Stellenbosch University staff join calls by UCT, UWC for Gaza ceasefire
Academics from SU condemn the manipulation of the definition of anti-Semitism to encompass any critique of Israel or Zionism.
Free Palestine protest / Wikimedia Commons: rajatonvimma /// VJ Group Random Doctors
Lester Kiewit interviews Ashraf Kagee, Professor of Psychology at Stellenbosch University.
Listen below.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) recently voiced their support for a ceasefire in Gaza and the urgent delivery of critical aid.
Stellenbosch University (SU) Senate members are advocating for a similar position.
In a letter endorsed by numerous academics, they emphasise the imperative of not stifling legitimate criticism of actions during the Gaza War, especially in light of plausible evidence of genocide presented by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
They also condemn the manipulation of the definition of anti-Semitism to encompass any critique of Israel or Zionism, viewing it as both intellectually unfounded and a violation of academic freedom.
As SU Senate members, they call for an immediate halt to hostilities and attacks on civilians, as well as the facilitation of humanitarian aid and the release of all captives.
They urge the international community to ensure that humanitarian aid includes the restoration of education in Gaza.
Additionally, they discourage colleagues from engaging with research groups or networks involving current members of the Israel Defense Forces or any part of the Israeli military establishment.
"We are calling for a ceasefire immediately. We are calling for an end to the genocide. We are calling for an end to mass murder."
- Ashraf Kagee, Professor of Psychology – Stellenbosch University
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