In Support of Academic Freedom

The Executive Committee of the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies (Network), has published a letter in the current Science magazine opposing renewed initiatives that support an academic boycott of Israeli academic institutions. The Committee also opposed Israeli restrictions on Palestinian students that prevent them from studying at institutions of higher education in Israel, the West Bank, and abroad.

I join my small voice to the Committee's powerful one in opposing restrictions on the ability of students to study abroad. The restrictions on Palestinian students seem especially damaging to their rights.

For decades I worked to build linkages between Israeli scientists and their peers in other countries, especially in Muslim countries. We discovered that within the Israeli scientific community there were many people willing to take major risks to cooperate in our programs, that they were willing to provide assistance to counterparts who needed that help, and that the links between scientists across Israel's borders were helpful in improving international understanding in the countries of all participants. People who work together discover that they can live together in peace. Science is now as it has been for centuries, and international enterprise in which scientists cooperate across borders.

So, I also add my voice to those calling for the end of academic boycotts against Israeli scientists. If you find a specific Israeli scientist to be a bigot or otherwise not worthy, boycott that scientist. Do not indulge in prejudice against Israeli scientists as a group, since so many are in the forefront of efforts to build the peace and deserving of our support!