. Sadly, this is the third year a row, this vote has taken place."
"Furthermore, it is important to note that it is Israeli universities that are serving as a bridge to peace between Israelis, Palestinians and citizens from all over the world. To deny the legitimacy and importance of Israeli academic institutions is to deny the effort to bring peace to Israel and the entire Mideast region."
George A. Schieren, President of AFHU,said:
"Contrary to what many of these academics believe, Israeli universities are among the most diverse and open in the world. At the Hebrew University alone, we are pioneering academic/research partnerships with Palestinian faculty and students at Al Quds University, and other institutions in the Middle East, including Jordan and Turkey. The pioneering "Bridge to Peace" initiative was launched at The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, and today at the D. Walter Cohen Middle East Center, students-including those from the Palestinian Authority, Cyprus, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco-receive state-of-the-art training in the field of dental medicine."
"Additionally, the Hebrew University's Smith Institute for Plant Sciences engages in joint activities with academics from across the Middle East to improve the agricultural life of the region. We are building bridges to peace through research and work that knows no borders. Students of numerous nationalities, religions, and political perspectives travel to Israel to learn from professors-Jewish, Christian, and Muslim; Israeli and Arab-in a range of fields, including science, medicine, law, and even conflict resolution."
Dr. Willner added, "Hebrew University President Menachem Magidor has publicly championed the right of Palestinian students to attend the Hebrew University. It's worth noting that in 2005, President Magidor and Prof. Sari Nusseibeh, President of Al Quds University, issued a joint statement at the Royal Society in London decrying a proposed boycott at that time. Both men expressed their support for 'the principles of academic freedom, human rights and equality between nations and among individuals.'"
"The University's leadership does not believe in sanctions and boycotts of any group. Therefore, this boycott must be rejected not just in the interest of Israel and its universities, but on behalf of those who support academic freedom and the belief that education is a pathway to peace."
