We are deeply saddened by the current events. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal murder of innocent people in Israel. In doing so, we stand in solidarity with the statements issued by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Our sympathy goes out to those who have been injured or abducted, as well as to the families and friends of the victims. It also extends to the people in the Gaza Strip who have fallen victim to this violent conflict. Here at HSRW, our thoughts are with all those affected.
We condemn all forms of violence, as well as the trivialisation, glorification and public display of such violence, which includes expressing joy at abhorrent atrocities. We condemn any anti-democratic behaviour and reject in the strongest possible terms any statements directed against individuals’ origins or religious backgrounds – regardless of whether these occur directly in face-to-face interactions or indirectly, and in some cases anonymously, in the digital sphere.
At the same time, the University is and remains a place for academic discourse, and we respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression. Our University is an open and non-discriminatory institution. It promotes international academic discourse as well as value-based and cultural exchange. Through this openness to the world, it contributes to mutual understanding between cultures in an interconnected world. Particularly in these challenging times, our university is strongly committed to the fundamental values of peace, freedom and democracy.
Particularly at times like these, we at the HSRW must maintain an accepting, inclusive and respectful environment. This requires a concerted effort from all of us. For this to succeed, all members of the university must be prepared, as a matter of principle, to respect other perspectives and opposing viewpoints, and to tolerate differences of opinion. Only in this way can we manage to engage in respectful discourse despite our differing views.
Anyone familiar with the HSRW recognises it as a strong international community and a place that demonstrates how the future can be successfully shaped – where the key challenges of our time are tackled peacefully and across national borders, and where solutions to societal challenges are sought collectively. This is what the HSRW stands for, together with its members.
