Protest in Support of Palestine

Today we stand together for Palestine. Through your stance, you have all demonstrated that you stand with those who are in the right. You recognise, as we do, that collectively saying stop to oppression and genocide is a duty to humanity and its future. Millions around the world share these feelings and thoughts. Protests are being held.

As you have followed in the press, university students peacefully protesting the brutality aimed at virtually destroying innocent people in Gaza for more than six months are facing violence.

From Columbia University to Yale, and New York University to Harvard, protesters at many universities demand that their institutions support calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and sever ties with companies linked to Israel.

Students are being detained, and universities are switching to remote education to halt protests.

We regard the disproportionate response to students’ peaceful protests as a blow to fundamental human rights and academic freedom. We are deeply saddened and strongly condemn it.

A second issue requiring our continued academic awareness and support is education and scientific research. The oppression and genocide taking place in Palestinian territories threaten Palestine’s academic, historical and cultural heritage. Thousands of Palestinian students and scientists are forced to leave their country. Research originating there and students’ education are being disrupted.

In this context, I would like to announce our decision to welcome 40 young people from Gaza to İstanbul Nişantaşı University with NEV scholarships. At a time when thousands of young people’s intended contributions to the world remain unfinished, universities opening their doors to Palestinian youth through scholarships would offer much-needed relief.

The same applies to scientists continuing their work with determination. Our doors are open to all Palestinian scientists who apply.

Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu

Acting Rector