The Radboud University campus also became the setting for the Gaza protest in the spring of 2024. In a series of academic reflections, Radboud Recharge explains the background to the war and the protests.
“Polarisation and Islamophobia shadow sides of actions”
In waves, the world is once again devoting extra attention to the suffering of the Palestinians. “Islam and anti-Semitism are increasingly mentioned in the same breath.”, , says anthropologist Martijn de Koning.
A different take on protesting: ‘Think of it as the expression of a utopian voice’
Does protesting only make sense if the intended goal is achieved? No – that is too simplistic, explains Thomas Quartier, a theologist and religious scientist at Radboud University.
“Holocaust in education doesn't necessarily help against anti-Semitism”
The Holocaust is a compulsory topic in secondary school curricula, but Professor of Holocaust Education Marc van Berkel advocates a different approach. “The theme is currently too politically sensitive to be effective against antisemitism.”
'War never comes out of the blue'
‘To achieve real peace, you not only have to stop the clash of arms, but you will also have to explore structural forms of violence.’ Mathijs van Leeuwen, professor of Peace and Conflict studies, gives his view.
Student protests over the years: “No tents, but ultimatums”
The current pro-Palestinian student protests at universities have been going on for weeks. Radboud University historian Jan Brabers sees both differences and similarities with past protests. “Students inherently carry a kind of promise.”