Open Letter to the University of Vienna

We, the undersigned, condemn the invitation of Ayelet Shaked, minister of Justice and member of far-right party HaBayit HaYehudi in Israel who openly called for mass murder of Palestinians to hold a roundtable discussion at the University of Vienna on the 15th of February, called “Protecting Human Rights While Countering Terrorism – The Israeli Case”.

In July 2014, Shaked, who is known for her radical incitements on social media, publicly shared a quote from Uri Elitzur, who was a leading pro settler journalist and a close adviser to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What follows are some excerpts of this quote from a translation which appeared in the Washington Post:

“The Palestinian people has declared war on us, and we must respond with war. Not an operation, not a slow-moving one, not low-intensity, not controlled escalation, no destruction of terror infrastructure, no targeted killings. Enough with the oblique references. This is a war. Words have meanings. This is a war. This is not a war against terror, and not a war against extremists, and not even a war against the Palestinian Authority. The reality is that this is a war between two people. Who is the enemy? The Palestinian people. Why? Ask them, they started it. (…) Behind every terrorist stand dozens of men and women, without whom he could not engage in terrorism. (…) They are all enemy combatants, and their blood shall be on all their heads. Now this also includes the mothers of the martyrs, who send them to hell with flowers and kisses. They should follow their sons, nothing would be more just. They should go, as should the physical homes in which they raised the snakes. Otherwise, more little snakes will be raised there.” https://goo.gl/Q7CNnM

Shaked is founder of far-right advocacy group Yisrael Sheli and she is known for her extreme, ultranationalist views. Shaked furthermore took a clear anti-immigration stance, that explicitly targets African migrants in Israel.

We condemn the University of Vienna for inviting a far right politician who has utilized her position at the top of the Israeli government, perpetuating systematic human rights violations in the Palestinian Territories, to espouse divisive rhetoric and policies. Inviting Shaked, who was recently one of the main drivers of the widely criticized legislation bill to legalize settlement outposts and who openly supports the radical right settler movement, takes a clear stand against international law.

Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have campaigned for many years that “Israel’s settlement policy is inherently discriminatory and has resulted in grave human rights violations including destruction of homes, forced evictions, unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions and collective punishment.” https://goo.gl/usWCCo

In light of the growing popularity of hate speech and racism on a global level, we believe that the University of Vienna has an ethical responsibility for eliminating the perpetuation of these divisive narratives within its grounds. Therefore, we demand a cancellation of the event and we demand that the University of Vienna take a clear position against the Israeli extreme right politician and justice minister who stands for hate speech and racism.

 

Signatures in alphabetical order:

Abbes Ahmed, Directeur de Recherche au Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris, France

Abdulhadi Rabab, Senior Scholar, Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Studies, San Francisco State University

Abrams-Hourani Paula, Frauen in Schwarz, Vienna

Abu-Rous Mohammad, Austrian-Arab Cultural Centre (OKAZ), Vienna

Achcar Gilbert, Professor, SOAS, University of London

Adel Martin, Dr, ORF, Publizist und Univ. Lektor

Ajari Norman, Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès

Ajla Rizvan, University of Vienna

Akladious Alexander, Universität Wien

Al-Hussein Roswitha, Palästina Solidarität

Aldridge Zachary, Columbia University

Alibegovic Senida, Human Rights Activist, Graz

Alnasseri Sabah, York University

Anastasiou Katerina, transform!europe

Andel Wilhelm, Journalist

Andersen Arne, BDS Hamburg

Annemans Lieven, Ghent University

Arens Yigal, University of Southern California

Arraf Huwaida, Human Rights Attorney, USA

Asil Rana, University of Vienna

Asisi Pierre, University of Vienna

Atack Iain, Trinity College Dublin

Atatra Ahmad, Al-Quds University

Augustin Magdalena, Kultur for President

Avdili Blerta, Co-Executive Director at SOL/BSEEDZ

Azzellini Dario, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz

Baker Mona, University of Manchester

Balcerowicz Piotr, University of Warsaw

Balduzzi Andrea, University of Genova

Bale Anthony, Birkbeck, University of London

Baltner Adam, University of Vienna

Barakat Bilal, Austrian Academy of Sciences

Bargehr Gabriele, Institut Im Kontext, Vienna

Bartolomei Enrico, University of Macerata

Batshon Dina, University College London

Bayramoglu Hamide, University of Economics and Business, Vienna

Becker Valentina, Free University of Berlin

Belz Winfried, Palästina/Nahost-Initiative Heidelberg

Benatouil Maxime, Co-Chair, French Jewish Union for Peace (UJFP)

Bernstein Judith, Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue Munich

Bernstein Reiner, Dr, Middle East historian

Biancani Francesca, Bologna University

Birkner Martin, Mandelbaum kritik & utopie

Bollen Roos, London School of Economics and Political Science

Bourbon Denice, Artist and Writer, Vienna

Boyce Robert, London School of Economics and Political Science

Brand Martina, Internationaler Versöhnungsbund Austria

Braun Felix, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

Breidert Ellen, Deutsch Palästinensische Gesellschaft

Bresheeth Haim, Prof., SOAS, University of London

Broder David, London School of Economics

Browne Harry, Dublin Institute of Technology

Bunzl John, Prof. Political Science, Emeritus

Butler Judith, University of California, Berkeley

Bytyqi Serafina, University of Vienna

Caceres Imayna, Artist, Vienna

Casel Isabelle, Die Linke

Celik Esma, University of Vienna

Chan Nadia, Resisters Reading Group

Chilliard Yves, INRA, France

Cillero Marta, European Alternatives

Coste Oliver, University of Munich

Cotto Shireen, City University London

Coudray Sophie, Université Lyon 2

Cruz Soto Marie, New York University

Cushman Mike, London School of Economics

Dabashi Hamid, Professor, Columbia University

Dalhoff Maria, Freelancer, Vienna

Dano Ika, University of Leipzig

Davidson Neil, University of Glasgow

Davis Chandler, Professor of Mathematics, University of Toronto

Davis Uri, University of Exeter

Davitti Daria, University of Nottingham

Dawud Nadeem, University of Oxford, London

De Ley Herman, Ghent University

Deane Raymond, National University of Ireland

Deboosere Patrick, University of Brussels, Belgium

Deneckere Gita, Ghent University Belgium

Deutsch David, Jewish Voice for Peace San Diego

Dierkes Hermann, ehem. Ratsmitglied der Stadt Duisburg

Doha Rashed Tanzeen, University of California-Davis

Doujenis Dominique, University of Vienna

Drost Ekkehart, Bündnis zur Beendigung der israelischen Besatzung e.V.

Duchrow Ulrich, University of Heidelberg

Dähne Helga, German Palestinian Association

Dür Rumeysa, University of Vienna

Edlinger Fritz, Society for Austro-Arab Relations

Egerer Edda, Dr, Frauen in Schwarz, Wien

Ehn Franz, Salam Shalom AK Palästina/ Israel

El Fatihi Hajar, Human Rights Activist

El Kahlaoui Soraya, EHESS – Paris

El-Madani Sara, European University Flensburg

El-Mahdi Rabab, Associate Professor of Political Science, American University of Cairo

El-Mahrakawy Alaa, London School of Economics – Gender Institute

El-Qalqili Pary, Filmmaker

Faerber Felix W., Aktionsbündnis against the NATO “Security” Conference

Far Ernest, Dr, Deutsch-Palästinensische Gemeinde, Bonn

Ferrando Tomaso, Dr, Warwick University School of Law

Finzi Sylvia, University College, London

Flasse Denis, University of Bonn

Flávio Jorge, Tavares Zenun Almada, Center of International Studies, ISCTE-UL, Lisbon

Forman Valerie, New York University

Fouda Hassan, Council for National Interest

Frankenberg Toni, University of Vienna

Franklin Cynthia, Professor of English, University of Hawai’i

Fruchtman Ruth, Writer, Berlin

Fuchs Daniel, SOAS, University of London

Gabriel Leo, Dr, Institute for Intercultural Research and Cooperation, Vienna, Austria

Ganor Sheer, UC Berkeley

Garbaya Imad, Tunesisches Haus Wien

Germann Sarah, Jurist, University of Vienna

Ghannam Doris, BDS Berlin

Ginsberg Terri, American University of Cairo

Glanz Christoph, BDS Initiative Oldenburg

Gleirscher Katrin, Political Scientist, Vienna

Golan Neta, International Solidarity Movement, Israel

Goldstein Catherine, directrice de recherche au CNRS in France, member of the Association des universitaires pour le respect des droits en Palestine

Gomes Bea, Universitiy of Vienna

Gorqaj Majlinda, University of Vienna

Grassiani Erella, University of Amsterdam

Greenstein Tony, University of Sussex, Brighton & Hove Trades Council

Groth Annette, Abgeordnete Deutscher Bundestag

Grønning Øystein, Board member, ARC-PEACE International Architects Designers Planners for Social Responsibility

Gupta Amith, NYU School of Law, Institute for International Law and Justice Scholar

Gutierrez Andrew Paul, Emeritus Professor, University of California at Berkeley

Guy Sheftall Beverly, Spelman College

Guzzetti Luca, University of Genoa

Gördü Begüm, University of Vienna

Gülten Dede, Dar al Janub – Verein für antirassistische und friedenspolitische Initiative

Günes-Schneider Naomi, University of Vienna

Hafedh Yasmin, University of Vienna

Hafezi Ahmed, New York University

Hamp Sebastian, University of Vienna

Hamza Tahiri, FSTT Limoges

Harris Michael, Universitäz Paris-Diderot

Hassan Sara, Amnesty International Austria

Hazem Sarah, Columbia University

Hecht-Galinski Evelyn, European Jews for a Just Peace

Hefets Iris, Jüdische Stimme für gerechten Frieden in Nahost e.V. (Jewish Voice of Peace Germany)

Helow Niels, BDS Hamburg

Hever Shir, Free University of Berlin

Hilal Maha, Dr, National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms

Hildebrandt Jan, University of Göttingen, Medical department

Hirsekorn Murat, University of Vienna

Holloway John, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla

Hoti Shkodran, Levizja VETËVENDOSJE!, Kosovo

Humblet Perrine, Université Libre de Bruxelles

Hvidsten Helga, Palestine Committee of Norway

Hädicke Karin, GPA, Vienna

Häflmayer Doris, University Medical Center Hamburg

Idriss Naye, Columbia University

Ismail Salwa, Professor of Politics, SOAS, University of London

Ivancheva Mariya, University College Dublin

Jandl Isabella, University of Applied Science Burgenland

Jeitler Constanze, Central European University Budapest, University of Vienna Alumna

Jembere Janine, Artist

Jerska Aneta, European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine (ECCP)

Julia Wais, University of Vienna

Jungmayer Daniel, FH bfi Wien, BDS Austria

Kahlau Johannes, University of Hamburg

Kaiser-Livne Michal, Jüdische Stimme für gerechten Frieden in Nahost e.V. (Jewish Voice for Peace Germany)

Kamal Nora, University of Vienna

Kaminer Matan, University of Michigan

Karas Claudia, Aktionsbündnis für einen gerechten Frieden in Palästina

Katalin Eszter, Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna

Kates Charlotte, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network

Kempf Wilhelm, University of Konstanz

Kestane Hümeyra, University of Vienna

Khalili Laleh, SOAS, University of London

Kirsti Aarseth, The Norwegian Committee for Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel

Klatev Stefan, University of Vienna (alumni)

Klein Franz, Chromosome Biology, University of Vienna

Kleinlercher Alexandra, University of Surrey

Klingenburg-Vogel Mechthild, IPPNW

Knutti Rudolf, Swiss-Palestine Association

Konecny Martin, Political Scientist, University of Vienna

Korak Johannes, University of Vienna

Koumiya Ghassane, Youth of the Democratic Way

Kousouris Dimitris, University of Vienna

Kovacs Liesa, Filmmaker, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

Kowalska Beata, Jagiellonian University

Kraitt Tyma, University of Vienna

Krause Angela, Salam Shalom Arbeitskreis Palästina-Israel e.V.

Krieger Helmut, University of Vienna

Kössner Eva, University of Vienna

Lafferty Jim, University of Southern California, Institute for the Humanities

Lakitsch Maximilian, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz

Landy David, Trinity College Dublin

Langer Armin, Autor, Berlin

Langhaeuser Tina, BDS Germany

Langthaler Wilhelm, Author, Vienna

Lassere Davide Gallo, Université Paris Ouest

Layr Georg, Central European University

Legrand Michel, Comité pour une Paix Juste au Proche-Orient, Luxembourg

Levidow Les, Dr, Senior Research Fellow, Open University

Lewandowski Philippe, Université de Strasbourg, retraité

Lichtenecker Penelope, Writer and lecturer

Lin YI-Chun Tricia, Southern Connecticut State University

Lobo Marissa, Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna

Luria Daniel, Industrial Technology Institute

Maasoumi Amir M., Sociologue, Sociologue, défenseur de liberté et droits fondamentaux. Montréal

Madi Sandra, Film Director, Independent

Mahmoud Ines, Political Scientist, Vienna

Mahmoud Wiem, Paris-Sorbonne University

Maier Carina, University of Vienna

Maira Sunaina, University of California-Davis

Maksut Selaedin, New York University

Malik Mariam, University of Vienna

Malik Samia, University of Arts, London

Masri Mazen, City, University of London

Martin Hannah Meszaros, Goldsmiths, University of London

Matar Anat, Tel Aviv University

Matar Anja, BDS Berlin

Mathern Ursula, Merxheim, Germany

Mawry Yousef, Journalist, US

Mayer Maria, University of Vienna

McGuinness Simon, School of Architecture, Dublin Institute of Technology

Meloni Chantal, Associate Professor of Criminal Law, International Criminal Law, University of Milan

Mesquita Sunanda, Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna

Metschl Viktoria, University of Vienna

Mignolo Walter, Duke University

Milano Gianna, Freelance Science Journalist, Pisa, Italy

Milkovitch-Rioux Catherine, Université Clermont Auvergne

Mitter Cornelia, BDS Austria

Moe Signe, University of Vienna

Mohanty Chandra Talpade, Syracuse University

Molgaard Harald, B.Sc DPhil, ret,

Molina Camilo, Department of Sociology, University of Vienna

Mondon Aurelien, University of Bath

Moshkovitz Ruth Orli, Jüdische Stimme für gerechten Frieden in Nahost e.V. (Jewish Voice for Peace Germany)

Musa Izzeddin, Dr, G.H.U.P. e.V.

Nabulsi Abboud, Artist

Nadasen Premilla, Barnard College

Nadi Selim, Centre d’histoire, Sciences Po Paris

Nahar Renate, Gruppe Grundrisse, Vienna

Nash Polly, University of The Arts, London

Nehls Gertrud, Arbeitskreis Nahost

Neiman Ofer, Freelance translator, Israeli citizen

Nesiah Vasuki, New York University

Novi Maya, Goldsmiths, University of London

Nöbauer Herta, University of Vienna

Ober Maya, BFW, Tel Aviv

Oberndorfer Lukas, University of Vienna

Odeh Hiba, An-Najah University, Palestine

Ofir Jonathan, Conductor and journalist, Copenhagen

Opratko Benjamin, University of Vienna

Ortiz Daniela, Artist

Othman Myriam, Palestina Solidariteit, Belgium

O’Rourke Ciarán, Students for Justice in Palestine – TCD

Paech Norman, Prof. Internat. Law, University of Hamburg

Palumbo-Liu David, Louise Hewlett Nixon Professor, Stanford University

Pampalk Mary, Frauen in Schwarz, Vienna

Papantonopoulou Saffo, University of Arizona, USA

Paukstat Adrian, Universität Augsburg, Jüdisch-Palästinensische Dialoggruppe München

Paul Andreas, Pax Christi Austria

Pawelka Lissy, Psychologist, Munich

Perrier Guy, Prof. Université de Lorraine

Pichler Melanie, Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt

Plonski Sharri, SOAS, University of London

Pretnar Nada, BDS Slovenia

Pretnar Nada, Gibanje za pravice Palestincev

Prokesch Nick, Filmmaker

Qubaia Adriana, Central European University

Quintern Detlev, FSMV University, Istanbul

Rajab Verena, Palestine Solidarity Committee Stuttgart, Germany

Rasiw Zahre, University of Vienna

Ratkovic Viktorija, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt

Rauch Rene, University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten

Rebucini Gianfranco, EHESS Paris

Reichl Matthias, Center for Encounter and Active Non-Violence, Bad Ischl

Reisin Fanny-Michaela, Jewish Voice f. a Just Peace Germany, International League f. Human Rights

Reitter Victoria, University of Vienna

Reiß Stephanie, Technical University of Ilmena

Resmerk Clelia, University of Vienna, Psychology

Richter Magdalena, Mag, University of Vienna

Ries Gisela, Psychologische Psychotherapeutin, Bonn

Rinne Seppo, Finnish Arab Friendship Society

Rivetti Paola, Dublin City University

Roche Jim, School of Architecture, Dublin Institute of Technology and Treasurer, Academics for Palestine

Ronit Lentin, Trinity College Dublin, ret.

Rosenhead Jonathan, Professor, London School of Economics

Roso Darren, Socialist Alternative

Rottenschlager Klaudia, University of Vienna

Rovidad Muhammad, University of Vienna

Räsänen Syksy, University of Helsinki

Sagmeister Ursula, Frauen in Schwarz, Vienna

Sagner David, Initiative Anticapitalista

Salhi Tina, Frauen in Schwarz, Vienna

Sauer Walter, University of Vienna

Sayrafi Imad, University of Vienna

Schacht Christine, Pax Christi Oberösterreich

Schauer Waltraud, FiS, Vienna

Schenk Günter, University of Vienna

Schneider Angelika, IFOR

Scholten Rudolf, Deutsch Palästinensische Gesellschaft

Schwarzenboeck Monika, Pax Christi Austria

Seaford Richard, University of Exeter

Seewald Magda, VIDC

Segal Lynne, Birkbeck, University of London

Shachar Itamar, Ghent University

Shantout Nour, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

Sharif Regina, Dr, Researcher and Writer, Bonn, Germany

Shehadeh Firas, Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna

Siebourg Gisela, German-Palestinian Associaton

Simon Joshua, Dr, Maayan Magazine

Singh Sukhraj, Greenwich University

Sirri Lana, Maastricht University

Smith Michael Steven, Law and Disorder Radio program

Sommerfeld Nirit, Artist, CEO of BIB e.V.

Sonderegger Camille, SOAS, University of London

Souvlis George, European University Institute

Spannring Hannah, University of Vienna

Spivak G. C., Manojog Pathshala Samity

Squires Kevin, Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign

Stadelmann Linda , University of Vienna

Stefan Barbara, University of Vienna

Stefanini Angelo, Dr, University of Bologna

Suffrin Dana, University of Munich

Suleiman Helga, Steirische Friedensplattform

Suzor-Weiner Annick, University Paris-Sud, emeritus

Sölkner Franz, Steirische Friedensplattform

Taghian Ramin, Historian, Vienna

Tasharofi Anahita, University of Vienna

Taskaya Gözde, University of Vienna

Thiel Caspar, University of Vienna

Thommesen Liv, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Thorkildssen Baard, The Palestine Comitee of Norway

Tokac Fatma Zisan, Columbia University

Topal Mihrican, University of Vienna

Torrubia Nausicaa, University of Vienna

Tveeikrem Strømskag Andrea, The Palestine Committee of Norway

Unterberger Fabian, Vienna University of Economics and Business

Unterweger Peter, International Metalworkers’ Secretariat, ret.

Van Jura Marco, University of Vienna, BDS Austria

Vodopivec Barbara, Gibanje za pravice Palestincev

Vonwiller Laurent, Association Switzerland Palestine

Waldegg Angela, Frauen in Schwarz, Vienna

Walischewski Claus, Israelisches Komitee gegen Hauszerstörungen

Wannig Ute, Sociologist, Frankfurt am Main

Welber Samuel, Ejjp, Austria

Westbrook Stephanie, BDS Italy

Winklehner Sarah, University of Vienna

Winter Paul, University of Vienna

Wisar Ibrahim, University of Nagoya

Yousfi Fayrouz, SOAS, University of London

Zaafrani Sonia, IDB – Initiative für ein diskriminierungsfreies Bildungswesen

Zahidi Karim, Dept. of Philosophy, University of Antwerp

Zanettin Frederico, Università di Perugia

Zion Eldad, University of Amsterdam

Zucali Benjamin, University of Vienna

Zucali Johann, Pax Christi Austria

Zuckermann Moshe, Tel Aviv University