News Release
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Counters Boycott by British Association of University Teachers

JOINT HEBREW UNIVERSITY--AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY STATEMENT ON ACADEMIC
COOPERATION

SIGNED IN LONDON

Jerusalem, May 19, 2005 - In reaction to the academic boycott of Israeli
academic institutions declared by the British Association of University
Teachers (AUT), Hebrew University of Jerusalem President Prof. Menachem
Magidor and Al-Quds University President Prof. Sari Nusseibeh today signed a
joint statement in London calling for academic cooperation. The statement
comes in affirmation of the continuing academic cooperation between the two
universities.

The signing ceremony took place at the Royal Society in London at 3 p.m. (5
p.m. Israel time).

Following is the text of the joint statement:

Cognizant of the moral leadership universities should provide, especially in
already turbulent political contexts, we, the President of Al-Quds
University and the President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, have
agreed to insist on continuing to work together in the pursuit of knowledge,
for the benefit of our peoples and the promotion of peace and justice in the
Middle East.

Our position is based upon the belief that it is through cooperation based
on mutual respect, rather than through boycotts or discrimination, that our
common goals can be achieved. Bridging political gulfs - rather than
widening them further apart - between nations and individuals thus becomes
an educational duty as well as a functional necessity, requiring exchange
and dialogue rather than confrontation and antagonism. Our disaffection
with, and condemnation of acts of academic boycotts and discrimination
against scholars and institutions, is predicated on the principles of
academic freedom, human rights, and equality between nations and among
individuals.

We therefore call upon academics here and worldwide to act in support of our
mission, as one which might allow for ending our shared tragedy rather than
prolonging it.

______________
Prof.Sari Nusseibeh
President of Al-Quds University
London, May 19, 2005

___________________
Prof. Menachem Magidor
President of Hebrew University

For further information: Jerry Barach, Dept. of Media Relations, the Hebrew
Universityor Orit Sulitzeanu, Hebrew University spokesperson