To: The Administration of the University of Bonn

We, the undersigned, wish to express our profound concern regarding the strategic partnership between the University of Bonn and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ). In a report submitted to the university administration on 6 November 2024, evidence was provided on how the University of Bonn might be violating international law through its cooperation with this institution. This would conflict with the University of Bonn’s commitment to uphold international law and academic freedom.

Strong evidence was found that students and faculty members of the University of Bonn have lived in, visited and economically supported illegal settlements in the Palestinian Territory (East Jerusalem and the West Bank) through academic exchanges, excursions and research projects. This has implications that undermine the principles of justice and equality that academia stands for.

Moreover, HUJ has established a close partnership with the Israeli government and military, further entrenching its involvement in policies and practices that contravene fundamental human rights. Such affiliations are troubling and call into question the integrity of institutions that engage in partnerships with HUJ.

In light of these serious concerns, demands have been formulated, accessible through the report published by Students for Palestine Bonn and summarized below:

1. An Immediate Investigation: A thorough and transparent investigation into the nature of the partnership between the University of Bonn and HUJ, particularly focusing on aspects that may be in violation of international law.

2. Freezing of Ties: A suspension of all ties with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for the duration of the investigation. This includes all academic exchanges, collaborative projects, and any form of partnership that may compromise the University of Bonn’s values and commitments.

3. Case-by-Case Review: Implementation of a policy to conduct case-by-case investigations into all partnerships that may potentially breach international law, ensuring that the University of Bonn does not inadvertently support or endorse illegal activities through its collaborations.

4. No war propaganda on campus: The University of Bonn must draw consequences from it’s Civil Clause to secure academic freedom from military influence and must disclose financial flows from the military-industrial complex.

By taking a principled stance on this matter, the University of Bonn can reaffirm its commitment to international law and its dedication to the values of academic freedom.

We urge the administration to respond to these demands by the end of the day on 13 December 2024.

The signatories of this petition support the call on the University of Bonn to comply with these demands.

Sincerely,
Students for Palestine Bonn

Your information will NOT be made publicly available. A list of signatories will only be submitted to the university administration.