On November 12th NTNU, one of Norway’s most prestigious universities, decides whether or not to go to an academic boycott of Israel. Many Norwegians find this confusing. Why Israel? The two salient features of this country, the ones which distinguish it from its neighbors, are that it is democratic and jewish rather than authoritarian and muslim. As for oppression and violence, many Norwegians realize that an intifada would not last for as much as a day in Syria, Jordan or Iran.
Today Verdens Gang, Norway’s largest daily, published a letter from a puzzled – and angry -reader.
WILL THE UNIVERSITY OF TRONDHEIM, NORWAY, BOYCOTT ISRAEL?
Published in Verdens Gang, 26 October 2009.
Ragnhild Sodahl
In its next meeting on 12 November, the board of NTNU – the University of Trondheim will consider a proposal to adopt an academic/cultural boycott against Israel. This is in addition to its arranging a series of six seminars on the Middle East this autumn – with the blessing of its Dean – which has caused a commotion both inside and outside the country because of their anti-Israeli onesidedness.
Norway, which was previously known as a peace-loving, humanitarian nation is now, to an increasing extent, appearing in the international arena with totally different characteristics. The translated book, Behind Norway’s Humanitarian Mask, will be published in a few weeks by Norge IDAG publishers. Its author, Manfred Gerstenfeld, who incidentally has been misrepresented and directly attacked by Norwegian media and individuals, has thoroughly acquainted himself with our conditions and speaks about a number of known Norwegian persons and institutions in his book, where he discloses much of what is behind our “humanitarian mask”.
If the NTNU Board accepts the proposal to boycott Israel, the University of Trondheim will be known throughout the world as the first western university to adopt an academic boycott against Israel, and this will have serious consequences for the international image of Norway. The myth of Norway as a humanitarian, peace-loving nation will then be totally crushed.
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I understand that this is a difficult stance for any institution (or individual) to take, for it requires standing up and speaking out against injustice, a bold and very brave step most are afraid of taking. It is also a risk: to risk being shunned, by some.
But the injustice going on in Palestine is unacceptable and people should not sit around anymore. The global community must act, and I feel, personally, this is the perfect way to do it.
I applaud NTNU for considering to do this. I applaud Norway, a peaceful-loving nation, for seeing an unjust situation for what it is, and for having the balls to do what most people are too cowardly to do.
The international community must help to put a stop to the horrors that Palestinians face everyday. Illegal settlements must stop. Refugees must be allowed to return. Boycotting Israel is the perfect non-violent way to say: Stop! Enough is Enough.
Hopefully, once NTNU take a stance, others will follow. It is usually the way.