RAMALLAH, March 24 (JMCC) - The University of Johannesburg in South Africa has decided to terminate its relationship with Ben Gurion University.
The move was lauded by boycott activists as a landmark decision, with the institution being the first in the world to take such a step, reported journalist Joseph Dana, on his blog.
According to a press release by activists announcing the decision:
UJ is the first institution to officially sever relations with an Israeli university – a landmark moment in the growing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) of Israel campaign. Throughout the campaign, academics and international human rights activists have been anticipating this decision. This boycott decision, coming from a South African institution, is of particular significance. This has set a precedent and must start a domino boycott effect!
The movement to end ties with BGU was boosted by the overwhelming support given to the UJ Petition (www.ujpetition.com) – a statement and campaign in support of UJ academics and students who were calling on their university to end its apartheid-era relationship with BGU. As the UJ senate met today, over 400 South African academics, including nine Vice-Chancellors and Deputy Vice-Chancellors, had signed the UJ Petition.