Response to “Israeli academia during the genocide: supporting the state through words and silences”

This is a response to Dr Panchal’s opinion piece that accused us, teachers, directors and staff of the programme he participated in, of not discussing or protesting against the situation in Gaza during the academic year of 2023-24. We find this accusation to be utterly wrong and incorrect. Beyond taking care of the safety of our students, the School facilitated discussion in class regarding the situation. Furthermore, some of the authors participated in protests and publicly advocated for the wellbeing and health of the Gazan population starting already in the early days of this war. Finally, we find it unethical that Dr Panchal did not approach us on this issue, either during his stay in Israel or before or after he chose to publish his opinion.