Towers of ivory and steel: how Israeli universities deny Palestinian freedom | Synapse
June 13, 2026
Towers of ivory and steel: how Israeli universities deny Palestinian freedom
Key Points
To examine the role of Israeli universities in perpetuating the denial of Palestinian freedom through academic practices.
Analysis of historical context regarding academic boycotts
Discussion of global progressive left movements
Examination of responses to events post-October 2023
Significant increase in global support for academic boycotts since October 2023
Identification of ideological frameworks used by Israeli universities to justify their stance
Evidence of growing divide between progressive groups advocating for Palestinian rights and Israeli academic institutions.
Abstract
For years, an academic boycott of Israel has been the rallying point for a segment of the global progressive left and that segment has expanded dramatically since 7 October 2023. The reasons for th...