Palacký University Olomouc has been uneasily following the tragic and worsening situation in the Middle East. We have been deeply shaken by the suffering of the hostages who were captured two years ago by Hamas terrorists, the suffering of the civilian population, by the loss of life, and the large-scale humanitarian crisis in the area.
The mission of the university, in addition to education and scientific and academic research activities, is also to create a space for dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding. This is why we urge all the actors in the conflict, the international community, and the political representatives of the Czech Republic to do their utmost to stop the violence and to find a just and peaceful resolution.
Palacký University has long cooperated with a number of Israeli universities and academic institutions. This cooperation is founded on sharing scientific knowledge, respect for human rights, and respecting the values of academic freedom. We want to clearly state that the political steps taken by the Israeli government do not reflect the positions of our academic partners who cooperate with us on strengthening knowledge, education, and international dialogue. That cooperation is ongoing, and will continue.
Palacký University is and remains a space where differing opinions can meet freely, where paths to understanding are sought, and where future generations of people are educated for whom human rights, peace, and justice are crucial values – ones which are necessary to respect and protect.
We call on members of the academic community, even in these tense times, to comport themselves with mutual respect and understanding, to avoid any kinds of expressions of xenophobia, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, and to contribute to factually based and cultivated discussion.
At the same time, we want to express our solidarity with all the civilians affected by this inhumane conflict. Any and all humanitarian initiatives which seek to alleviate their suffering deserve the maximum support of the entire civilised world.
Palacký University Olomouc Management