Statement

Rectors of Czech Republic Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), members of the Czech Rectors Conference (CRC), are shocked by the development of the situation in Israel, which is exposed to terrorist attacks and in which a state of war has been declared.

These unprecedented terrorist horrors that have befallen Israel have had an adverse effect on all areas of life of the people of Israel, including the staff and students of HEIs, which had to be closed.

CRC expresses its solidarity with all HEIs in Israel and through its members, rectors, offers them its help, including psychological help.

From Saturday 7 October 2023, HEIs of the Czech Republic are taking the necessary steps to provide effective assistance to academic staff and students in Israel, as well as to all those working or studying at HEIs in the Czech Republic. Currently, there are approx. 500 students from Israel studying at HEIs in the Czech Republic.

Europe must be united. The HEIs of the Czech Republic, whose rectors are members of the CRC, are ready to provide assistance to Israeli citizens in a difficult life situation, especially students and academics, and actively participate in humanitarian and other necessary assistance within the limits of their capabilities. CRC is taking and will continue to take steps that will enable effective assistance to the citizens of a country that has become a target of an open terrorist aggression.

Prague, 10 October 2023