On July 25, Prof. David Harel, President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, addressed ambassadors and representatives from various countries at a significant meeting focused on the implications of growing calls for academic boycott against Israel in the wake of the war. Former Academy President Prof. Nili Cohen also participated in the meeting.

 

The event, organized by Ambassador Steffen Seibert, took place at the German Embassy in Tel Aviv. It was attended by ambassadors from Australia, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Spain, as well as representatives from the embassies of Austria, the European Union, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, and the United States.

 

In his address, Ambassador Seibert expressed deep concern over the increasing challenges faced by Israeli scientists and academics worldwide. He emphasized that academic boycotts not only undermine the principle of academic freedom and international scientific cooperation but also exclude all Israeli scientists, regardless of their scientific achievements, political views, or backgrounds.

 

Professors Harel and Cohen underscored the importance of maintaining scientific connections between researchers from different countries. They elucidated the consequences of the growing isolation of Israeli science, which affects individual academics, research institutions, and both existing and future collaborations.

 

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for collective deliberation on how to counter manifestations of boycott and explore ways to preserve and strengthen academic collaborations between Israel and other countries, particularly during this challenging period.

 

The Academy extends its gratitude to Ambassador Seibert for organizing this important meeting and for his commitment to promoting international academic cooperation.