29 September 2024

Students at Siena University invited Ilan Pappe, the distinguished historian, and Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, to speak on 7 October, the anniversary of the Hamas breakout from the Gaza concentration camp. The president of the University unilaterally cancelled the event, claiming merely that a meeting that day would be too sensitive, and lamely offering to hold it later at some unspecified time. So much for free speech and academic freedom!            Here is the letter from Pappe and Albanese protesting the decision.

22 September 2024

To Prof. Roberto di Pietra, Rector of the University of Siena, and the Academic Senate,

We write to you as Ilan Pappé, an Israeli historian who has devoted most of his scholarship to
Israel/Palestine, and Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human
rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

We were honored to be invited to your esteemed university for a conference addressing the
situation in Israel and Palestine on the significant anniversary of October 7th. We commend your
students for their initiative in organising this important event.

This past year has been profoundly challenging, yet students worldwide have shown remarkable
commitment and courage to raising awareness about the situation in Israel/Palestine. They have
taken on the responsibility to bring vital discussions to the forefront, often in the face of
adversity and at great personal cost.

Therefore, we were surprised and disappointed to learn of the university’s decision to cancel or
postpone the conference, especially given the students’ considerable efforts in preparing for it.
While we appreciate the concerns surrounding the date, we strongly support the students’ wish to
maintain the original schedule. October 7th symbolises a tragic anniversary for both Israelis and
Palestinians, and events like this foster necessary dialogue around shared pain and trauma,
challenging false dichotomies and partisan trivialisations that prevent meaningful discussion.
We must emphasise the need to educate ourselves, moving beyond the distortions of political
propaganda and dehumanising narratives. Recognizing the shared struggle of Palestinians and
Israelis is crucial; both people are affected by the realities created by political choices.
Contextualizing October 7th as a tragedy within a larger context can only be achieved through
open, compassionate dialogue that avoids polarisation.

Our participation in the conference aims to clarify both historical and legal perspectives. We
believe this gathering would provide an essential moment of collective reflection, highlighting
the importance of understanding the shared humanity of both peoples as a pathway to a different
future. We urge you to reconsider your decision, as denying these students the opportunity to
engage with these critical issues undermines freedom of expression and risks eroding the very
principles of academic freedom that universities should uphold.

Universities must remain spaces for respectful dialogue and complex discussions. When they fail
in this role, the fabric of academic freedom is threatened. The ongoing situation in
Israel/Palestine does not bring peace or security to either side; we can no longer tolerate silence
or unchecked fervour. What we need is dialogue, healing, recognition of all victims, and a
profound sense of responsibility towards humanity.

We remain open to further discussion and hope to hear that the University has reconsidered its
decision so we may meet you all on October 7th as originally planned.

Distinguished regards,

Francesca Albanese- Ilan Pappé