Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life urges the British University and College Union to immediately rescind its recent decision to consider a boycott of contacts and exchanges with Israeli academic institutions. As the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, Hillel believes that this anti-intellectual action undermines the very definition of academic freedom and strikes at the root of the scholarly enterprise.

Israeli institutions of higher learning, like their counterparts throughout the world, are models of free inquiry in which students and scholars of all backgrounds and beliefs can explore issues of science and the humanities. Israeli scholars contribute substantially to the advancement of knowledge and international understanding.

The creation of a new boycott against Israel is contrary to the tide of history. We urge University and College Union members to tear down obstacles to the free and comprehensive exchange of ideas, not to erect them. Academic freedom is essential to promoting tolerance and peace. The union’s action is a step in the wrong direction.

Background:

JTA: Jews Divided on Response to British Boycott Threat
Inside Higher Ed: Academic Fallout From Middle East
New York Times Condemns Boycott

Take Action:

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) recommends the following:

U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) has introduced H. Res 467, a resolution condemning the decision by the University and College Union of the United Kingdom to support a boycott of Israeli academia. Contact your Representative and urge him/her to support this measure.

The British Union of Jewish Students (UJS) urges the following:
 
Sign a petition  http://www.petitiononline.com/stopucu/petition.html

Join a Facebook group http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2574270419&topic=2511

Contact Sally Hunt, ggneral secretary of the UCU, at shunt@ucu.org.uk and ask for a national referendum.