In a press statement published on 18 August 2025, the presidents of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Robert Schlögl and Joybrato Mukherjee, comment on the current developments in Gaza and Israel:
“We are deeply shocked by the current developments and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The dramatic situation of the people there requires our attention and decisive action. We welcome the clear words of Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who has called for a fundamental improvement in the situation for the people in Gaza and direct access for international aid organisations to distribute humanitarian aid.
At the same time, we are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of the war for the region, especially with regard to education and science. The people in the Palestinian territories need prospects for the future and better educational opportunities for the younger generation. Once the war has come to an end, which is urgently needed, we in Germany must actively support the reconstruction of Gaza, especially schools, universities and research infrastructure.
As science organisations, we also support the growing calls from the Israeli scientific community – such as the open letter from the five university presidents and the appeal by the President of the Israeli Academy of Sciences, David Harel – to end hunger and war in Gaza and to free the hostages held by Hamas through negotiations. Harel also points to the long-term consequences for the population, the stability of the region and the threat of damage to Israeli science. ALLEA, the European Federation of Academies, has also expressly endorsed his position in a separate statement.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with the state, the people and science in Israel. We therefore continue to clearly oppose calls for boycotts of Israeli scientific organisations, universities and scientists, and we are committed to scientific exchange with both Israeli and Palestinian universities and scientific institutions. Despite all conflicts, scientific cooperation can point the way to a more peaceful future for both peoples. Science is a voice of reason that should be strengthened.”
Source: DAAD