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Moroccan scholars oppose Israeli participation in World Sociology Forum
A significant controversy has erupted surrounding the upcoming World Sociology Forum in Morocco, scheduled from July 6-11 at Mohammed V University in Rabat. Various academic organizations and activists are calling for the exclusion of Israeli researchers from the event, citing concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza.
The Moroccan Campaign for Academic and Cultural Boycott (MACBI), part of the broader BDS Morocco movement, has formally urged the International Sociological Association (ISA) to revoke the participation of Israeli academics. In a statement, MACBI condemned the involvement of scholars from institutions they claim are complicit in the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories.
Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ISA plans to include several Israeli speakers. One presenter has been criticized for characterizing Hamas as a "terrorist organization" while discussing the displacement of Israelis during conflicts involving Hezbollah.
MACBI has highlighted a ruling by the International Court of Justice in 2024, which deemed the Israeli occupation illegal and characterized it as apartheid. This ruling underscores the motivations behind the boycott, as many Moroccan academics believe that participation from Israeli institutions undermines the moral stance of Moroccan universities.
The National Union of Higher Education (SNE-Sup) has expressed serious concerns over the ISA's decision to include Israeli academics, branding them as strategic partners in the occupation. The union's statement emphasized that these institutions are involved in actions that support ethnic cleansing and discrimination against Palestinians.
The Moroccan Sociological Association has also voiced strong opposition, insisting that hosting the event requires adherence to national values and respect for the plight of Palestinians. They argue that the ongoing violence against Palestinians mandates a rejection of collaboration with Israeli scholars, viewing it as an affront to Moroccan integrity.
Conversely, some voices like sociologist Jamal Fezza have criticized the boycott as ideologically driven, stating that sociology should remain a universal discipline free from political bias. Fezza argues that a successful sociological inquiry requires neutrality, a stance he believes is jeopardized by calls for exclusion based on national identity.
In response to the controversy, a petition has circulated among researchers, leading to significant withdrawals from the forum. This collective action reflects a growing solidarity with Palestine within the academic community. The petitioners argue that the ISA's decision to host Israeli scholars equates the oppressor with the oppressed, violating fundamental ethical standards in research.
Official reports suggest that over 30 Israeli academics are scheduled to attend, representing institutions viewed by the boycott movement as complicit in the occupation. Academic ties between Morocco and Israel began in earnest in 2021, despite strong opposition from anti-normalization groups within Morocco.
As the situation evolves, the implications of this controversy may resonate beyond the forum itself, potentially reshaping academic collaboration in the region.
