Members of The Hebrew University community,

These are difficult days for all of us.  We are in the midst of a civil crisis that many of us believe is unprecedented. We all understand that it is the prerogative and even the duty of a new government to promote new policies and modify existing rules. This is part of the soul of democracy. Simultaneously, an equally important task of any government is to respect the fundamental rules of the game of democracy. This includes respect for human rightsand freedom of expression and is comprised of a system of internal balances between the authorities to protect minority rights and prevent governmental tyranny. This is also part of the soul of democracy.

A series of statements and actions presented over recent weeks have raised serious concerns about the government's intention to respect the rules of the game of democracy. First, opinions were voiced, some of which were offensive to minority rights. And over recent weeks, we have witnessed a direct attempt by the government to dramatically change the legal system. This act will reach its peak this coming Monday when an attempt will be made to pass laws that would potentially grant unlimited power to the government. It is important to note in this context, that we all understand that certain changes are required in the legal system. But there is a fundamental difference between changes in the legal system and its complete destruction.

All the research universities, without exception, expressed their opposition to any attempt to violate human rights, and issued a joint statement in which they expressed their grave concerns about the currently proposed legal legislation. There is a reason to that. In countries where human rights are not preserved and where there is governmental tyranny, are generally backward countries where  the economy, the culture, and the higher education system are severely damaged. We guard Israel with great pride as a democratic and Jewish state, and all of a sudden  the Jewish-democratic state is in a kind of danger which we have never experienced before.

However, the management of The Hebrew University is aware that there is a part within the community that disagrees  with our statement.  Therefore, we have so far tried to proceed cautiously: on the one hand, we have expressed our position on these issues in a series of letters, some of which in collaboration with other universities. And on the other hand, we expressed ourselves with moderation and tried to avoid a stronger position of the university management while respecting the fact that some of us do not feel comfortable with strong positions on the legal issue.

What has changed? First, the hope that there would be a real discussion on the constitutional changes, unfortunately has not materialized. The current package of laws, which in the eyes of almost all experts on the subject, is equivalent to the destruction of the legal system, is being brought into legislation this coming Monday. Second, we are seeing very extreme statements presented by politicians, and which will be possible if the constitutional change is approved. Perhaps the most horrifying example was that of a politician who demanded the imprisonment of the former government's legal adviser because he dared to estimate that there was a danger of bloodshed in the country following the constitutional changes. If the proposed laws are passed - the government will be able to imprison people such as the former legal advisor or anyone who expresses positions that are not to its liking, because there will be no legal system that can listen. In our opinion it goes without saying that in such a dangerous situation it is impossible to remain silent.

In light of this, the management of The Hebrew University encourages its members and community members to take part in demonstrations against the legal legislation this coming Monday, and more generally to be part of the democratic struggle against the attempt to turn Israel into a state where there is a ruling tyranny and a government, whether from the right or the left, can do as it pleases without a body to balance its power. The Hebrew University is proud to be an important part of the State of Israel and as such must act with all the available democratic means, against a threat to the democratic-Jewish nature of the State.

We are aware that not all members of our community hold this position. Therefore, all the exams that are scheduled to take place during the demonstration will take place as usual and all students who wish to do so, will be able to take the exams as usual. As written in a previous letter, subject to the consent of the lecturers responsible for the exams held on this day - all students who want to participate in the demonstrations held on that day will be entitled to a special term. By order of the salary commissioner, members of the administrative staff are entitled to participate in a demonstration in exchange for a vacation day.

Best regards

Statement of opinion from the president and rector of the universityAsher and Tamir