The Hebrew University’s senate, its top academic body, called on the world academic community today for action to help secure the release of two Israeli nationals detained by Syria.
Written messages from both men were received by their families last week, 10 days after they were posted with representatives of the International Red Cross who visited the prisoners. There was no explanation of the delay. The messages were written on standard Red Cross forms and contained only personal matters.
The Hebrew University senate met in extraordinary session attended by representatives of all institutions of higher learning in Israel. Its resolution addressed to academicians all over the world was endorsed unanimously. Foreign Ministry officials said that there were no significant developments to report concerning the two detainees. Syrian authorities reportedly say they are still undergoing interrogation but give no indication that the men will be released once the interrogation is completed.
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