University of Amsterdam ends exchange with Hebrew University

The University of Amsterdam has ended its student exchange program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The decision comes after concerns about the Hebrew University’s connection to alleged human rights violations in Gaza during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. This move is part of a broader trend among European universities to sever ties with Israeli institutions. The committee's recommendation followed pro-Palestinian protests on the Amsterdam campus last year. The university is also distancing itself from over 20 Hungarian schools linked to the Hungarian government, which has faced EU sanctions. While the exchange program, active since 1986, typically involved about 20 students each year, Dutch students have not participated since October 2023 due to a travel advisory. Israeli students were allowed to complete their studies in Amsterdam last fall, but no new Israeli exchange students were accepted. The university cited findings from international organizations, including the United Nations, investigating allegations of war crimes against Israel. They claimed the Hebrew University has not adequately distanced itself from these issues. Concerns also arose from the university’s involvement with the Israeli military through certain training programs. One notable case involved Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian, a professor suspended after signing a letter accusing Israel of genocide. She faced legal action for her comments and eventually resigned. The University of Amsterdam aims to ensure that its academic collaborations do not contribute to human rights violations or military misuse.