At the joint Israeli-Palestinian Nakba Remembrance Ceremony held on May 14, 2025, Hebrew University historian Lee Mordechai presented his research documenting ongoing state violence and displacement in Gaza. His remarks highlighted the persistent process of forced expulsions and state-sponsored atrocities, urging academics and citizens alike to confront and resist authoritarian practices.

The University of Amsterdam terminated its long-standing student exchange program with Hebrew University, citing concerns that the institution had not distanced itself from alleged human rights violations in Gaza and maintained research and training programs that support the Israeli defense establishment. The move followed internal reviews and campus protests, and was accompanied by criticisms of Hebrew University's ties to military-related academic initiatives.

Following an internal inquiry at the University of Amsterdam, the student exchange program with Hebrew University was suspended due to the latter’s failure to distance itself from its defense industry collaborations and alleged human rights violations related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The controversy centers on Hebrew University's involvement in military research and training programs, including initiatives designed to support the Israeli defense and intelligence sectors.

The University of Amsterdam halted its longstanding student exchange agreement with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem after an independent committee raised concerns over potential human rights violations and restrictions on academic freedom at the institution.

The Hebrew University Senate issued a statement warning that the proposed judicial reform, which threatens to undermine the independence of the judiciary, could lead to significant harm to academic freedom, democracy, and human rights. The Senate compared the potential impact of these reforms to political developments in Poland and Hungary and promised to support faculty members in voicing their expertise on the issue.

Hebrew University, alongside other public research institutions, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over proposed rapid legislative reforms that could undermine democratic values, minority rights, and academic freedom in Israel. The statement calls on the government and Knesset to engage in a sincere, gradual, and inclusive debate to safeguard the nation's pluralistic ideals.

Hebrew University, along with other leading Israeli academic institutions, declared a labor dispute in protest of the government's judicial reform plan, positioning itself as a defender of democracy and workers' rights.

Hebrew University is facing a labor dispute as senior academic staff call for strikes starting May 1 in protest of a deteriorating salary agreement, with claims of bad faith negotiations and effective wage cuts since 2019.

Hebrew University canceled a major international conference on behavioral economics scheduled for May, citing concerns over the 'worrisome and tense' political climate driven by a regime coup being legislated by the government. The decision is seen as a stand for academic freedom and a rejection of authoritarian trends impacting the judiciary and broader academic collaboration.