Scientific collaboration with Israel, a leading nation in research and innovation, is essential to us. In the light of decades of inspiring intellectual exchange and the special relationship between research organisations in our countries, we feel compelled to take a stand on recent developments that can negatively affect international cooperation. In particular, we share concerns of our colleagues and friends in Israel that the current judicial reform plans endanger academic freedom and may greatly restrict our joint scientific and innovative potential. We firmly believe that freedom of research and autonomy of academic institutions are essential for the continued prosperity of societies in Israel, Germany and worldwide.

A joint statement by:

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Coimbra Group Universities

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

FU Berlin

German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

German Science and Humanities Council

German U15

Helmholtz Association

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft

University of Potsdam