Fight for Dr. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian
Esteemed professor and great friend to Sabeel, Dr. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, is being pressured to resign from her position at Hebrew University, merely because she signed a letter calling for ceasefire in order to spare the children of Gaza further suffering.
The text of the letter she signed is below: ‘Childhood researchers and students call for immediate ceasefire’
Please join us in a letter campaign to the President and leadership of Hebrew University. We are calling all clergy, university professors, and other academics, etc to email letters on their own letterhead directly to President Asher Cohen at hupres@savion.huji.ac.il. You can also email:
Tamir Sheafer (Rector, rector@savion.huji.ac.il),
Asher Ben Arieh,(Dean of social work, benarieh@mail.huji.ac.il)
Tomer Broude (Law dean, tomerbroude@gmail.com)
We know all too well this is just one example of anti-Palestinian censorship and persecution, attack on academic freedom and free speech. We must not allow it.
Dear Dr. Cohen, et al.,
We are shocked to hear of your insistence upon the resignation of our dear friend and colleague Professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian from her position at Hebrew University, merely because she signed a letter calling for ceasefire in order to spare the children of Gaza further suffering.
Whatever you might think of such a political position, surely you cannot possibly require a professor—most especially one of Dr. Nadera’s international standing—to resign simply because she signed a political statement closely related to her field of expertise, along with nearly 2000 other professionals. Sadly, I fear you are succumbing to the atmosphere of hysterical racism and fascism that is currently permeating Israel in the wake of the events of October 7.
While we empathize with the horror, trauma, and rage that is consuming Israeli society, we had every hope that at least at an institution like Hebrew University such an atmosphere would not prevail. We had hoped that the University would maintain the traditions of academic freedom, even in the face of popular pressure.
We hope you will reconsider your position, for the sake of the reputation and integrity of the University, if not for the sake of Dr. Nadera and her safety.
Even before the events of October 7, the forces of right wing fascism were already threatening Israeli aspirations to democracy and liberalism. It would be immensely tragic if you and your institution were to contribute even further to the country’s slide into a climate of facism and intolerance.
Best Regards,
To report an incidence of discrimination or harassment in the US, please visit the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).
Or, visit Palestine Legal.