Breaking Ties with Russia: The Rising Calls for Academic Boycotts with Israel

This week, students at the University of Cambridge were shocked to learn that their prestigious academic institution had cut ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Many students are now questioning why the university has not taken similar action with regard to Israel. Demonstrations and protests calling for the severance of academic ties with Israel have become increasingly common at prestigious universities in recent days. These demands include cutting ties with Israeli educational institutions, researchers, and students.

One of the main targets of these protests is the Free University of Berlin, where a protest tent has been set up similar to those seen on campuses in the USA. In Berlin, protesters set up at least 20 tents at the Free University and formed a human chain to prevent security forces from entering the area. Chants of “Long live Palestine” could be heard as the demonstrators demanded a total academic boycott of Israel.

The administration of the Free University of Berlin called the police after protesters refused to engage in conversation and attempted to take over buildings on campus. University president Gunther Ziegler emphasized that occupation is not acceptable and that academic discourse should be conducted in a different manner. Similar protests have taken place at other universities in Berlin and across Europe, with clashes between protesters, police, and pro-Israeli groups.

In Amsterdam, more than 3,000 people, including lecturers and students, participated in a demonstration at the University of Amsterdam. Confrontations with police and pro-Israeli elements were reported, along with incidents of violence. Protests have also been held at the University of Vienna, the University of Helsinki,