Problem of Ariel
Sir, – Arguably, the recognition of Ariel University Center as a full- fledged university has drawn some negative responses in the academic world, but overall the reaction has been minor. David Newman’s simplistic characterization and overemphasis on the university (“The Ariel own goal,” Borderline Views, February 19) are reminiscent of a ghetto mentality.
Israel is a sovereign democratic country where decisions are made day in and day out on a variety of topics, including the recognition of certain institutions as universities. There has not been one academic institution in Israel recognized as a university in over 30 years despite the fact that the population has nearly doubled!
Furthermore, given the fact that hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens live in Judea and Samaria, the area’s residents and others are entitled to be enriched by the presence of an institution of higher learning near their homes, and by the myriad of benefits (including higher education for thousands of Arabs) that arise. AMIR TAMARI
Haifa
Sir, – The revelation by David Newman that an American university professor refused to issue a letter of reference to an Israeli institution “if it was not clear that that institution categorically opposed the recognition of Ariel” is absolutely astonishing.
Since when is it the business of a university to delve into political issues completely unconnected with its academic work? Even worse, this professor is creating a secondary extension of his personal boycott by expecting Israeli universities to disown Ariel.
My reaction, however, is diametrically opposed to Newman’s. Rather than castigating Ariel for daring to become a university, he should stand up for academic independence and ask the American professor whether he would refuse to cooperate with a Saudi Arabian university because that country is undemocratic, tyrannical, racist and homophobic, and its women have no rights, or with a Chinese university because its government has almost wiped out Tibetan culture? ALAN HALIBARD
Beit Shemesh