The Center for Interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Research at Freie Universität Berlin announced on Monday that 85 percent of those surveyed perceived a growing threat to academic freedom.
Early-career researchers and those on fixed-term contracts appear to be particularly affected: 76 percent of the approximately 2,000 respondents stated that they refrain from speaking openly on Israel-related topics. They cited fear of misunderstandings, public hostility, and professional consequences as reasons. More than half of the scholars feel pressured to avoid the topic of Israel/Palestine at their institution.
The study shows that only 47 percent of those surveyed have not experienced threats or restrictions. Others reported hate speech online, accusations of antisemitism, and institutional exclusion. The authors see a need for action to establish targeted protection mechanisms and a culture of debate that acknowledges different perspectives and experiences.
