A group of employees at the Max Planck Society (MPS) in Germany has expressed their dissatisfaction with the organization’s stance on Israel-Palestine.
They critique the MPS’s recent statement, which primarily condemned Hamas attacks on Israel while showing solidarity with Israel and allocating funds for German-Israeli research collaboration. Employees highlight the absence of support for Palestinians and criticize the perceived one-sidedness of MPS’s actions.
The employees further point out President Patrick Cramer’s visit to Israel without criticizing Israeli actions in Gaza, as well as the dismissal of a scholar critical of Israel. They call for a reversal of this decision and emphasize the need for the MPS to reconsider its unconditional support for Israel. They argue that this support aligns the MPS with Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they condemn as indiscriminate and inhumane.
Referencing the International Court of Justice’s declaration, the employees demand a ceasefire and denounce the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
They call for equal funding for the reconstruction of scientific institutions in Gaza and request transparency regarding the MPS’s involvement in dual-use research with Israeli partners. They assert that continued one-sided support for Israel could implicate the MPS and its members in Israel’s actions.
In addition to immediate moral and legal concerns, the employees raise questions about the exclusion of Palestinians from the MPS’s discourse and the impact of collaborating solely with Israeli scientists. They inquire about the role of such collaboration in perpetuating structural violence against Palestinians and advocate for open dialogue within the MPS and the wider German public sphere.
They highlight the importance of fostering peaceful and just relationships with both Israel and Palestine and call for international discussions on the subject. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for objective and critical dialogue to prevent future outbreaks of violence and address their potential complicity in such events.
The employees urge the MPS to consider the ethical implications of its actions and engage in meaningful discussions to promote peace and justice in the Israel-Palestine conflict. They emphasize the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in shaping the organization’s stance on this contentious issue.
