Concern about the situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Utrecht University follows the developments in Israel and the Palestinian Territories* with great concern. We are aware that the situation brings pain, concern and a sense of powerlessness to many, both within and outside our university community.

From the Executive Board

As the Executive Board, we have received many responses and requests to express support for one of the two parties in this conflict.

As a university, we share the great concerns about the situation. We hope that the spiral of violence and the human suffering, will end as soon as possible.

As the Executive Board, we see it as our main task to assure the well-being of all our students and employees, in particular those located in the conflict area and/or those in the Netherlands, with (family) ties to Israel or the Palestinian Territories. This is also why our priority after Saturday October 7, was the safe return of students who were located in the area.

We believe it is essential that the university is and remains a safe place for all our students and employees, regardless of their origin, background or political beliefs. We safeguard and facilitate independent thinking, critical debate and analysis, in the hope that this will result in solutions, innovations and ideas about how things can be done differently. We also encourage our scientists to share their expertise with society, as they play an important part in understanding the ongoing conflict.

We understand the call to take a stand. However, that is not our role as UU. We are a university, not a political institute. It is true that we operate within the framework of a so-called ’open society’. Within that framework different positions are possible.

In many places within the university, we see that the conversation about recent developments is held with respect for each other’s positions and feelings. At the same time, we are also receiving signals that the debate is hardening. We therefore urgently appeal to our entire community to maintain peace and unity, with attention and respect for each other. At Utrecht University, there is always room for different (scientific) perspectives and feelings. Calls for hatred, violence, intolerance, or calls that otherwise exceed frameworks of an open society, obviously are not part of that. To continue to having an open conversation with each other, is extra important, now that violence and mutual tension are increasing. We hope that this respectful dialogue also contributes to breaking a spiral of further polarisation.

In the article below you will find tips and tools for maintaining a respectful conversation about a sensitive subject. This information is based on the insights of our own scientists behind TerInfo ; a project from Utrecht University that helps teachers discuss terrorism, political violence and other disruptive events. The advice is useful both in an educational setting, as also for conversations at the coffee machine.

Keep the dialogue going

Emotions surrounding the current conflict in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are running high and this can also translate into conversations and discussions within our university, or cause colleagues and (fellow) students to avoid the conversation completely. Remember that your own emotions, and those of others, arise from (for example) your own beliefs, personal ties with one of the areas, or the fear that violent conflicts entail in general.

In addition, it is good to realise that, as humans, we naturally strive for a consistent worldview. In conflict situations, nuances, facts and contradictory insights are quickly suppressed in order to maintain a simpler, morally clear picture. According to TerInfo researchers, instead of imposing our worldview on others, we should be aware of the imbalance and show compassion for victims on both sides of a conflict, even when we engage in dialogue.

Also, be aware that the current situation for students and colleagues who may feel connected to Israel or the Palestinian Territories, especially when family or other loved ones reside there, truly is terrible. As a result, colleagues or (fellow) students may feel more emotional and/or experience concentration problems, restlessness and/or sleep problems. The more involvement someone experiences in the conflict, the more intense this experience can be. If you experience such problems yourself, please see the bottom of this article for the support available from the university.

Don’t hesitate to ask a colleague or (fellow) student how they are doing. Especially if you know that someone is affected by the conflict. Try to listen without immediately giving your opinion.

If you are a teacher, we can imagine that it might be extra difficult when the discussion takes place in your classroom. Highlighting the different points of view may suggest that you are pro or against something. However, consciously avoiding the discussion may give the impression that you’re not admitting colours. You may never get it right. How to handle this and the impact that it may have, will differ per person, of course.

This article from TerInfo provides help on how to discuss the conflict with students in your classroom and provides guidance on how to prepare for such conversations. On the TerInfo website you can also find do’s and don’ts when discussing a topic with students who are highly emotionally involved. You can also read tips for dealing with controversial topics in general.

Pedagogical tips

In addition to the above information, the following pedagogical tips can provide guidance.

  • If you are planning to discuss this sensitive topic regarding the conflict situation in Israël and the Palestinian Territories in your classroom, then come to an agreement with the participants in advance on how you will conduct this conversation. Ask the students the following question: which conversation rules do you think are important? You are allowed to differ in opinion, but with respect for the other person’s opinion. We are an academic community and disagreement is part of it, but it is important to maintain dialogue.
  • Working method: keep it simple. Ask students to first write down their own perspectives, and then share them in pairs. Then start the conversation with the entire group. Consider whether you want to have this conversation in a large lecture hall or in small working groups. The latter can be a safer environment for the conversation, as hopefully a bond with the students has also already been built.
  • Provide balanced language that does justice to the suffering on both sides (even if you find this very difficult due to your own moral position or background). Among our students, all perspectives are represented and everyone should be able to feel safe at UU. If we cannot engage in open dialogue with each other, where can we?
  • For students who identify strongly with Israel and/or the Palestinian Territories, this situation is particularly horrible. Try to end on a hopeful note. You can do this, for example, by speaking to students about initiatives that are committed to peaceful coexistence and/or justice.
  • Always start by briefly pointing out the official positions of, for example, the Netherlands, the European Union, the United Nations and the international community. Students need to know this, because these are the constitutional and international law frameworks and they provide facts, whether we support them or not. When leaders like Netanyahu or Biden say there is a war, that has meaning under international law and provides new rules.
  • Teach students to ’fight peacefully’ when they want to make their voices heard or take action. Within a democracy there are all kinds of possibilities to do this. Consider, for example, registering as a volunteer to pack relief supplies, become politically involved or organise a lecture.

Are you interested to organise a meeting, lecture, debate, demonstration or other activity in response to the situation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories? In the interest of safety, we ask organisers to report this in advance and in a timely manner to security@uu.nl. Together we can determine whether/which risks there may be and what measures can/need to be taken to reduce possible risks. 

Interested to talk further? Or do you need help?

Utrecht University is committed to supporting everyone who is directly or indirectly affected by these events. We offer our students and employees support in this regard. If you are a student and are looking for information, advice or guidance, check the page  Who to contact?  to see who you can contact. Employees who are concerned can seek support from their manager and Staff Welfare Service  (intranet, login required).

*In its choice of words, the UU adheres to the constitutional frameworks that apply in the Netherlands.