26 No. 74 JUSTICE This imperative to act applies not only to the Court but also to universities, students, and administrators alike. Taking a public stand in defense of democracy and the rule of law is not a political act, but rather a moral and institutional responsibility. The continued ability of Israeli universities to conduct independent research and teaching relies on the preservation of liberal democratic values. Finally, Israeli universities must show solidarity with scholars worldwide whose academic freedom is under threat, including universities in the United States. A defining feature of academia is the existence of an international community of scholars who support each other in times of crisis. Calls to boycott Israeli academia are disturbing precisely because they violate this foundational principle. Conversely, this principle has actually fueled increased cooperation between Israeli academics and international counterparts, particularly in the U.S. and Germany, as a response to boycott efforts. Yet, Israeli universities should not merely receive support from this global network; they should actively contribute to it, as they did by supporting Ukrainian scholars affected by the Russian invasion. Condemning antisemitism on U.S. campuses is essential, but it does not justify collective sanctions against researchers or restrictions on academic freedom. The U.S. administration’s use of the fight against antisemitism to justify punitive measures imposes a moral obligation on Israeli universities to adopt a more nuanced stance that supports the cause but questions unjust methods. These actions are not aimed at appeasing those advocating for academic boycotts. Rather, the boycott movement should serve as a reminder of the Israeli universities’ public responsibilities and of the futility of trying to insulate themselves from the moral and political dilemmas facing Israeli society. At the same time, doing what is right may help persuade some critics, who express their opposition through academic disengagement, to reconsider their stance. Academic boycott is a form of political action that, at least in the Israeli context, is unjust, illegal, and counterproductive. Scholars and students from around the world should engage with both Israelis and Palestinians. Rather than severing ties with Israeli academics based on the mere fact that they are Israeli, and regardless of their personal views or scholarly contributions, a more just and effective approach is through engagement and collaboration. Similarly, as in many academic matters, the best response to boycott decisions is not to retaliate with counter-boycotts or lawsuits, but to foster open dialogue that is grounded in a steadfast commitment to liberal democracy and the rule of law. This is the path forward for Israeli academia. n Professor Barak Medina holds the Landecker-Ferencz Chair in the Study of Protection of Minorities and Vulnerable Groups, Faculty of Law, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
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