Press release from the Presidency of Inalco following press articles on the repercussions of the situation in the Middle East on the establishment

This series of articles, initiated by the JDD in its December 29 edition, then picked up by CNews and Valeurs Actuelles on December 31, suggests that the establishment is allowing anti-Semitism to flourish within its walls, against a backdrop of tensions linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The authors of these articles and reports, as well as the commentators interviewed, who have no knowledge of the establishment, did not cross-check their information with either the Inalco Presidency or its Department of Hebraic and Jewish Studies. This procedure, which is part of the most elementary journalistic ethics, would have made it possible to avoid the numerous inaccuracies that litter these articles, misleading the public and consequently seriously damaging the reputation of the establishment.

Faced with the legitimate feelings of some students who, in a sensitive international and national context, have expressed a sense of concern about the risk of importing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and anti-Semitic drifts, Inalco has regularly asserted an unambiguous position, recalling as early as October 11, 2023 the need to "not give in to the temptation of importing the terms of the conflict in the Middle East" and further emphasizing that "apology of terrorism, incitement to hatred, violence, anti-Semitism and racism are prohibited by law and carry heavy penalties". Whatever the context, the school encourages the exercise of freedom of expression within the framework of the law, respecting the integrity and safety of each individual. The school's management has also regularly provided the contact details of its referents in charge of prevention, harassment and the fight against racism and anti-Semitism. Lastly, like all universities, Inalco has a security team in charge of the institution's daily safety.

By describing as a "belated call to order (...)" the press release issued on December 23 by the institution, calling for respect for everyone and denouncing the incidents that occurred during the student election campaign, the JDD article ignores the sending of two previous press releases (October 11, 2023; May 13, 2024), regular calls to order, and more broadly all the measures adopted by the establishment, in a manner proportionate to the situations and existing disciplinary and legal means. It also ignores the measures implemented by the establishment in the fight against anti-Semitism as against any form of discrimination, the provisions aimed at guaranteeing the safety of users, or the systematic removal of political inscriptions and posters that do not respect the rules and spaces provided for this purpose.

Without verifying its information, the article refers pell-mell to a "general assembly" (no such general assembly has been authorized within the establishment), graffiti "on the walls" (any inscription is erased within 48 hours), leaflet distribution (authorized under the rules governing freedom of expression and freedom of association, but halted when it contravenes this legal framework) and tensions between students during the recent election campaign (the facts immediately gave rise to summonses and are currently being investigated). Contrary to what has been suggested in other media, no physical aggression has been reported, apart from an episode of leaflet tearing, which gave rise to the necessary legal proceedings. Students who have expressed concerns have been received on several occasions to propose solutions aimed at ensuring the serenity of their studies. Where appropriate, complaints were lodged. Where appropriate, the establishment has also implemented legal follow-ups, which it is not appropriate to comment on publicly.

In an effort to maintain a serene climate, where mutual respect, tolerance and dialogue prevail, Inalco has finally sent its community an email announcing the implementation of new measures at the end of the end-of-year vacations, with the aim of appeasement.

It is therefore wrong to imply, by referring to elements circumscribed in time in the present tense, that the establishment would have allowed any situation of anti-Semitism to proliferate - nor, more broadly, that it would give way to intimidation linked to the geopolitical situation. It is also misleading to ignore the fact that it has a proactive approach in this respect.

Let's not forget that Inalco welcomes 9,000 students and conducts research and teaching on more than 106 languages and regions of the world. It is home to France's and Europe's leading courses in Arabic, Hebrew and Jewish languages and civilizations. While it was highly unlikely that the establishment would be spared the repercussions of the conflict, it has to be said that, to date, it has not experienced any blockage or hindrance to the exercise of its public service mission. Far from being taboo, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is addressed in Inalco's regular teaching programs and scientific activities. Numerous Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese academics are regularly invited to lecture at the school, which intends to continue building on its academic partnerships throughout the region. Courses, seminars and scientific events allow disagreements to be expressed as long as the remarks made are within the framework of the law and contextualized by scientific analysis.

It is precisely because this conflict, like many international tensions, is one of the subjects to which Inalco strives to provide a detailed and contextualized understanding, that attempts to simplify it have so far met with only minimal support. We attach great importance to the responsibility that derives from this unique position in the French higher education landscape, and from the diversity that characterizes our establishment. The school's management and departments work hard every day to ensure that this diversity remains a source of wealth and strength.