November 1, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

We, the leaders of Israeli universities and research institutions, write to express deep concern over the disourse emanating from academia following the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the inadequate response, in many cases, by academic leadership.

[Jerusalem, October 26th] – Over 1,000 leading experts from various fields, including social work, psychology, criminology, law, medicine, and public policy, have joined their voices to urgently call upon the international community to take immediate action in securing the release of Israeli abducted children. The experts believe that every moment that passes increases the risk of irreversible damage to the lives of these innocent children.

Amid the ongoing conflict, the Hebrew University Veterinary Hospital in Beit Dagan has been tirelessly working to save and rehabilitate dozens of dogs and cats that have come to them.

One of the dogs under their care is Mika, a 7-year-old mixed breed from Kibbutz Nir Oz. When the attack on the kibbutz commenced, she sought refuge in a safe room with her family, including a couple and three small children. When Hamas militants attempted to breach the secure door and resorted to gunfire, Mika was injured in her back.

For nearly three weeks, Israel has grappled with confrontations from both the south and, more recently, the north. What does it mean for Israel to engage on two fronts? And could there be yet another arena to the east?

Join us for an insightful Hebrew University Zoom Webinar titled "Israel-Gaza-Lebanon: Where Are We Going?," on Sunday, 29th October 2023 18:30 IT (/17:30 CET), featuring our distinguished faculty members:

Announcement by the Hebrew University:

Hebrew University is here to help families who've had to evacuate their homes due to the ongoing war. In collaboration with local organizations, we're offering a safe haven for families from north to south.

The Hebrew University is joining in on the national initiative to volunteer and assist the Israeli community through the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. 

SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem fervently appeals to the international community to take all necessary actions to secure the safe return of every individual who has been abducted and held captive in Gaza.

This plea extends beyond our students to encompass faculty members, university graduates, and their families and all other hostages. The families of the abducted endure unbearable anxiety and live with the constant uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones.

University and college buildings across Israel, from Tel Hai in the North to Sapir in the South, were illuminated in the colors of the Israeli flag this evening (Tuesday) at 7:30 p.m., in an effort to show support for the security and rescue forces, as well as all citizens and residents of the State of Israel, which is undergoing a continuous war.

The International Human Rights Clinic, part of the Clinical Legal Education Center at the Law Faculty of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, on behalf of The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, urgently calls upon the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances in Geneva to issue an immediate demand to the Hamas for the disclosure and clarification of the fate and whereabouts of every individual they are holding or has gone missing.

On October 7,  our world changed. 

As of the time of composing this message, approximately 1,300 Israelis have been murdered during the Swords of Iron War, more than 3,000 have been injured, and over 100 individuals are currently held captive in Gaza. Every person has a unique story, and every story is profoundly heart-wrenching. The horrifying loss of innocent lives and the capture of civilians are acts of terrorism, a crime against humanity, and an embodiment of absolute evil.

11 October 2023

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To our colleagues, heads of universities around the world,

These are difficult times. We thank you for the support and concern we have already received from so many of you.

In light of the ongoing war in Israel, Hebrew University of Jerusalem remains dedicated to supporting our community and fostering unity during these trying times. To stay updated with the latest emergency information, please visit our Rothberg School's page.

Campus Safety and Flexibility

Our campuses are mostly empty, as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our University community.