Originally posted on 04-11-2023

We, a group of concerned students, alumni, and staff at Wageningen University and Research (WUR), have asked the board of the university to issue a statement in support of Palestine, as they have previously done for Ukraine. We have done this to ask for a clear signal that WUR stands behind International Humanitarian Law, and firmly condemns War Crimes against civilians everywhere in the world. Also, we have asked the university to express the same commitment of care to Palestinian and Israeli staff and students, as they did in the case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

We cannot say “never again”, and remain silent, while ethnic cleansing is unfolding in front of our eyes.

Upon sending a drafted statement of support for Palestine to the university, we instantly received an answer from the board spokesperson, stating that it is not up to WUR to take a position in this "conflict", stressing they are a university, not a political organisation, and that they hope that violence from both sides will stop so that peace and stability can return. We consider this response to be strongly contradictory in light of WUR's previous statements regarding the invasion of Ukraine, raising concerns about the application of double standards.

The university’s failure to address Israel’s ongoing transgressions against international law is in contrast with WUR standing as an institution committed to upholding international law and improving the quality of life for everyone. We urge the WUR Executive Board to reconsider its silence and speak out. We call on students, staff, and alumni to increase the pressure on our university to express solidarity with Palestinians and condemn settler colonialism as the condition for a democratic living together. 

We call upon all members of the WUR community who share our concerns to sign this petition.