The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) has issued an unprecedented statement endorsing the position taken by Prof. David Harel, President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, in his July humanitarian appeal regarding the Gaza crisis.

In its formal statement, ALLEA's Board expressed "deep respect and full support" for Prof. Harel's stance calling on the Israeli government to take immediate action to protect civilian lives in Gaza, restore health infrastructure, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid flow. The European federation emphasized that such action represents "both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for Israel's future international cooperation in science and research."

Read the ALLEA statement

ALLEA represents approximately 60 academies from 40 countries across Europe and has served as the continent's leading voice for scientific collaboration since its establishment in 1994. The organization promotes science as a global public good and facilitates research cooperation across borders and disciplines.

This alignment with Prof. Harel's position stands out in the current European academic landscape, where Israeli scientific institutions have faced increasing isolation. Several European universities and research institutions have implemented various forms of academic boycotts against Israeli scientists and institutions since October 2023, citing concerns over the ongoing conflict. The European Commission has been actively considering sanctions on Israeli science, including proposals to suspend Israel's participation in the €95 billion Horizon Europe research program. In July, the Commission proposed to partially suspend Israel from the program's European Innovation Council, though EU member states failed to reach the qualified majority needed for approval, with Germany and Italy requesting more time to examine the proposal.

Prof. Harel's original statement, issued on July 14, 2025, called for addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while simultaneously advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas. His position emphasized both moral responsibility and practical concerns about Israel's scientific standing, noting that European Union measures could potentially exclude Israel from the Horizon Europe research program.

ALLEA's endorsement demonstrates that prominent European scientific bodies can find common ground with Israeli academic positions when they align with humanitarian principles. The federation's statement concluded by affirming that "our hearts and minds are with our member academy and with all who raise their voices in support of humanity, justice, and peace."