In German first, Leipzig students vote for academic boycott of Israel

In German first, Leipzig students vote for academic boycott of Israel Submitted by Hebh Jamal on Mon, 05/25/2026 - 12:19 Nearly 700 students at the University of Leipzig have voted almost unanimously to demand the university sever all ties with Israeli academic institutions over the genocide in Gaza Students at the University of Leipzig attend vote on academic boycott of Israel, 19 May 2026 (Migu Lohmann/MEE) Off In a historic first for Germany , nearly 700 students at the University of Leipzig voted almost unanimously on 19 May to demand that their university sever all ties with Israeli academic institutions over the genocide in Gaza. The location is significant. For decades, Leipzig has been regarded as one of Germany’s strongest centers of the "Antideutsche" current, a tendency within the radical left defined by militant anti-nationalism and vocal support for Israel under the banner of combating antisemitism. Antideutsche activists also frequently clash with pro-Palestinian activists at demonstrations and events. The adopted list of demands calls on the university to recognise and condemn the genocidal nature of Israel’s war on Gaza, including the scholasticide taking place there, a term used to describe the systematic destruction of educational institutions, students and staff. Students demand an end to all cooperation with Israeli universities and institutions, and insist that the University of Leipzig neither participate in, promote, nor publicise collaborations or activities organised or hosted by Israeli universities. According to a report written by students and staff, the University of Leipzig’s cooperation agreements with Israel aid and assist Israel in genocide a...

Original source: Middle East Eye