Hebrew University Community Holds Rally to Call for the Immediate Release of Hostages in Gaza

2 January, 2024
 Hebrew University Community Holds Rally to Call for the  Immediate Release of Hostages in Gaza

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem held a rally at its Mount Scopus campus, urging for the immediate release of 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.


 

Yesterday, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem paused its activities to hold a rally at the Mount Scopus campus, demanding the immediate release of the 100 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Among the speakers was Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui, a 36-year-old father of three young daughters, has been held captive for over 450 days.

Prof. Dekel-Chen spoke candidly about the anguish his family has endured since October 7, 2023: “As a father, I implore you: our response to the Hamas October 7 massacre cannot be perpetual hatred. Eternal hatred among Israelis or Israelis’ blanket hatred towards our neighbors would be terrorism's absolute victory. Israel’s victory in this war is completely dependent on the return of all of the hostages before it is too late. In recent months we’ve been able to cross social and political divides in Israel on behalf of the hostages. As faculty members and as students, I call upon you to mobilize your individual areas of expertise and apply this knowledge in actions to bring our loved ones home and for the betterment of humanity.”

Prof. Asher Cohen, President of Hebrew University emphasized the moral imperative of reuniting the hostages with their families: "It is unfathomable that, more than 450 days since October 7, 2023, 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza. This prolonged captivity is unbearable, and it violates our shared humanity. These captives, who never should have been taken in the first place, should have been returned long ago. yet their suffering continues. As a society, we must unite in our resolve to   secure the immediate and unconditional release of every single hostage. We cannot, and we will not, rest until they are home."

The event served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing suffering experienced by the families of those still in captivity. Attendees, including students, faculty, and community members, expressed solidarity with the hostages and their loved ones, vowing to continue advocating for their release.

The Hebrew University’s rally underscores the importance of collective action, bridging societal divides, and working tirelessly to bring the hostages home. The university community’s call to action resonates far beyond its campuses, reminding the world that the fight for humanity and justice must never waver.


Photos from the Rally | Credit: Dr. Tanya Zion-Waldoks

 

Prof. Asher Cohen

 

Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen

 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards and a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 81st according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en