The committee of heads of universities sent a letter to its colleagues in the world to act against anti-Semitism during the war (document inside)
The Committee of University Presidents announces the postponement of the opening of the 2023-2024 academic year in Israel. Currently the postponement is until November 5th. This is according to a statement published by the Board of Heads of the Research Universities following the war that began last Saturday (October 7, 2023) when thousands of terrorists from Gaza attacked dozens of Israeli communities located near the border, massacred their residents and the participants of a nature party in which thousands of Israelis alone participated, and transported hostages to Gaza. Many students were also among the murdered.
"The State of Israel has been under a murderous attack since Saturday morning. Many male and female students and faculty members were drafted into reserve service and we offer a prayer that they will return safely soon."
"After a discussion and assessment of the situation, the Board of Heads of the Research Universities announces that the winter semester of TPDF will open in all research universities in the week starting on October 22.10.2023, XNUMX. More details will be published by each university separately.
Our hearts go out to the families of the murdered. We send wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and full of hope that all the abducted, captives and missing people will return soon. We strengthen the hands of all those who work day and night to restore security, peace and routine to the State of Israel."
And in the meantime, the heads of Israel's research universities turned today in an open letter to thousands of university heads all over the world.
The main points of the letter:
"On Shabbat, a barbaric and cruel massacre of women, the elderly, children, young families, peace activists and toddlers was carried out within Israel. Hamas = Al Qaeda = Daesh" the letter said.
"Let's be clear. This is not "war as usual" or just another chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There are no "good people on both sides" here. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have proven themselves to be brutal and barbaric organizations reminiscent of the Taliban and the Islamic State.
"As the sacred guardians of higher education and academia, who actively pursue knowledge for the benefit of humanity, as role models and teachers of tomorrow's leaders, we all share the responsibility to educate our communities.|
We expect you to condemn and denounce the shocking massacre carried out in the Gaza Strip and the firing of thousands of rockets at innocent civilians. As the leaders of academia around the world - you have a role and a duty to morally stand by Israel and the enlightened world.
