SAJBD statement on UCT Senate's decision to rescind academic boycott against Israel

24 November 2019

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies congratulates UCT on the firm stance they took against academic boycotts at their Senate meeting on Friday afternoon.  Sixty eight percent of the university’s senate sent a resounding message of their commitment to academic freedom.  They have loudly voiced their opposition to the three year attempt to introduce an academic boycott against Israel.

Our belief is that this three year obsession by a narrow group of UCT academics has attempted to hijack the university’s decision making forums for an extended time.  This agenda endeavoured to  dominate discussions at Senate and Council meetings taking the University’s focus away from key issues of concern to UCT and our country. 

It is our hope that now that the important decision has been taken, that the focus of the University will continue to the building and strengthening of this important South African tertiary institution. 

We are also encouraged that UCT academics have taken a stance against this BDS inspired resolution which would have achieved little to contribute to peace building in the region and have chosen rather to support engagement processes with a view to peace building. 

The UCT Senate’s decision is a victory for academic freedom in our country and globally.

Issued by Wendy Kahn, SA Jewish Board of Deputies, 24 November 2019