Prof. David Harel, President of the Israel Academy, participated in the 63rd Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs, held in Hiroshima Japan November 1–5, 2025, marking 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The conference, titled “80 Years After the Atomic Bombing: Time for Peace, Dialogue, and Nuclear Disarmament”, brought together 180 participants from 40 countries, including scientists, diplomats, and policy experts, to discuss global peace and nuclear non-proliferation challenges.

 

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a summarizing document, The Hiroshima Declaration, issued by the Pugwash Council, which called for renewed dialogue, the strengthening of international law, and the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. The declaration emphasized that “nuclear weapons must never be used again, under any circumstances,” and highlighted the responsibility of scientists to guide political leaders with knowledge, reason, and moral integrity.

 

In a panel discussion titled "The Role of Scientists in Reducing Nuclear Threats", Prof. Harel commented forcefully on the crucial importance of science in general, stating that “science is borderless and universal, and must stay that way for the benefit of humanity.” He added that “weakening science (e.g., internally, by “bad” governments, or externally, by boycotts) is detrimental in ways that go far beyond the damage to the science per se”, and that “crucial importance must be placed on solid and mutually beneficial relationships between scientific bodies and governments, with sound advice flowing freely from the former to the latter.”

 

He also reflected on the moral responsibility of scientists and citizens in times of conflict. Speaking as both a scientist and an Israeli citizen, he described the grave toll of the ongoing war in the region and the urgent need to work toward peace: “Even without dropping an atomic bomb, you can kill 100,000 people and turn a city into ruins using conventional weapons. This cannot be allowed to happen ever again,” he said.

 

Prof. Harel emphasized that many Israelis are advocating for an end to violence and a future of coexistence:

“I am one of many Israelis who are fighting our government in order to bring about a true end to the war, and to achieve a lasting peace,” he noted, urging the Pugwash leadership to broaden its mandate and work tirelessly against all manner of arms race, and thus to help prevent future wars of any kind.

 

The conference reaffirmed the shared global commitment to disarmament, dialogue, and ethical scientific responsibility. For more information see the official Pugwash website.