Rotterdam: Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) in the Netherlands has announced the immediate suspension of its collaborations with three Israeli universities. The decision, which affects Bar-Ilan University, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the University of Haifa, was disclosed in a statement released by the university on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the freeze on institution-wide collaborations is based on recommendations from the independent Advisory Committee on Sensitive Collaborations (ACGS). The decision entails the suspension of existing programs and the prohibition of new research collaborations. Annelien Bredenoord, president of the executive board, emphasized that while international collaborations are grounded in academic freedom and scientific diplomacy, there are limits when fundamental human rights are at risk. The committee’s investigation concluded that there is a significant risk of indirect involvement in human rights violations.

Bar-Ilan University was identified as having a “significant risk” of involvement in human rights violations, while The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Haifa have been scrutinized for their relationships with the Israeli military (IDF). The executive board has stipulated that, for future collaborations to be considered, these universities must clearly distance themselves from any involvement in human rights violations, especially in relation to research activities in occupied territories and cooperation with the IDF.

The executive board of Erasmus University acknowledged that this decision might provoke varied reactions, expressing solidarity with those affected by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The board also noted the impact on the university community, where students and staff from both Jewish/Israeli backgrounds and the pro-Palestinian movement may feel unsafe voicing their opinions. The university remains committed to maintaining a safe and respectful campus environment, fostering dialogue, and respecting differing opinions, despite the challenges posed by perceived insecurities.