# FAQs regarding the war between Israel and Hamas

**Source**: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/university-turbulent-world/faqs-regarding-war-between-israel-and-hamas
**Parent**: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/admission-degree-studies/applying-studies-when-apply

How Lund University is responding

[På svenska](https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/universitetet-i-en-orolig-varld/fragor-och-svar-om-propalestinska-demonstrationer)

Here is a summary of the most common questions that have been submitted to Lund University in relation to the war between Israel and Hamas and the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have taken place on university campuses both nationally and internationally.

## What is Lund University's public position on the war between Israel and Hamas?

"Lund University is monitoring developments in Israel, Gaza and the region with considerable dismay and concern. Lund University condemns all acts of terrorism and attacks on civilians wherever in the world they are perpetrated, and in all situations stands up for human rights.

Regardless of conflict in the world, Lund University is to be a safe haven. Lund University stands up for the equal value of everyone and has a place for students and staff members, regardless of ethnicity or religion or other belief. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards threats or harassment on campus."

The statement above from the University was issued on 15 November 2023. It remains valid, including with regard to the situation in Gaza.

The statement still applies and concerns the situation in Gaza.

[Vice-Chancellor's blog from 15 November 2023 – rektor.blogg.lu.se (in Swedish)](https://rektor.blogg.lu.se/forskarna-gor-den-stora-insatsen-for-att-forsta-och-forklara-i-dessa-orostider/)

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## Why does Lund University not take a stance on the conflict?

It is not the University's task to pursue foreign policy issues, which means that staff members, students or interest groups cannot demand that the University as an employer, education provider or public authority manifest political opinions or expect the University to take a stance on political issues.

The University is to stand free of pressurisation.

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## Why doesn't Lund University discontinue academic collaborations with Israeli higher education institutions?

Lund University has no ongoing overall cooperation agreements in Israel or in the region.

Lund University stands up for academic freedom. Lund University's researchers have the freedom to decide themselves how they collaborate and who they collaborate with according to the laws and regulations laid down by the Swedish parliament and the Government.

This could mean that the University, through exchanges and collaborations, also works in regions where there is war or conflict. A fundamental position is that student exchanges and research collaborations have the potential to change and improve peoples’ conditions around the world.

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## Does Lund University make a distinction between what is happening in Ukraine and what is happening in Gaza?

Lund University makes no distinctions between human suffering. The University's solidarity with Ukrainian academia and the condemnation expressed by the University regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine concerns Russia, an authoritarian country that does not permit dissent or political opposition, having invaded a democratic country.

The action is a threat to Europe's and Sweden's security and democracy – and thereby to free academia.

At the request of the Swedish government – and after vice-chancellors in Russia expressed support for their country’s political and military leadership – Lund University froze collaborations with Russian higher education institutions.

Lund University's Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström pointed out in the media in 2022 that the Government's request to stop academic collaborations with Russia and Belarus was a considerable infringement of academic freedom.

The Vice-Chancellor deemed that the University was compelled to make an exception contrary to its important principles concerning academic freedom.

The EU's sanctions and decisions proscribing the use of funding from the Horizon programme in collaborations with Russian universities have also led to the discontinuation of individual research projects.

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## What does Lund University's work on Global Responsible Engagement involve?

Through Global Responsible Engagement, Lund University contributes to and encourages international collaborations while also highlighting the importance of security and ethical aspects. Each individual researcher has a responsibility, with the support of a checklist, to ensure that conducted research is sustainable in terms of ethics and security.

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## What is Lund University doing to help academic institutions in Gaza?

It is the University's task to help academic colleagues around the world. There is a great commitment among many of Lund University's staff members to do just that. We have supported Ukrainian academia since the war broke out there.

Lund University has ongoing exchange agreements for student mobility with:

- Birzeit University
- Bethlehem University
- Arab American University in Palestine.

Funding will be sought in 2026 from Erasmus+ for mobility cooperation with:

- Birzeit University
- Bethlehem University
- Arab American University in Palestine
- Al-Quds University.

Through Scholars at Risk, Lund University monitors opportunities for other forms of cooperation such as digital teaching, distance scholarships or other forms of affiliation. Researchers from Palestine are also covered by Scholars at Risk (read more below).

At present, the University deems that more extensive cooperation is far too challenging. It is also difficult for academic colleagues to leave Gaza currently. Here, it is important that academia can provide support when it is possible.

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## How does Lund University support students and researchers affected by the war?

International tuition fee-paying students at Lund University who find themselves in serious economic difficulties due to urgent and unexpected events have the option to apply for a Lund University Hardship Scholarship.

[Lund University Hardship Scholarship](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/current-students/financial-matters/scholarships-current-students/lund-university-hardship-scholarship)

Lund University is a member of the Scholars at Risk network. Scholars at Risk is a network of over 500 member universities in 42 countries that supports and defends the principles of academic freedom and defends human rights for researchers around the world. Through this network, academics at risk can find a safe haven at one of the member universities. Researchers from Palestine are also included in Scholars at Risk.

[Scholars at Risk – staff.lu.se](https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/global-engagement-and-international-matters/global-responsible-engagement/scholars-risk)

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## How is Lund University's work involving dual-use products regulated?

Lund University complies with Sweden's national legislation on research and education. This applies, for example, to dual-use products (civil and military purposes), which are controlled by the National Inspectorate of Strategic Products.

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## What is Lund University's view on demonstrations?

Lund University emphasises the importance of freedom of expression and academic freedom. Peaceful demonstrations are the right of every citizen in society and the University always defends this right.

Lund University welcomes an open exchange of views in society. The University stands for dialogue and not conflict, and for respect being shown for the opinions of others. Lund University does not accept harassment of staff members or students, or that the safety of staff members or students is jeopardised.

Read more in Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström's blogs at rektor.blogg.lu.se:

[Blog on the doctoral degree conferment ceremony – 30 May (in Swedish)](https://rektor.blogg.lu.se/promotionen-ar-viktigare-i-orostider/)

[Blog on the tent camp in Lundagård, Lund – 14 May (in Swedish)](https://rektor.blogg.lu.se/taltlager-i-lundagard/)

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## Contact information

kontakt [at] kommunikation [dot] lu [dot] se (kontakt[at]kommunikation[dot]lu[dot]se)

## Related links

- [Statement from the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF) – suhf.se (in Swedish)](https://suhf.se/)
- [Checklist for Global Responsible Engagement (PDF) – staff.lu.se](https://www.staff.lu.se/sites/staff.lu.se/files/2023-03/Checklist%20for%20Global%20Responsible%20Engagement%20GRE%202023.pdf)