The National Council for Civilian Research and Development in Israel has raised serious concerns about a growing, albeit unofficial, boycott of Israeli researchers in Western academia. This alarming trend, detailed in a report to the Knesset's Science and Technology Committee, underlines the potential risks to Israel's scientific prestige and economic well-being, integral to its identity as a leading start-up nation.
Professor Peretz Lavie, the council's chair, and policy advisor Debbie Kaufman emphasize the importance of international collaboration in scientific research. These collaborations, manifesting in researcher exchanges, conference participation, and active roles in global scientific entities, not only elevate Israel's global scientific status but also significantly contribute to its economy.
Israeli Calcalist business newspaper: The #Knesset received a secret report expressing concern about the world academic boycott, and the threat it causes to #Israel's scientific standing and economy.@julianoakes @BDSmovement @nikitsh @StanleyCohenLaw https://t.co/ecbAx0e82a
ā Nizar Nayouf (@nizarnayouf) December 17, 2023
The council's report, a result of an emergency meeting, highlights an unprecedented wave of antisemitism, marking a concerning increase in animosity towards Jews and Israelis. Since October 7, there has been a notable shift, with Israeli researchers facing rejections for conference invitations, article publications, and grants, signaling a new form of quiet boycott.
The council urges the Israeli government to take immediate action to safeguard the nation's scientific standing. Recommended measures include maintaining research budgets, enhancing bi-national research foundations, encouraging Jewish scholars worldwide to relocate to Israel, and funding international scientific conferences in Israel. These steps are deemed essential, especially in light of the recent conflict with Hamas, to ensure that Israel's scientific relationships and research levels do not suffer.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Prof. Rivka Carmi from ScienceAbroad notes a hidden boycott on campuses that jeopardizes Israeli research capabilities. She points to a worrying decline in the safety of Jewish and Israeli students on campuses, where they face discrimination and pressure to conceal their identity.
Israeli Calcalist business newspaper: The #Knesset received a secret report expressing concern about the world academic boycott, and the threat it causes to #Israel's scientific standing and economy.@julianoakes @BDSmovement @nikitsh @StanleyCohenLaw https://t.co/ecbAx0e82a
ā Nizar Nayouf (@nizarnayouf) December 17, 2023
Prof. Michal Neeman, leading an initiative against campus antisemitism globally, cites academic boycotts in countries like Ireland, Spain, and Italy. The widening international reluctance to engage with Israel, whether in academic publishing or research collaboration, is a troubling trend. Prof. Daniel Zeifman from the National Science Foundation suggests that rising antisemitism could motivate Jewish scientists in the U.S. to join the Israeli academy, proposing a special fund to facilitate such transitions.
