Statement of the AEJM Board with regard to the decision of five French academics to boycott the Colloquium “Jewish histories of Paris”

Jewish Museums have always been collaborating with researchers of Jewish history, culture and religion, regardless of where they were born or where they conduct their research. It goes without saying that this includes collaborations with academic institutions and universities in Israel and with Israeli citizens.

Therefore, the Board of the Association of European Jewish Museums (AEJM) strongly condemns the withdrawal of five French scholars from participation in the colloquium “Jewish Histories of Paris” which the Musée de l’Art et de l’Histoire du Judaisme (mahJ) plans to hold on 15-16 September. We consider the explanation for their decision, justified by the participation of a PhD student from Israel whose travel costs are being covered by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, as a flagrant violation of the scientific principle that the relevance of research does not depend on the country in which it takes place.

Hostility toward Israeli academic or cultural institutions is gaining more and more momentum in the field of Jewish Studies and Jewish Museums. The AEJM Board observes this development with great concern. We strongly reject any attempt to boycott individuals who are affiliated with Israeli universities or cultural institutions.