The symbolic return of diplomas is an act of provocation
Did the 50 Jewish-Dutch public figures returning their UvA diplomas on Friday read the report of the committee that recommended severing ties with Hebrew University? UvA scholars Erella Grassiani and Noa Roei question this. “It is an act of provocation, distraction, and polarization meant to pressure the university to back track its decision.”
It should go without saying, but unfortunately, it must be stated again: the decision by the executive board to discontinue the student exchange program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) has nothing to do with antisemitism. It has nothing to do with Judaism. As critical Israeli and Jewish scholars, we find ourselves repeatedly appalled and concerned by actions taken in our name and the narratives promoted through our identity.
On March 28th, a group of 50 Jewish-Dutch public figures plans to symbolically return their diplomas to the University of Amsterdam. This provocative gesture distorts the meaning of the UvA’s recent decision to scale back its ties with HUJI. This decision comes at the end of a prolonged investigation and is supported by thorough research into the HUJI’s longstanding structural ties with the Israeli military and occupation regime. Many in our academic community see this decision as long overdue and too limited in scope, but it is nonetheless a crucial first step toward severing ties with complicit institutions.
Ignoring voices
We seriously doubt whether these alumni, who invoke their Jewish identity and public standing, have taken the time to read the advisory committee’s report. We doubt they have consulted Israeli and Jewish scholars within our institution—academics who may disagree with the decision but recognize the process as thorough and cautious. Moreover, the protestors clearly ignore the voices of critical Israeli and Palestinian scholars in Israel who urge us, their colleagues abroad, to take action.
Framing this decision as an attack on Jewish identity only serves to erode the true meaning of antisemitism. Enough words have been written about how the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism is being weaponized to suppress legitimate dissent. Enough careers have been jeopardized, enough projects canceled in the name of the "protection of Jews from hate" at the expense of other marginalized groups. The fundamental issue at stake is that members of the UvA academic community have the right to refuse complicity in grave injustices.
Grave irony
The advisory committee’s report also highlights the shrinking academic freedom within HUJI and the silencing of critical voices among its Jewish and Palestinian members. It is of grave irony that members of the Jewish community in the Netherlands—who have historically faced silencing and exclusion, even within this university—are now using their social standing to distort a decision that aims to disengage from similar oppressive practices elsewhere.
Let’s be clear: this symbolic diploma return is not an invitation to a meaningful discussion. It is an act of provocation, distraction, and polarization meant to pressure the university to back track its decision. The focus must remain on our duty as citizens to do everything in our power to stop genocide—and on our right, as an academic community, to refuse complicity in crimes against humanity. It is further our obligation towards our students to carefully scrutinize exchange destinations and avoid ensnaring them in such complicity.
We encourage everyone to read the report, inform themselves, and—if they wish—engage in an open and substantive conversation.
Erella Grassiani is associate professor of anthropology and Noa Roei is associate professor of literary studies and cultural analysis.
