More than 200 civilians were taken hostage to Gaza, including children, babies and the elderly. As one of the world's leading scientific institutions, we at the Weizmann Institute see it as our responsibility to use our international standing to advocate for the safe return of all the hostages. Every moment counts #BringThemHomeNow #WIS_stand_together weizmann.ac.il/bring-them-ho…

“We find ourselves facing a war on two fronts: one against the atrocities of Hamas, and another in the global arena of public opinion. Regrettably, we have noticed an alarming trend in which Israel, despite its right to self-defense, is mischaracterized as an oppressor. This is a false equivalence between the actions of a murderous terrorist organization and a sovereign state's right to defend its citizens, which unfortunately results in the loss of innocent Palestinian lives. Any attempt to justify or equivocate Hamas’s brutal and grotesque actions is intellectually and morally indefensible”. An open letter by heads of Israeli universities, including the Weizmann Institute of Science, calls for siding with humanity, enlightenment and progress. Read the full letter here >> wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/pe… #WIS_stand_together

University and college buildings across the country, from Tel Hai in the North, to Sapir in the South, were illuminated in the colors of the Israeli flag this evening (Tuesday) at 7:30 p.m., in an effort to show support for the security and rescue forces, as well as all citizens and residents of the State of Israel, which is undergoing a continuous war. Here at the Institute, Stone Administration Building was illuminated to create the Israeli flag in lights. According to the initiative's organizers, "Our hearts go out to the families of those who have been brutally murdered, wounded, kidnapped, captured, and those still missing." There are many faculty members and students who have been called up for military service, with the entire country being mobilized and taking part in fighting or strengthening the Home Front. Educational institutions want to make sure they know we are always behind them, thinking of and worrying about them, and we are praying for their safe return home! "May this light illuminate your path and inspire hope among all of Israel". #WIS_stand_together #האקדמיה_מאירה_את_ישראל

“Today, we urge each and every one of you to stand with us against terrorism. Just as we seek truth and understanding in science, so too must we seek truth in the world we inhabit. The power of the scientific community is immense, and our voices can resonate far beyond the walls of our laboratories. The recent events have shaken us to the core. But they have also reminded us of the importance of our collective power and action, and the impact we can have on the world. We must recognize that, as scientists, our words carry weight and our public statements have the power to influence opinions, policies, and, ultimately, the course of history. In the face of darkness, let our voices be the guiding light.” This letter, titled “Standing Together Against Terror and Violence”, was sent today from the Weizmann Institute of Science Management to the international science community. Full letter here >> wis-wander.weizmann.ac.il/ca… #WIS_stand_together