Madam, - Cathal Kerrigan (October 17th) expresses his support for the academic boycott of Israeli institutions. He draws flawed comparisons between Israel/Palestine and apartheid South Africa.
The situation in South Africa was an apartheid within the boundaries of one country, whereas the present situation in Israel/Palestine is a campaign of state terrorism by one democratically elected government against another.
I cannot see any positive change in the situation through a boycott of academics in a country when they are already under continual attack from their own government for their largely critical stance on the present regime and its atrocious actions.
How will a change of government happen in Israel if we do not give those who will instigate it a voice in the wider world? Many renowned scholars who oppose the Israeli treatment of the Palestinian people have spoken out against this boycott.
One such person is Noam Chomsky who recently said: "Breaking contact with Israeli academics, artists, journalists. . . means breaking contact with many people who have played an honourable and courageous role well beyond what can be found here, and are a much more substantial element within their own society".
I urge people not to support this boycott, but rather actions that will lead to a positive solution to this tragic situation. - Yours, etc,
EOGHAN FOX, Newcastle, Galway.