Cooperation with Hebrew University

The University of Antwerp will continue an ongoing research project with the Israeli Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The Ethics Committee for Misuse, Human Rights & Security advised against it, but the university's Executive Board rejected that advice.

The Executive Board of the University of Antwerp examined an ongoing cooperation with Hebrew University of Jerusalem. UAntwerp's Ethics Committee for Misuse, Human Rights & Security recently advised against further cooperations with this Israeli university, particularly because of its contributions to Israeli army training programmes.

Rector Herman Van Goethem felt that this was too narrow as a basis and believed that the Hebrew University should also be heard. He therefore asked for a reconsideration of the internal advice and submitted the matter to the Executive Board. The Board rejected the negative recommendation and decided to continue the cooperation with the Hebrew University.

‘A more in-depth risk analysis, complemented by a critical discussion with the Hebrew University's administration, shows that there are no indications of a risk of involvement of this university in severe and/or systematic human rights violations,’ according to Rector Van Goethem. ‘Of course, universities are polygamous biotopes, but as a university, the Hebrew University pursues a policy which is critical towards the consecutive Netanyahu governments.’

Rector-elect Herwig Leirs supports the Executive Board's decision. ‘The Israeli army's action in Gaza has horrific consequences for the civilian population, but the decision on further cooperation with the Hebrew University in a European research project with several partners from multiple countries was taken after thorough discussion based on in-depth research from the rector and on current knowledge. At the same time, I note that it is not in our power to investigate the activities of a foreign university in even greater depth; this goes beyond a university as an institution. Further questions can only be answered at a higher level. I am thinking primarily of Europe.’