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Statement of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities on the military operations in the Gaza Strip

"As people, as academics, as individuals responsible to young people (...), we feel obliged to respond to the situation in the Gaza Strip". - reads the statement of the Rectors' Conference of Polish Universities. It is a reaction to the open letters addressed by university employees and students to the authorities regarding the situation of Palestinian civilians and the actions undertaken by Israel. The statement of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities shall be sent to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland.

Poznań, 20 May 2024

The Statement of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities on military operations in the Gaza Strip

On behalf of the Polish university community, we appeal to the authorities and the people of the countries of Israel and Palestine to bring an end to the bloody conflict, which is currently turning into a carnage of civilians committed on behalf of both the State of Israel and Hamas terrorists.

We live in a world of escalating armed conflict, with guns, tanks and missiles replacing dialogue and cooperation. As human beings, as academics and as individuals responsible to young people for not only the quality of education but also for the values we pass on to them, we feel obliged to respond to the situation in Gaza.

The attack on Israel's defenceless civilian population by Hamas terrorists last October shocked us all. However, nothing justifies the course in which the actions of the State of Israel affecting civilians in Gaza are expanding. Any retaliation at the expense of civilians, children, women, and young people who should be enjoying life, getting an education, and engaging in peaceful dialogue with their peers of other nationalities and opinions will not bring an end to the conflict. It will bring only the pain and despair of thousands of people, the desire for revenge and an escalation of aggression.

Observing the Russian-induced war on our eastern border, hosting refugees from Ukraine, and talking to our colleagues from Ukrainian universities daily, we see how destructive - and not only for the attacked nation - warfare is. As citizens of a country affected by the nightmare of the two great wars of the 20th century, we also know that reconciliation between nations which survived violent conflicts is possible. Today, Poland and Germany, within the European Union, cooperate in a lasting and fruitful way for the benefit of the entire continent.

We appeal, once again, to all parties involved to end the conflict and stop military action!

Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska
President of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities

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