The recent war in Gaza has had consequences that reach far beyond the battlefield. Even with a cease-fire in place, Israeli academics are facing a growing wave of international isolation. Universities across the world, especially in Europe, are cutting ties with their Israeli counterparts.
This academic boycott is a direct response to Israel's military conduct in the conflict. Many international scholars and institutions disagree with the actions taken. As a result, they are choosing to stop all forms of partnership as a method of political protest.
For Israeli professors and researchers, the impact is significant. They are losing funding, being excluded from research teams, and finding it difficult to publish in international journals. Planned projects and years of collaboration with colleagues overseas have been suddenly cancelled.
This situation leaves many Israeli academics feeling disconnected from the global community they are a part of. They believe their work in science and the arts should be separate from politics. Instead, they find their careers and relationships hurt by a conflict they may not even support.