Nasim The largest group of US scholars called The American Studies Association endorsed a boycott of Israeli universities, saying The ASA condemns the United States significant role in aiding and abetting Israels violations of human rights against Palestinians and its occupation of Palestinian lands through its use of the veto in the UN Security Council.On Monday, more than 3,800 members of the group voted to approve the boycott by 66 per cent. The vote is a sign of the increasing momentum of the international boycott movement against Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians, AP reported.
The American Studies Association is asking U.S. universities and academic groups to not work with Israeli institutions, but said it does not violate academic freedom, because it includes individual American scholars who collaborate with Israeli colleagues, provided they are not engaged in a formal partnership with or sponsorship by Israeli academic institutions.
Israeli officials have denounced the campaign, claiming that its an attempt to delegitimize the Jewish state. They also argue that companies with ties to states with horrendous human rights records are not similarly targeted. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor declined comment on Mondays announcement by the American Studies Association, referring reporters to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, which did not comment.
By Nasim Online
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