“Together for a Free and Democratic Society”: Italian Students Present Manifesto Defending Discourse and Challenging Israel Boycotts
On November 25, 2024, a conference titled “A683 – Israel, Antagonism, and Boycotts: The Negation of Space for Discussion” reverberated through the Nasiriyyah Room of the Senate of the Republic in Rome.
University students, the driving force behind the National Manifesto for the Right to Education, unveiled a powerful document: “Together for a Free and Democratic Society.” This manifesto boldly confronts the rising tide of boycotts against Israeli universities and tackles the disturbing trend of silencing dissenting voices on Israel-Palestine.
Senator Marco Scurria, the driving force behind the event, brought together a diverse group of panelists, including lawyers, parliamentarians, academics, and activists.
“It is essential to maintain open dialogue, even when discussing complex and politically charged issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” stated Cristina Franco, a lawyer and member of the Italy Israel Association of Savona and the Italy Israel Federation board.
Senator Marco Scurria, a member of the Extraordinary Commission for Combating Intolerance, Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Incitement to Hatred and Violence, emphasized the importance of fostering a climate of tolerance and respect for differing viewpoints.
“We must resist attempts to stifle debate and silence dissenting voices,” he stressed. “Open and honest conversation is vital for understanding and finding solutions to complex challenges.”
Paola Frassinetti, a parliamentarian of the Republic, echoed these sentiments, urging participants and the wider community to embrace critical thinking and engage in constructive dialogue. Similarly, Andrea Orsini, another parliamentarian of the Republic, highlighted the importance of intellectual freedom and academic exchange as cornerstones of a free and democratic society.
Maria Stella Gelmini, a senator of the Republic who serves on the 1st Permanent Constitutional Affairs Commission, emphasized the value of reasoned debate and urged listeners to approach even the most difficult conversations with civility and respect for differing perspectives.
Journalist, writer, and commentator Klaus Davi drew attention to the alarming rise of hate speech and propaganda targeting Israel.
“Boycotting universities and suppressing open discussion only fuels hostility and entrenches divisions,” he warned. “We need more dialogue, not less.
“It is crucial to remember that academic freedom is the bedrock of a functioning democracy,” added Andrea Paganella, a senator of the Republic and a member of the Permanent Commission on Foreign Affairs and Defense.
Simone Baldelli, a parliamentarian of the Republic, underlined the detrimental impact of boycotts on academic collaboration and cultural exchange. Gianluca Baldini, representing Liberal University Students, called for a renewed commitment to tolerance and understanding.
Franco Modigliani, speaking on behalf of the Italy-Israel Association of Savona, urged the audience to reject attempts to isolate and demonize Israel. Luca Spizzichino, president of the Union of Young Italian Jews, highlighted the importance of fighting anti-Semitism and promoting interfaith dialogue.
Andrea Ninzoli, representing Students for Freedoms, called for a re-evaluation of boycott strategies, arguing that they ultimately hinder progress towards a peaceful resolution. Filippo Leon Buffa of “We Are Future” underlined the need for a more inclusive and nuanced debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Pietro Balzano, editor of the National Manifesto for the Right to Education, summarized the students’ core message: “We stand against boycotts and for open dialogue. We believe in a future where all voices can be heard, and all perspectives considered.”
How has the Italian public, including those outside of the student community, responded to the students’ manifesto and calls for open dialog on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
## Italian Students Rise Up Against Silencing of Debate on Israel
**[Excerpt from interview with Professor Lorenzo Cini, scholar of student political activism, author of “Italian Students as a Political Actor”]**:
**Interviewer:** Professor Cini, a new manifesto titled “Together for a Free and Democratic Society,” authored by Italian students, is making headlines. Can you shed some light on its contents and the context surrounding its release?
**Professor Cini:** This manifesto is a fascinating development. It arises from a growing concern among Italian students regarding the erosion of open dialog and academic freedom, particularly when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The manifesto directly challenges the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement’s attempts to isolate Israeli universities, arguing that such actions ultimately stifle debate and critical thinking instead of fostering understanding. [[1](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lorenzo-Cini/publication/317029203_Italian_students_as_a_political_actor_The_policy_impact_of_the_recent_student_mobilizations_in_the_field_of_higher_education/links/59eddc004585158fe5340f35/Italian-students-as-a-political-actor-The-policy-impact-of-the-recent-student-mobilizations-in-the-field-of-higher-education.pdf)]
**Interviewer:** The manifesto was presented at a significant event in the Italian Senate. What does this tell us about the level of support for these student-led efforts?
**Professor Cini:** The fact that it was presented in the Senate, with the support of prominent politicians like Senator Marco Scurria, indicates a growing concern within Italian society about these issues. The event brought together diverse voices, from lawyers and academics to parliamentarians, all united in their call for open dialog and the rejection of attempts to silence dissent. This broader support suggests that the students are not alone in their concern, and their actions are resonating with a wider audience.
**Interviewer:** The manifesto directly opposes the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. Do you anticipate further action from Italian students in this regard?
**Professor Cini:** History tells us that students are often at the forefront of social change. This manifesto clearly lays out their stance and intentions. It is likely that they will continue to engage in activism, engaging in constructive dialog and advocating for academic freedom.
**Interviewer:** What do you see as the potential impact of this manifesto and the surrounding discussions?
**Professor Cini:** This manifesto has the potential to spark a wider conversation about the importance of academic freedom and open debate, not just in Italy but internationally. By taking a public stand, these students are highlighting a critical issue that affects us all. They are reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding thrives on open dialog and intellectual diversity.