Israel is committing genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Gaza. This includes the indiscriminate bombing of civilians, among whom many children, the deliberate destruction of vital infrastructure, the blocking of humanitarian aid inducing famine, the killing of health workers, and the stated aim of destroying and displacing the entire population. It also includes the deliberate destruction of Palestinian cultural life: universities, mosques, archives, schools, intellectuals, artists, and journalists. This needs to stop immediately. We are shocked by the Dutch universities’ treatment of their students and staff, the recourse to police, the use of violence against peaceful protest and the criminalization of demonstrators. Universities take pride in a history of critical thinking, social justice, and human rights, and should therefore defend the right of free speech, even and especially when they do not agree with the content of it. Instead of driving students out, universities should be proud of them. The Dutch Association of Anthropologists is not a political body. As such, we do not make general political statements or take positions on Dutch foreign policy issues. This is different when humanity as such is at stake, as is the case in Gaza now. This makes it an issue of professional, scientific and moral integrity. As anthropologists, we are dedicated to the study of humanity. As human beings we are obliged to protect its integrity. The board of the Dutch Association of Anthropologists calls for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the war in Gaza and the West Bank, and the recognition of a Palestinian state. The Dutch government must do everything it can to stop the killing, including an immediate and complete stop of the delivery of weapons to the state of Israel, trade sanctions, and diplomatic pressure. Universities must protect all of their students and staff, immediately cease collaborations with institutions implicated in the genocide in Gaza, and commit to academic freedom, social justice, and human rights in word and deed.
Antropologen
De Antropologen Beroepsvereniging (ABv) behartigt de belangen van antropologen die in Nederland wonen, werken of studeren. Om hierop aan te sluiten is het bestuur van de ABv een afspiegeling van het brede veld waarin antropologen actief zijn. Dit platform is voor iedereen die geïnteresseerd is in antropologie en cultureel-maatschappelijke onderwerpen. Zo vind je hier artikelen, evenementen en vacatures. Wil jij je inzetten voor antropologie in Nederland, kijk dan eens naar de ABv werkgroepen!
