We share concerns about the violence in the region and hope that this war ends as soon as possible. As an academic community, we want to contribute to a more just world. In this, we endorse the rulings of the International Court of Justice and UN Security Council resolutions.

As a university, we see it as our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our students and staff where knowledge is shared and there is room for academic dialogue and reflection. We strive for a university that is a safe environment where all voices are heard and where mutual respect and understanding are central.

VU Amsterdam encourages knowledge exchange and dialogue in various ways. Meetings are also organized by the Dialogue Center 3D and NewConnective. Students and staff are invited to actively contribute to these. More information about activities and meetings for students and employees can be found here.  

VU Amsterdam makes teaching spaces available to VU students and staff for academic knowledge exchange and conversation about the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions. On this page you will find all information about (organizing) meetings for the VU community.

As a university, we believe it is very important to provide an environment where everyone feels safe and free to speak out. The Executive Board also engages in conversations with concerned students and employees. In doing so, we do ask for respect and understanding for the different viewpoints and concerns within the VU community. Speak up and be candid, also listen to others and try to put yourself in their perspective.

There are several places at VU Amsterdam where you can go for a listening ear, comfort or guidance on fear, anger or concerns following the situation in Israel and the Palestinian regions.  

VU Central
At VU Amsterdam there are several places you can go for help. Refer to this page for staff and students for more information about support offered by VU central.

3D en NEWconnective  
3D en NEWconnective are committed to providing support and assistance to students regarding the student protests by organizing conversations, holding moments of silence and facilitating support groups. For more information contact us.  

Current information and the latest developments can be followed on VU Update: Situation around Israël and the Palestinian regions.  

We see great engagement among students and colleagues. Protest is an important form of expression in our society and the right to do so is enshrined in our constitution. However, education, research and business activities must be allowed to continue, including protests at the university. We encourage everyone to maintain academic dialogue with each other in addition to peaceful protest. Only through open, respectful and constructive conversations can we learn from each other and stay connected.

It is essential for VU Amsterdam to ensure the safety of everyone. Therefore, we take various precautions to guarantee that safety and ensure that teaching and research activities can continue. Standard measures are already in place to ensure the safety and continuity of activities. In case of possible disruptions, we assess what additional precautions are needed based on a current risk picture. This may include, for example, restricting access to buildings through the main entrance or asking for a student or employee pass. In addition, the municipality and police make risk assessments and coordinate their measures, especially for protests outside buildings. Although coordination takes place with VU Amsterdam, the authorities are leading in this.

We are aware that these (precautionary) measures may cause inconvenience and ask for your understanding.

The Amsterdam 'security triangle', collaboration framework between the Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the Chief Prosecutor designed to address public safety and security issues, can decide that a demonstration falls under the Law of public manifestations (WOM). This means that the rules around the right to demonstrate apply, that the mayor herein assumes the powers with respect to this part of the grounds, and that there are consequences if demonstrators do not comply with the rules imposed. For the safety of everyone on campus, the authorities, police, regularly monitor the course of the demonstration. Read more about the role of police at demonstrations here.

The house rules of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam prescribe that we treat each other with respect. Expressions perceived as offensive, polarizing or threatening are in violation of the VU house rules. Those who do not abide by these will be addressed.

In cases of antisemitic or otherwise criminal expressions and offenses, a report is always filed with the police.

When expressions made during a demonstration are not criminal, they fall under the right to demonstrate. The Law of public manifestations (Wet Openbare Manifestaties) is the guiding legislation in such cases.

In cases of antisemitic or otherwise criminal expressions and offenses committed on the VU-campus, a report is always filed with the police.

If the demonstration area falls under the the Law of public manifestations (Wet Openbare Manifestaties), the authorities are in charge in that case. They are present at the demonstration to ensure the orderly conduct of the demonstration. The mayor may decide to end the demonstration. VU Amsterdam has no influence on this.

Regarding the question of disclosing collaborative relationships with Israeli universities and institutes, the following: our collaborations of VU Amsterdam with universities in the region are (and already were) available through the EU's CORDIS website.

VU Amsterdam does not publish overviews of international partnerships on its website.

As a university, we do not see a solution in preemptively suspending or terminating collaborations with other universities. We place great importance on carefully assessing each individual partnership, as well as on academic freedom, the freedom to collaborate and conduct research, and the responsibility that comes with it. We do this based on established evaluation frameworks. More information about the VU-assessment framework for international collaborations can be found here.

Depending on the outcome of the assessment, follow-up steps may include continuing the collaboration, implementing risk-mitigating measures, or deciding not to renew or to terminate the partnership.

Partly prompted by the situation in the Middle East, along with the rapidly changing political climate in the world, VU has developed an assessment framework to test international collaborations that, while permitted under laws and regulations, are also tested against VU's norms and values, such as in the area of human rights. This also includes the perspective of students and employees. More information on the assessment framework for international collaborations can be found here.

In addition, since 2023, international partnerships have been assessed using the VU Knowledge Security Framework.