The Academy has recently received requests from various quarters to comment on the conflict in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
We too are very concerned about the events of the past few months. The human suffering unfolding before our eyes is overwhelming and affecting us deeply. We sympathise with everyone touched by these terrible events. Based on our role, we are also keen to reflect on the profound impact of these events on the academic community in this region.
Lecturers and students are now in combat situations or have to flee, knowledge institutions, schools and infrastructure are being destroyed, research and teaching have ceased or have been made impossible. These and many other matters reflect the scale of this tragedy.
We therefore understand the calls for the Academy to take a stand. However, that is not our role. We do see it as our role to safeguard and facilitate scientific integrity, critical thinking, academic freedom and room for debate in the academic community in the Netherlands.
It is exactly by doing so that we may encourage solutions, ideas and discussions about how things can be done differently. We are pleased to note that this dialogue is already being facilitated. It is good to continue to provide for that as an academic community, especially when things are difficult. This allows us to accommodate all opinions, while respecting each other's views.
In addition, as the Academy, we have a responsibility towards our staff and we are committed to their well-being. The Academy, including all research institutes, must be a safe place for everyone to work, regardless of origin, background or political convictions. We understand the need to do something. What we can do is continue to have an open discussion with each other and opt for a collaborative and respectful dialogue. We will keep working on that in the period ahead. In this way, we aim to champion science and the academic community anywhere in the world. We are fully aware that ultimately only a viable peace will really provide room for the academic community in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
On behalf of the Academy Board