From Rita Giacaman, Birzeit University
The aim of the boycott of Israeli academic institutions has little to do with bridging the gap between individual Israelis and Palestinians and more to do with bridging the gap of justice for the Palestinians. It is about taking a stand in the face of terrible injustices that are befalling Palestinian academic institutions and the Palestinian population as a whole because of Israeli government policies and action.
For too long, Israeli academics have benefited from European funds for collaborative research, while the academic infrastructure and life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories were being destroyed. How does this collaboration enhance prospects of peace and justice, and who benefits from it? These are important questions in the face of the deafening silence of the Israeli academic establishment to Palestinian scientific, educational, economic, social and political strangulation.
Joint academic Palestinian-Israeli projects initiated by outsiders lead peace nowhere, as peace does not hinge on developing personal, scientific or other relationships but on a platform of understanding and on the restoration of justice. While scientific cooperation can contribute to reconciliation in a post-conflict setting, it is difficult to believe that such cooperation can achieve much during ongoing conflict. Our experience has indicated that the only tangible and positive impact of such collaboration is the enhancement of the Israeli academy’s reputation and legitimacy, without restoring justice to Palestinians.
The editor writes:
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• In answer to the point raised by Steven Rose, we did speak to Palestinian researchers who also say that the boycott is counterproductive. They say one of their biggest problems is that working with Israelis is difficult because of the official Palestinian policy of non-cooperation.
Ramallah, Palestinian Territories
