Monday 2 February: two acts of solidarity

Dear colleagues,

We are writing to you with a short announcement of two actions on Monday 2 February to open the new term in the spirit of solidarity and perseverance.

Evacuation of colleagues and students from Gaza

42 Palestinians from Gaza have received their visas for the Netherlands, because they found employment or were awarded a scholarship to study here. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs refuses to assist with the evacuation, pointing to the so-called ceasefire.

On Monday 2 February at 10 a.m. there will be a hearing for three of these cases in the Palace of Justice in the Hague. Please attend the hearing to show your support. 

This is a matter of academic freedom that concerns us all. The inaction of our Ministry not only curtails the freedom to exchange with peers abroad, but also the general right to access education and research, since all universities in Gaza have been destroyed.

Please sign up here so they know how many attendees to expect: https://bit.ly/gaza-hoorzitting .Please share the announcement on social media.

Wij werken hier niet aan mee

Every first Monday of the month when the alarm sounds, we put down our work and make noise for Gaza. Please join us on Monday 2 February at 12 sharp in front of the FSW building in Leiden and bring a pan and spoon. There is no real ceasefire, the genocide continues though there’s less attention for it in the news cycle. Protest is still very necessary to show that we care and that we demand from our government and university leadership to uphold international law and human rights.

More on the national action: https://wijwerkenhiernietaanmee.nl/

Please stay tuned: in LSP’s February newsletter, we will announce several events and updates.

In solidarity,

Leiden Scholars for Palestine