Event Summary
On 23 September 2025, Academics for Israel Democracy (AID), a group of academics from different institution in Israel established as part of widespread protests against anti-democratic government measures in 2023 published a collection of statements, speeches, and public appeals delivered by academics and civil society activists during protest events, in the media, and in other forums. These are now presented in English to international audiences.
Among the contributions in this collection are speeches against silence and in favor of hope and solidarity. The collection also features declarations by senior Israeli academics. This is the third booklet published by the group.
The publication is part of an effort to preserve and encourage open and meaningful civic discourse that reflects diverse voices in Israel, including opposition voices, despite the desire of some political actors in Israel to erode the freedom of expression and protest of civil society activists.
Prof. Itai Ater, a member of AID stated, “We care about the Israeli hostages, and we also care about the children of Gaza. We are not indifferent to the suffering of others, we do not stand idly by, and we do not remain silent.” AID’s members actively collaborate with both Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel, participating in ongoing civil protests to bring humanitarian and democratic issues—both within Israel and in the occupied territories—into the public agenda.
Alongside their local activity, the academic activists want their voices — and the voices of others in the protest movement — to be heard in the international community.