On the Hebrew University’s invitation to Javier Milei and why it shouldn’t surprise anyone
#Argentine President Javier #Milei is expected to arrive in Jerusalem tomorrow to speak at the Hebrew University. Miley is admired by the Israeli right for his unwavering support of Israel and his promise to relocate the Argentinian embassy to #Jerusalem.
Since taking office, Milei has slashed over 70% of public university budgets, vetoing a law to ensure adequate funding and accusing faculty members at the University of Buenos Aires of corruption. The university’s budget has seen a 26% cut while the Argentinian secret service budget increased by 68%. Over 60% of university employees are now below the poverty line. While austerity measures might be argued for, Milei's actions appear to be a deliberate attack on education, #liberalism, and potential political opposition.
Hebrew https://www.haaretz.co.il/opinions/2025-06-11/ty-article-opinion/.premium/00000197-5f51-df0f-add7-fffb6c560000
There have been growing calls to boycott the Hebrew University. Two Dutch universities have recommended suspending academic partnerships, citing the institution’s complicity in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The Hebrew University was found to be directly training Israeli military intelligence officers through the Havatzalot program. The university develops military technologies used in #Gaza through Talpiot program. The campus was built on illegally occupied Palestinian land in East Jerusalem and armed soldiers attend classes on campus, creating militarized environment.
New advice: minimise existing cooperation with three Israeli universities https://www.erasmusmagazine.nl/en/2025/05/28/new-advice-minimise-existing-cooperation-with-three-israeli-universities/
PDF https://www.eur.nl/media/2025-05-20250526-advice-collaborations-israeli-universities-publication
PDF https://www.ru.nl/sites/default/files/2025-04/ru-acp-advies-hebrew-university-maart-2025_en-gb-002_0.pdf
See also Maya Wind's book, Towers of Ivory and Steel, investigates the material realities of this involvement, arguing that Israeli universities are deeply embedded in the state and implicated in decades of Palestinian dispossession.
@academicchatter
@palestine
@israel
#IsraelWarCrimes #HebrewUniversity
#neoliberalism