The Global Wave of Protests Against Israeli Academic Ties: From Berlin to Paris and Beyond

In recent weeks, students and protesters have been calling for the severance of academic ties with Israel at prestigious universities across Europe. The Free University of Berlin has become a focal point for these demands, with protesters setting up a protest tent and forming a human chain to prevent security forces from entering the area.

The administration of the Free University of Berlin called the police after protesters refused to engage in conversation and attempted to take over buildings on campus. University president Gunther Ziegler emphasized that occupation is not acceptable and that academic discourse should be conducted in a different manner. Clashes between protesters, police, and pro-Israeli groups have been reported at other universities in Berlin and across Europe.

In Amsterdam, more than 3,000 people, including lecturers and students, participated in a demonstration at the University of Amsterdam. Confrontations with police and pro-Israeli elements were reported, along with incidents of violence. Protests have also been held at the University of Vienna, the University of Helsinki, the University of Copenhagen, and other institutions across Europe.

In Paris, violent clashes occurred at the Sciences Po University, with protesters breaking into buildings and disrupting exams. The president of the Île-de-France region announced the suspension of funding to the university until order and peace are restored. Similar protests have taken place in Italy, Spain, and other countries, with demands for a total academic boycott of Israel. Overall, students and protesters are calling for solidarity with Palestine and an end to academic ties with Israel until the conflict is resolved.