2026-05-27
VERA and public discourse regarding the Israeli justice system as well as law and justice in general
VERA [The Association of University Heads, Israel] is a voluntary, non-statutory association of Israeli university presidents that functions, in practice, as a highly influential national institution in the fields of higher education and broader public policy.
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1.
Universities warn boycott has become a strategic threat
2.
Association of University Heads, Israel
November 13, 2025
We, the Presidents and Rectors of Israel’s research universities, acting through VERA, express our deepest concern regarding the grave incident that occurred this week on the campus of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
We view with utmost severity the intrusion by a Deputy Minister and Member of Knesset into an academic lecture while invoking parliamentary immunity. This act of intimidation and disruption, which interfered with the orderly conduct of the class and directly harmed the student body — most of whom are reserve-duty servicemembers who came to complete their studies — constitutes the crossing of a dangerous and intolerable red line. We remain proud to support and cultivate our students and faculty members who serve in the reserves, and we will continue to invest in and support them at every level.
3.
September 2, 2024
A Message from VERA Association of University Heads, Israel
The Association of University Heads, Israel (VERA) announces that Israel's research universities will join the nationwide strike, calling for the promotion of a deal to secure the release of the hostages. The university leaders reiterate their call for the Israeli government to prioritize the release of the hostages as the nation's top priority.
4.
The Committee of University Presidents and Faculty Organizations Demand the Shelving of McCarthyist Bill
VERA emphasized that "under the guise of 'war on terror', an incitement campaign is being conducted against female faculty members, which could lead to violence against them and bloodshed."
VERA and the Coordinating Council of Senior Faculty Organizations in Higher Education today (Tuesday) strongly condemned the bill submitted yesterday by coalition chairman MK Ofir Katz (Likud) - "to remove terrorism from academia", accompanied by the signatures of representatives from the coalition and opposition factions that incite against lecturers at academic institutions.
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According to the University Heads' Association and Faculty Organizations, the bill undermines the independence of higher education institutions, promotes silencing, and restricts freedom of expression in academia. Faculty organizations accuse the Student Union, which is supposed to represent all students in Israel, of joining forces with elements on the far right.
"Unfortunately, the bill is part of an ongoing McCarthyist campaign of incitement and smear against Israeli academia," the University Heads' Association said. "We call on all members of the Knesset to reject the legislative initiative immediately and prevent the severe harm to Israeli academia and democracy," they added.
5.
Association of University Heads, Israel (VERA)
Response to the Governing Board of the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE)
To the Governing Board of the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities,
We, the leaders of Israel’s universities and research institutions, are writing to express concern over your “CRUE statement on the violent situation in Gaza” and to offer our response. Let us be clear: we share your commitment to peace and justice in the region and thank you for your condemnation of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hatred. We agree with you that the situation in Gaza is tragic.
It is imperative that we reinforce academic collaborations to ensure that we live up to our shared global aspirations for a better collective future, and for the pursuit of knowledge and truth.
Respectfully,
Prof. Arie Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University Chairperson of Association of University Heads – VERA
Prof. Daniel A. Chamovitz, President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Prof. Alon Chen, President of Weizmann Institute of Science
Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Prof. Leo Corry, President of the Open University of Israel
Prof. Ehud Grossman, President of Ariel University
Prof. Ariel Porat, President of Tel-Aviv University
Prof. Ron Robin, President of University of Haifa
Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
6.
A Letter from VERA – Association of University Heads, Israel
Public Statement by Presidents of Israel Research Universities Regarding Statements by American University Presidents in Congressional Hearings
It is now their responsibility to ensure the effectiveness and sufficiency of these measures. The burden lies on their shoulders to demonstrate that the universities they lead not only excel in academics but also uphold universal humanistic values and defend the rights of minorities. It is imperative that everyone understands that advocating for the destruction of a people is strictly prohibited at Harvard, MIT, Pennsylvania, and everywhere else in the world.
Prof. Arie Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University; Chairperson of Association of University Heads, Israel – VERA
Prof. Daniel Chamovitz, President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Prof. Alon Chen, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science
Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Prof. Leo Corry, President of the Open University
Prof. Ehud Grossman, President of Ariel University
Prof. Ariel Porat, President of Tel-Aviv University
Prof. Ron Robin, President of the University of Haifa
Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
7.
A Letter from VERA – Association of University Heads, Israel
Expressing deep concern over the discourse emanating from academia following the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7
November 1, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
We, the leaders of Israeli universities and research institutions, write to express deep concern over the discourse emanating from academia following the devastating Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the inadequate response, in many cases, by academic leadership.
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As leaders of Israeli universities, we have been heartened by clear statements of solidary and support for Israel, which are, at their heart, statements in solidary with humanity, enlightenment, and progress. At the same time, we are calling for a sea change in clarity and truth in academia on the matter of Israel’s war against Hamas, so that light will triumph over dark, now and always.
Signed,
Prof. Arie Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University.
Chairperson of Association of University Heads – VERA
Prof. Daniel A. Chamovitz, President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Prof. Alon Chen, President of Weizmann Institute of Science
Prof. Asher Cohen, President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Prof. Leo Corry, President of the Open University of Israel
Prof. Ehud Grossman, President of Ariel University
Prof. Ariel Porat, President of Tel-Aviv University
Prof. Ron Robin, President of University of Haifa
Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
A Letter from VERA – Association of University Heads, Israel
"We all share the responsibility to educate our communities."
To our colleagues, heads of universities around the world,
These are difficult times. We thank you for the support and concern we have already received from so many of you...
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As the guardians of higher education and academia, actively pursuing knowledge for the benefit of humanity, as role models for and teachers of the leadership of tomorrow, we all share the responsibility to educate our communities.
What values are we passing on? Freedom of speech and academic freedom, absolutely. But a stand against barbaric violence perpetrated on civilian populations? We know you join us in renouncing such acts of violence.
Yours,
Prof. Arie Zaban, President, Bar-Ilan University; Chairperson - Association of University Heads – VERA
Prof. Daniel A. Chamovitz, President, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Prof. Alon Chen, President, Weizmann Institute of Science
Prof. Asher Cohen, President, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Prof. Leo Corry, President, the Open University of Israel
Prof. Ehud Grossman, President, Ariel University
Prof. Ariel Porat, President, Tel-Aviv University
Prof. Ron Robin, President, University of Haifa
Prof. Uri Sivan, President, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
9.
The University Presidents' Committee warns: "Judicial reform could seriously harm Israeli academia"
The presidents and rectors of the nine public universities warn of the "exclusion of Israeli academia in the world" that will harm security and the economy; they also express "deep concern about the division and polarization in Israeli society"
Shahar Ilan 10:28, 23.01.23
https://www.calcalist.co.il/local_news/article/hyhig6iso
10.
VERA Statement regarding the judicial changes
We, the presidents and rectors of research universities in Israel, express deep concern about the division and polarization in Israeli society and about processes that could lead to real harm to the national strength and stability of the State of Israel.
We call on the government and the Knesset to uphold the fundamental values of the Declaration of Independence, and in particular to uphold the rights of minorities and the dignity of every person.
As those entrusted with the research and education of future generations of the State of Israel, we warn that the reform that is emerging in the judicial system could lead to serious harm to Israeli academia. This could manifest itself in a brain drain and faculty members being hesitant to join our ranks; that international students, research students, postdoctoral fellows and fellows would not come to the country; that our access to international research funds would be limited; that foreign industries would withdraw from cooperation with Israeli academia; and that we would be alienated from the international research and education community. All of this is expected to have a far-reaching and long-term impact on the security, prosperity and social resilience of the State of Israel.
We call on the government and the Knesset to avoid rapid constitutional change without honest and meaningful parliamentary and public discourse on the controversial issues and their impact on security, the economy, and society in Israel. We warn against an uncontrolled process and call for changes, if decided upon, to be implemented gradually and in stages to ensure mature results that benefit the State of Israel and its citizens.
