In recent days, demonstrations and protests calling for the severance of academic ties with Israel have become increasingly common at prestigious universities across Europe. These demands include cutting ties with Israeli educational institutions, researchers, and students. The Free University of Berlin in Germany has been a main target of these protests, with protesters setting up tents and forming a human chain to prevent security forces from entering the area.
The administration of the Free University called the police after protesters refused to engage in conversation and attempted to take over buildings on campus. University president Gunther Ziegler emphasized that occupation is not acceptable and that academic discourse should be conducted in a different manner. Similar protests have taken place at other universities in Berlin and across Europe, with clashes between protesters, police, and pro-Israeli groups.
In Amsterdam, more than 3,000 people participated in a demonstration at the University of Amsterdam. Confrontations with police and pro-Israeli elements were reported, along with incidents of violence. Protests have also been held at the University of Vienna, the University of Helsinki, the University of Copenhagen, and other institutions across Europe.
In Paris, violent clashes occurred at the Sciences Po University as protesters broke into buildings and disrupted exams. The president of the Île-de-France region announced the suspension of funding to the university until order and peace are restored. Similar protests have taken place in Italy, Spain, and other countries, with demands for a total academic boycott of Israel. Overall