UAntwerp continues research project with Israeli university
The University of Antwerp will continue an ongoing research project with the Israeli Hebrew University of Jerusalem, despite negative advice from its ethics committee.
Universities in Belgium have been evaluating their collaborations with Israeli universities for some time, following the escalating conflict in Gaza. The issue has led to student protests and occupations of university buildings.
In relation to a project with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, UAntwerp’s human rights committee advised against continuing the collaboration because of the university's “contributions to Israeli army training programmes”.
Outgoing rector Herman Van Goethem said this was too narrow a basis for ending the cooperation and asked for a reconsideration of the internal advice and a referral to the executive council. The council has now disregarded the negative opinion and decided to continue the cooperation.
“A more in-depth risk analysis, complemented by critical consultations with Hebrew University’s management, shows that there are no indications of a risk of involvement of this university in serious and/or systematic human rights violations,” Van Goethem said.
“Of course, universities are polyphonic biotopes, but as a university, Hebrew University pursues policies critical of successive Netanyahu governments.”
Van Goethem will be succeeded on 1 September by Herwig Leirs, but that is not expected to affect the decision.
“The Israeli army’s action in Gaza has horrendous consequences for the civilian population, but the decision on further cooperation with Hebrew University, in a European research project with several partners from several countries, was taken after thorough discussion based on careful research by the rector and on current knowledge,” Leirs said.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO BELPRESS
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