Q&A Impact of the Situation in the Palestinian regions and Israel at VU Amsterdam

We share concerns about the violence in the region and hope that this conflict ends as soon as possible. As an academic community, we want to contribute to a more just world. In this, we endorse the rulings of the International Court of Justice and UN Security Council resolutions.

As a university, we see it as our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our students and staff where knowledge is shared and there is room for academic dialogue and reflection. We strive for a university that is a safe environment where all voices are heard and where mutual respect and understanding are central.

VU Amsterdam encourages knowledge exchange and dialogue in various ways. Meetings are also organized by the Dialogue Center 3D and NewConnective. Students and staff are invited to actively contribute to these. More information about activities and meetings for students and employees can be found here.  

VU Amsterdam makes teaching spaces available to VU students and staff for academic knowledge exchange and conversation about the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions. On this page you will find all information about (organizing) meetings for the VU community.

As a university, we believe it is very important to provide an environment where everyone feels safe and free to speak out. The Executive Board also engages in conversations with concerned students and employees. In doing so, we do ask for respect and understanding for the different viewpoints and concerns within the VU community. Speak up and be candid, also listen to others and try to put yourself in their perspective.

There are several places at VU Amsterdam where you can go for a listening ear, comfort or guidance on fear, anger or concerns following the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions.  

VU Central
At VU Amsterdam there are several places you can go for help. Refer to this page for staff and students for more information about support offered by VU central.

Diversity Office  
In response to the protests, the Diversity Office is offering walk-in consultations with VU spiritual care providers. 

3D en NEWconnective  
3D en NEWconnective are committed to providing support and assistance to students regarding the student protests by organizing conversations, holding moments of silence and facilitating support groups. For more information contact us.  

Current information and the latest developments can be followed on VU Update: Situation around Israël and the Palestinian regions.  

We see great engagement among students and colleagues. Protest is an important form of expression in our society and the right to do so is enshrined in our constitution. However, education, research and business activities must be allowed to continue, including protests at the university. We encourage everyone to maintain academic dialogue with each other in addition to peaceful protest. Only through open, respectful and constructive conversations can we learn from each other and stay connected.

It is essential for VU Amsterdam to ensure the safety of everyone. Therefore, we take various precautions to guarantee that safety and ensure that teaching and research activities can continue. Standard measures are already in place to ensure the safety and continuity of activities. In case of possible disruptions, we assess what additional precautions are needed based on a current risk picture. This may include, for example, restricting access to buildings through the main entrance or asking for a student or employee pass. In addition, the municipality and police make risk assessments and coordinate their measures, especially for protests outside buildings. Although coordination takes place with VU Amsterdam, the authorities are leading in this.

We are aware that these (precautionary) measures may cause inconvenience and ask for your understanding.

Regarding the question of disclosing collaborative relationships with Israeli universities and institutes, the following: our collaborations of VU Amsterdam with universities in the region are (and already were) available through the EU's CORDIS website.

We do not think that terminating or freezing all contacts with educational institutions of any country is a solution. We think it is important to remain in dialogue with students and colleagues from conflict areas, because it is they who can contribute to change.

In addition, VU Amsterdam is working on a framework against which to test its partnerships. A framework that will apply to collaborations anywhere in the world. Based on its own values, and the international standards in the field of (for example) human rights.

A working group has been appointed to work on shaping the framework. The design is tested through a short and intensive discussion cycle with various cross-sections from the VU community. Best practices will also be included. Our goal is to have this framework ready and in use by July 2024. The latest developments around the review framework are shared on VU Update: Situation around Israël and the Palestinian regions.