Dear members of the Hebrew University community,

The Hebrew University restates its commitment to the core values of the State of Israel as reflected in its Declaration of Independence and the values of human dignity and freedom - the sanctity of life, equality, and freedom for all people.

With the continuation of the war, which broke out following the criminal attack by Hamas on October 7, and in light of the difficult situation the State of Israel has found itself in in recent months, the Senate of the Hebrew University has made the following decisions:

 1. The protection of freedom of expression and academic freedom is especially essential in times of war. An open and critical discussion of government policy is a necessary element in a civilized society. The Hebrew University management and the Senate are committed to protecting the freedom of expression of all members of the university community. The management and the senate join VERA (Association of University Heads) in strongly condemning inciting campaigns against faculty members. We oppose legislative initiatives to limit freedom of expression in universities, in particular the dangerous and undemocratic bill of the Chairman of the Coalition initiated by the National Student Union, and call for its removal from the agenda.

2. We call on the Israeli government to act urgently for the safe return of the kidnapped Israeli citizens, including members of the university community and their relatives. The lives of the abductees are in immediate danger. Action must be taken to implement the outline of the deal proposed by Israel, which was unanimously adopted by the War Cabinet, as presented in the speech of US President Biden and supported by President Herzog. It is our moral duty to do everything to return the abductees home, and to begin the process of restoring Israeli society.

 3. The Senate of the Hebrew University and the university management call on faculty members from the international academic community and academic institutions abroad not to harm academic collaboration with Israeli researchers. The Israeli academy is a central factor in promoting liberal and democratic values, in protecting the rule of law, in providing a safe space for diversity of opinions in Israeli society and the promotion of equality. Continuation of international cooperation is necessary to ensure the contribution of the higher education system to the promotion of peace and justice.

Sincerely,

Tamir Sheafer