We, the undersigned faculty as well as alumni, undergraduate and graduate students in Jewish Studies and Jewish students who Jewish Studies represent, are writing to demand that Jewish Studies Centers, Institutes, Associations, and Departments publicly call for (1) an immediate ceasefire, (2) Israel to restore water and electricity to Gaza immediately, (3) Israel to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza immediately, and (4) the end of all U.S. funding to Israel immediately. The only moral position at this time is to stop the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians by the Israeli government with full material support from the U.S. and many European countries. Collective punishment is never humane or just. Many families and survivors of the October 7th massacres and kidnappings are calling for a ceasefire, knowing that further bloodshed will not bring back their loved ones, will not bring peace and justice for all, but will only continue to worsen the inhumane, unsustainable status quo. 

With the U.S. government, universities and media publications in the U.S censoring the most urgent calls against perpetuation of crimes against humanity, many claiming that such censorship shows support for the safety of Jews worldwide, Jewish Studies’ institutions must demonstrate that de-escalation is the only ethical path forward. Many of us have spent our academic careers fearful of the consequences we may face for criticizing the Israeli state and Zionism. The bloodshed over the 18 days – all entirely preventable – is a direct consequence of our silence. We must change. We must do better. Never again must mean never again for anyone.

Signed,