In Israel, Academics Tetanized in the Face of War and the Far Right: "We Liberals Are in a Stalemate"

While the voices of a few figures in the academic system have begun to speak out against the ongoing ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, the vast majority of the administrative and teaching staff are still reluctant to criticize the government and the army.

(Photo by Combatants for Peace) Ilaria Olimpico Yesterday, May 27, 2025, more than 1300 academics signed the letter “Black Flag: An Urgent Call to the Heads of Academia in Israel”. Some members of Combatants for Peace, including Avner Wishnitzer, are among the promoters of the letter. Combatants for Peace is an organization born from the courage of former combatants from both sides who have laid down their weapons and have since then engaged in …