Statement Against the Call to Boycott Israeli Scientists

(Adopted by Council on November 10, 2002)

On November 12, 1989, the Council of the American Physical Society adopted a STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL NATURE OF PHYSICS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, the preamble of which states:

"Science belongs to all humanity and transcends national boundaries. As in the past, science can serve as a bridge for mutual understanding across political and ideological divisions and as a vehicle for the enhancement of peace. In particular, APS believes that it is important at this time to strive for more open dialogue among scientists to enhance international cooperation."

Recent calls initiated by some European academics to boycott Israeli scientists and the Israeli scientific community violate these longstanding principles. The American Physical Society reaffirms its commitment to maintaining open dialogue and promoting cooperation among scientists throughout the world. The APS strongly opposes attempts to isolate any scientific community.

The American Physical Society endorses the statement issued on August 27, 2002 by the International Council for Science: ISRAELI SCHOLARS: STATEMENT BY ICSU/SCFCS.