"We are informed by the principle that we should seek to win Israelis over to our side, not to win against them," said the university, which is headed by Dr. Sari Nusseibeh.
"Therefore...we believe it is in our interest to build bridges, not walls; to reach out to the Israeli academic institutions, not to impose another restriction or dialogue-block on ourselves." (unattributed quote from 'Al Quds Uni)

Union of Al-Quds University Teachers and Employees

Questionnaire on Joint Projects with Israeli Academic Institutions

Results

Towards the end of the first semester of the academic year 2004-2005, the Union of Teachers and Employees of Al-Quds University conducted a survey of opinions of a representative sample of teachers and employees regarding normalization with Israeli academic institutions, particularly since joint
Palestinian-Israeli academic collaboration has been the source of considerable controversy among Palestinian and international academics.
The survey sample comprised 184 academic and administrative staff members.

Those surveyed were asked whether they approve or disapprove of the following statements on joint Palestinian-Israeli academic projects:

(1) Joint projects with Israelis conflict with the boycott endorsed by
Palestinian and international academics.
Agree Disagree Don't know
76.1% 12.2% 11.7%

(2) Joint projects largely serve the interests of the Israeli side.

Agree Disagree Don't know
75.6% 14.4% 10%

(3) Joint projects harm the Palestinian cause in the current circumstances.

Agree Disagree Don't know
75.1% 14.1% 10.7%

(4) Joint cooperation needs a national [political] cover.

Agree Disagree Don't know
69.5% 18.1% 12.4%

(5) I oppose cooperation with Israelis on principle because it harms our
national interests.

Agree Disagree Don't know
73.1% 21.1% 5.4%

(6) Cooperation with Israelis yields scientific benefits to me.

Agree Disagree Don't know
31.3% 53.1% 15.6%

(7) Cooperation with Israeli academics yields financial benefits to me.

Agree Disagree Don't know
12.9% 66.3% 20.8%

For survey details, please contact the union.