Dear members of the Hebrew University community,
The State of Israel is going through a turbulent period, marked by dramatic events with significant implications for the country's future. In the background, the difficult and painful war continues, hostages remain in Gaza, and there are ongoing repeated attempts to alter the constitutional system.
Amid all this, pressures are mounting—both in Israel and abroad—on academic institutions to curtail freedom of expression and academic freedom, principles that are an inseparable part of the identity of any leading research university.
In these circumstances, the question arises repeatedly: How should the University’s leadership act in the face of external elements that threaten to undermine its core values? And how should it respond to the significant events taking place in the country?
In recent times—since the government's initial moves to change the judicial system, and especially since October 7, 2023—we have, from time to time, expressed public positions on these issues in letters to the community, in the media, and in joint statements by the Committee of University Heads. The Hebrew University respects a diversity of opinions and disagreements, as long as they remain within the bounds of the law. Naturally, there will not always be consensus on the administration's policies—and we respect that. Nevertheless, our duty is to promote the University’s best interests while upholding our core values, and this has been the central consideration in all of our actions.
In this letter, we will outline the principles that guide us.
On Campus
The University has a long-standing tradition of freedom of expression. We allow demonstrations on campus by recognized groups, even when their content is controversial, as long as they are within the bounds of the law. In sensitive events, we take steps to prevent physical violence – and so far, we have succeeded in doing so. We know that some events cause discomfort and even anger among some members of our community, but freedom of expression is a core value, and we expect the entire community to respect it. Let us remind you – freedom of expression is meant for all of us, and one day each and every one of us might need it.
Academic freedom is a necessary condition for the existence of a leading research university. Attempts to interfere with it have been rejected in the past and will be rejected in the future. However, this freedom is not absolute – it must be exercised only in contexts relevant to research and teaching.
On National Issues
As a rule, the University does not take political positions or support any particular parties. We recognize that members of our community hold a variety of political views and we respect those differences, and therefore we try to avoid expressing political opinions. However, there are fundamental values in a democratic State, and when these values are at risk, we do take a public stand. Recently, we have spoken out on three fundamental issues:
- The return of the hostages: We see this as a supreme moral obligation. We have repeatedly expressed a clear stance on this matter.
- Changes to the judicial system: The separation of powers is a fundamental pillar of Western democratic governance. Due to the immense importance of this principle, we believe that changes to the structure of the separation of powers must not be made without broad consensus within the political and public systems. Rapid and unilateral changes to the constitutional framework, without such broad agreement, are dangerous.
- Compliance with Supreme Court rulings: The rule of law is the foundation for protecting both citizens and institutions. Recognition of the supremacy of the law is the central factor that shields us all from governmental arbitrariness. Any harm to the rule of law has direct implications for the ability to also protect academic freedom. As we have stated in the past, if the government refuses to comply with the rulings of the Supreme Court, we will take all possible measures, including halting University operations.
Why do we intervene?
This is not merely a matter of values – it is a struggle for our very existence as a leading research institution, and therefore it is also our duty. The existence of a democracy with an independent judicial system is a prerequisite for the functioning of top-tier research universities. In the past, external attempts to interfere with academic freedom at the University were thwarted thanks to the existence of an independent judiciary. Beyond that, we believe that, as a public institution, we are obligated to defend the core democratic values of the State.
Two principles guide us:
First, we are aware of the disagreements, even regarding fundamental values. That is why we act with sensitivity, restraint, and only when we see a real necessity. Second, as much as possible, we act in coordination with all universities through the Committee of University Heads. We believe that only in this way can our actions have a meaningful impact.
And finally, a word about how University policy is determined:
University policy is set in accordance with the University's constitution by the Board of Governors and the University administration, headed by the President, the Rector, and the Director General. However, the three of us regularly consult with other members of the administration and are open to hearing recommendations from other bodies.
Sincerely,
Asher Cohen, President
Tamir Sheafer, Rector
Yishai Fraenkel, Vice President and Director General