50 alumni of the University of Amsterdam have announced they will return their academic degrees to protest the university's decision to terminate its student exchange program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The university cited the Hebrew institution's military connections as the primary reason for severing ties.
Among those planning to return their degrees this Friday are former Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal and former Supreme Court Vice President Ernest Numann.
The controversial decision follows an advisory committee's determination that student exchanges with the Hebrew University should end due to the institution's connections with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and alleged harm to "the status of academic freedom."
In their published conclusions last week, the committee stated that cooperation should cease to prevent assistance in "human rights violations, misuse of knowledge for undesirable military purposes, or severe environmental damage through educational or research collaborations."
Specific allegations against the Hebrew University included criticism of research and training programs supporting Israel's defense industry and the IDF, such as the "Havatzalot" program for intelligence officer training and a military medicine track. The committee also referenced the suspension of Professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, a Palestinian lecturer who had called for abolishing Zionism, accused Israel of genocide, and denied aspects of the Oct. 7 attacks, including sexual assaults in Gaza border communities.
Dozens of university graduates labeled the university's decision "outrageous" as they announced plans to return their academic degrees. Former Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal characterized the committee's work as a "confusing report" with "problematic conclusions" in comments to De Telegraaf newspaper. He noted that the Hebrew University wasn't even granted a hearing in the process.
Alumni claim the decision came under pressure from pro-Palestinian activists pushing for severing ties with Israel. They pointed to violent protests at the university during the past year that caused approximately 4 million euros ($4.5 million) in damage. One alumnus stated, "The university's administration is surrendering to activists shouting slogans that cannot bear the light of day. Some of them have no connection to the university."
The protesting graduates argue that demands to sever ties with Israeli universities over the Gaza conflict are not being applied to universities in other conflict zones, revealing a double standard.
In response, the University of Amsterdam expressed regret about the alumni initiative and indicated a desire to discuss the matter with graduates. The university explained that its decision also affects partnerships with universities in Hungary (allegedly controlled by the Hungarian government) and prevents the renewal of cooperation with Chinese universities. However, alumni noted that existing partnerships with Chinese institutions weren't terminated with the same dramatic announcement as the Hebrew University relationship.
A university spokesperson defended their approach, telling De Telegraaf: "We have held many consultations since May 2024 – the month in which protests began at the university: an ad-hoc working group with experts was established, round table discussions were held, and the independent committee's recommendations were received. This approach helps us avoid reacting too quickly to demands from a specific group."
